Swimming Wild in South East England

Want to find the very best places to swim outdoors in London and the South East? In Swimming Wild in South East England, outdoor adventurer Natasha Sones guides you to more than 100 of the finest rivers, lakes, lidos and beaches across London, the Home Counties and beyond. Many locations also feature tempting saunas, so you can extend the wellness benefits of your swim. Each spot is carefully chosen to showcase the region’s remarkable variety. Take a dip in an unexpected urban oasis at London’s Canary Wharf, swimming beneath soaring skyscrapers, or escape the city at West Reservoir or the Serpentine Lido. For a more rural experience, head to Oxfordshire for a swim in the Thames, or to Surrey’s Longside Lake, where lifeguarded blue-green waters are paired with a lakeside sauna. Along the coast, the book highlights both iconic destinations and quieter hidden gems, from St Margaret’s Bay in Kent beneath the White Cliffs of Dover to Brighton, where classic sea swims sit alongside heated lido dips at Sea Lanes. Drawing on her extensive experience, Natasha shares clear, practical advice on access points, safety, tides and currents, conditions underfoot, and potential hazards. With guidance on essential kit, Ordnance Survey and custom maps, transport and parking details, and cafe recommendations for a well-earned post-swim treat, this book has everything you need. Whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer or just starting out, Swimming Wild in South East England is packed with inspiration for your next adventure.