Norfolk

Safety first, folks – make sure you check the tides where relevant and brush up on <a href="https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/outdoor-swimmers-code/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The&nbsp;Outdoor Swimmer&#8217;s Code</a>. There’s safety in numbers, so if in doubt link up with a local swimming group rather than taking the plunge solo. And keep an eye on&nbsp;<a href="http://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution levels</a>&nbsp;before taking a dip.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-if-you-re-wary-of-currents-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp">Best if you’re wary of currents&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



LYNFORD WATER



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/4049860913_9f07583a12_b.jpg" alt="Lynford Water Thetford" class="wp-image-53480" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/4049860913_9f07583a12_b.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/4049860913_9f07583a12_b-800x535.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/4049860913_9f07583a12_b-768x514.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



There are two lakes (massive, flooded gravel pits) at Lynford water, near Mundford, and loads of places to get in the water, which, barring the effects of a windy day, is usually pretty still. Locals head there on sunnier days, but there’s still plenty of space so you won’t feel hemmed in. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-kids">Best for kids</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="980" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/tobias-tullius-9ksX0v790Cw-unsplash.jpg" alt="kids splashing in a river Norfolk" class="wp-image-53482" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/tobias-tullius-9ksX0v790Cw-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/tobias-tullius-9ksX0v790Cw-unsplash-800x784.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/tobias-tullius-9ksX0v790Cw-unsplash-768x753.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



CAEN MEADOW



If you’re looking for a sheltered, shallow and idyllic spot where the kids can splash themselves silly, Caen Meadow is a hidden(ish) gem in Wroxham (you’ll find it just off Church Lane). The grassy meadow leading down to a sandy beach is perfect for playing and picnicking on, but just be wary of any passing boats. Do bear in mind that there is no parking or toilets at this site.



SWANTON MORLEY MILL



Families can often be found tucking into a picnic on the grassy bank at Swanton Morley pond after a summer dip in the water. There’s a rope swing and a small man-made waterfall, but be wary of rocks and make sure little ones aren’t on their own. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from <a href="https://roarr.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roarrr! Dinosaur Adventure Park</a> if you fancy a day of family fun.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-a-charming-atmosphere">Best for a charming atmosphere</h2>



FAIRHAVEN WOODLAND AND WATER GARDEN



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/370250786_755769493227315_5712929532066334946_n.jpg" alt="South Walsham Broad at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden" class="wp-image-53477" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/370250786_755769493227315_5712929532066334946_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/370250786_755769493227315_5712929532066334946_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/370250786_755769493227315_5712929532066334946_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/370250786_755769493227315_5712929532066334946_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/370250786_755769493227315_5712929532066334946_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Slip into South Walsham Broad for a swim at the enchantingly pretty&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden</a>, which offers supervised open water swimming on Wednesday nights. You’ll need to get annual membership to the gardens before you can join in, but you can make the most of its woodland walks, boat rides and, most importantly, cake and coffee all year round so well worth it.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-making-the-most-of-the-broads">Best for making the most of the Broads</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/rijk-van-de-kaa-fV7ZUecCo_Y-unsplash.jpg" alt="river with kayakers" class="wp-image-53484" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/rijk-van-de-kaa-fV7ZUecCo_Y-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/rijk-van-de-kaa-fV7ZUecCo_Y-unsplash-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/06/rijk-van-de-kaa-fV7ZUecCo_Y-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



LAMAS, BUXTON



The chalky-bottomed River Bure is a magnet for wild swimmers thanks to its largely calm, clear waters and stunning Broads views. Hop in at pretty village Lamas and swim downstream in the direction of Coltishall (it’s quite a trek between the two, so we wouldn’t advise taking on the whole stretch!), passing weeping willows, meadows, swans and kayakers. You could also drive five minutes further north to a dreamy pool at Oxnead or head towards Coltishall for a dip at Mayton Bridge instead.



HORSTEAD MILL



If you’re in the market for a shorter swim, dip your toe in at Horstead’s former mill pond and take on the kilometre stretch to lovely Coltishall. Find the mill via Mill Lane, off Norwich Road (parking can be tricky in the summer) – it’s super popular with Norfolk swimming groups and locals, and can get pretty busy in balmy weather. Once you’ve made it to Coltishall and dried off, make a beeline for one of its brill watering holes for some well-earned pub fare.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-athletic-types">Best for athletic types</h2>



WHITLINGHAM COUNTRY PARK



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Whitlingham-Country-Park1.jpg" alt="Aerial view over Whitlingham Country Park and into Norwich City" class="wp-image-42011" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Whitlingham-Country-Park1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Whitlingham-Country-Park1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Whitlingham-Country-Park1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Whitlingham-Country-Park1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If you’re more into triathlons than casually bobbing around in the water for a few minutes (and if so, we can only salute you!), then the open-water sessions at Whitlingham Country Park (organised by <a href="https://tri-anglia.club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tri-Anglia</a> on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings from May) might just be for you. Great if you’re looking to give it a go in the company – and safety – of others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-meeting-fellow-swimmers">Best for meeting fellow swimmers</h2>



BAWBURGH MILL&nbsp;



Gorgeous Bawburgh Mill is popular with families and local wild swimming crews, including the brill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/315431339688162?locale=en_GB">Mental Health Swims Norwich</a>, who are all about a friendly welcome and looking out for each other (lovely whatever your confidence, but particularly handy for beginners). Head down the sloped bank to the shallow river (it’s stony, so footwear is a must) into the mill pond. Once you’re in full prune mode, there’s a grassy area which is ideal for a cuppa and bask in the sunshine. Time it right and you can head to the fab <a href="https://www.kingsheadbawburgh.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kings Head in Bawburgh</a> for brekkie after.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-city-slickers">Best for city slickers</h2>



ANDERSON’S MEADOW



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Wild-swim-Norfolk-Nutters-Credit-Photo-for-workinnorwich.co_.uk-by-Fiona-Burrage-1.jpg" alt="two women jumping into the River Wensum Norfolk" class="wp-image-42093" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Wild-swim-Norfolk-Nutters-Credit-Photo-for-workinnorwich.co_.uk-by-Fiona-Burrage-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Wild-swim-Norfolk-Nutters-Credit-Photo-for-workinnorwich.co_.uk-by-Fiona-Burrage-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Wild-swim-Norfolk-Nutters-Credit-Photo-for-workinnorwich.co_.uk-by-Fiona-Burrage-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Wild-swim-Norfolk-Nutters-Credit-Photo-for-workinnorwich.co_.uk-by-Fiona-Burrage-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/norfolk.nutters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/norfolk.nutters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@norfolk.nutters</a> for&nbsp;<a href="http://workinnorwich.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="http://workinnorwich.co.uk/">workinnorwich</a> by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/norfolk.nutters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nor_folk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fiona Burrage</a></figcaption></figure>



The River Wensum weaves prettily through Norwich, but there are surprisingly few places where you can safely go for a swim. Local wild swimmers flock to Anderson’s Meadow, where you’ll find a slice of inner-city peace and easy access to the water via a slipway. The current can be strong, however, so it’s best to link up with a group such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/420297512027829" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norfolk and Norwich Wild Swimmers</a>&nbsp;rather than going it alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-making-a-day-of-it">Best for making a day of it</h2>



ST HELEN’S PICNIC SITE



At St Helen’s picnic spot in Thetford Forest you’ll find sandy beaches, deep pools and gorgeous stretches of tree-lined river (it’s a bird-spotting haven and a fave among twitchers). It’s perfect for a summer family picnic and often gets busy when the weather hots up – just don’t forget your swimmers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-saltwater-lovers">Best for saltwater lovers</h2>



CROMER



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Cromer-Pier.jpg" alt="Cromer Pier" class="wp-image-42014" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Cromer-Pier.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Cromer-Pier-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Cromer-Pier-768x614.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Cromer-Pier-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



With 90 miles of coastline, we truly are spoiled for choice in Norfolk when it comes to sea swims. Nevertheless, sometimes it’s nice to have the added comfort of swimming with a lifeguard (especially if you’re with little’uns). Sheringham and Cromer are two of the top Norfolk beaches where you can swim with lifeguards on duty – plus, they both have plenty of fab options for a cockles-warming post-swim drink. At Cromer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://northseacoffee.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Sea Coffee</a>&nbsp;you can even grab a hot chocolate or coffee with a shot of booze in it… bliss!



GORLESTON



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Great-Yarmouth-and-Gorleston-sailing-club.jpg" alt="four people walking on the sand on Gorleston beach" class="wp-image-42020" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Great-Yarmouth-and-Gorleston-sailing-club.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Great-Yarmouth-and-Gorleston-sailing-club-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Great-Yarmouth-and-Gorleston-sailing-club-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Great-Yarmouth-and-Gorleston-sailing-club-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="http://gygsc.org.uk/swim-membership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Yarmouth &amp; Gorleston Sailing Club’s</a>&nbsp;gang of outdoor swimmers brave the water at Gorleston &#8211; a brill place to swim thanks to the sandy beach and shelter from the harbour – most weekdays and some Saturdays. As a sailing club member you’ll get access to their changing facilities and a hot shower (no damp, chilly drives home). Even better, they usually warm up with a caffeine hit after a bracing swim.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best if you hate cold water (or fish!)</h2>



&nbsp;BECCLES LIDO



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Beccles-Lido.jpg" alt="The new giant inflatable aqua run at Beccles Lido" class="wp-image-42013" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Beccles-Lido.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Beccles-Lido-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Beccles-Lido-768x614.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/07/Beccles-Lido-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Ok, so it’s technically in Suffolk (and not exactly wild), but we don’t have our own lido in Norfolk and it’s right on the border. The lido has three pools heated to 28°C in summer, including a toddler and a splash pool. This year, there’s a new giant inflatable aqua run to slip and slide across (it’s up from 1pm to 3pm on weekends and everyday during the summer hols). If you want the hearty serotonin-boost of swimming outdoors, minus the chill or the gunk, <a href="https://www.beccleslido.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beccles Lido</a> might be the place for you.

Splash! The best wild swimming spots in Norfolk

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