Norfolk


<p>Looking for the best wild swimming spots in Norfolk? From peaceful rivers and Broads dips to sandy sea swims, this county is a dream for open-water lovers. Whether you’re after a family-friendly paddle, a scenic swim, or a full-body cold-water plunge, here’s where to take a dip &#8211; plus everything you need to know before you go.</p>



<p>As always, 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.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-calm-water-wild-swimming-in-norfolk">Best calm water wild swimming in Norfolk</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lynford-water-near-mundford"><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/lynford-water" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lynford Water</a>, near Mundford</h3>



<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>



<p>Two large, flooded gravel pits make up Lynford Water, offering plenty of easy entry points and generally calm, still water (bar the odd windy day). It’s a popular spot on sunny days, but there’s enough space to spread out and enjoy a peaceful dip.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-wild-swimming-spots-in-norfolk-for-families">Best wild swimming spots in Norfolk for families</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caen-meadow-wroxham"><a href="https://www.wroxhamparishcouncil.gov.uk/caen-meadow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caen Meadow</a>, Wroxham</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swanton-morley-mill">Swanton Morley Mill</h3>



<p>Families can often be found tucking into a picnic on the grassy bank at Swanton Morley pond after a 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.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bawburgh-mill">Bawburgh Mill</h3>



<p>Gorgeous Bawburgh Mill is popular with families and local wild swimming crews. 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;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-scenic-wild-swimming-in-the-norfolk-broads">Best scenic wild swimming in the Norfolk Broads</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fairhaven-woodland-and-water-garden-south-walsham"><a href="https://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden</a>, South Walsham</h3>



<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>



<p>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 <a href="https://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/wild-swimming-safety-guide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wednesdays and Saturdays</a>. You don&#8217;t need to get an annual membership to the gardens before you can join in, it&#8217;s £12 a swim sesh, however membership means 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;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lamas-buxton">Lamas, Buxton</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Horstead Mill</h3>



<p>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;</p>



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whitlingham-country-park-norwich"><a href="https://www.whitlinghamcountrypark.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitlingham Country Park</a>, Norwich</h3>



<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>



<p>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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-wild-swimming-in-the-city">Best for wild swimming in the city</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Anderson’s Meadow, Norwich</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best wild swimming for a full day out</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-helen-s-picnic-site-thetford-forest"><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/santon-historical-site" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Helen’s Picnic Site</a>, Thetford Forest</h3>



<p>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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-sea-swimming-in-norfolk">Best sea swimming in Norfolk</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cromer">Cromer</h3>



<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>



<p>With 90 miles of coastline, we truly are spoiled for choice in Norfolk when it comes to <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/winter-swimming-in-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea swims</a>. 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. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gorleston">Gorleston</h3>



<p><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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-outdoor-swimming-without-the-wild-bit">Best outdoor swimming (without the wild bit)</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beccles-lido"><a href="https://beccleslido.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beccles Lido</a></h3>



<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>



<p>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, open all year round and heated to 28°C in summer, including a toddler and a splash pool. 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> is the place for you.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more"><em>IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</em></h2>



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<li><a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/golden-hour-norfolks-best-beaches-for-seriously-good-sunsets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden hour! Norfolk’s best beaches for seriously good sunsets</a></li>



<li><a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/spas-in-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Spas in Norfolk: The Ultimate Guide for 2026</a></li>
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Where to go wild swimming in Norfolk: best rivers, lakes & beaches

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