10 Best Spots For Safe Swimming in the Thames

To truly embrace the great outdoors in the UK, discover the delight of wild swimming in the Thames. This guide covers 10 of our favourite spots to take a dip with all the information you need for a great day out.

Swimming in the Thames is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the great outdoors in England.

Many of the locations in this guide are within easy access to London. So on an unexpected hot day, make last-minute plans to cool off without the crowds you’d normally get at the beach.

Paul and I have been to each of these locations several times, and they are what we consider to be the best spots on the Thames.

Some locations are ideal for an isolated swim, others are good for families with young kids. Some are with easy access to public transport, others are out-of-the-way idylls.

We have included all the information you need such as parking spots and a map with exact locations.

IS IT SAFE TO SWIM IN THE THAMES?

The River Thames stretches for 215 miles and is the longest river entirely within England.

It winds its way from the edge of the Cotswolds, through Oxford, Reading, Henley and Windsor before entering the North Sea just east of London. During its journey, it changes from an idyllic reed-fringed brook to a wide fast flowing tidal river.

It is not recommended to swim in the tidal section of the Thames (east of Putney Bridge to the North Sea). It is neither safe nor particularly nice.

But as you head west the river gets cleaner, safer (less boat traffic) and more beautiful.

All these 10 wild swimming locations are west of London and easily accessible. Each of them are in beautiful locations with a rural feel.

Follow all our tips at the end of this guide for staying safe while enjoying your swim.

MAP / SWIMMING IN THE THAMES

We have marked each of the parking locations on the map, and the best spots along the river to jump in.

Many of the locations listed in this guide have multiple good entry points, so just head in the general direction of the swim location and find something that works for you.

1. HURLEY LOCK

Best wild swimming in the Thames with a large shelving beach and good facilities for young families.

Hurley Lock sits on an island in the middle of the Thames. Surrounded by large swathes of green grass, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic with the family. A shallow shelving beach with almost no current makes Hurley Lock suitable for kids of all ages and a great place to swim in the Thames safely.

A little further out, the water gradually deepens allowing for an excellent wild swim.

The island has patches with both sun and shade, and a few picnic tables dotted about.

Hurley Lock is only a 5-minute walk from the beautiful village of Hurley which is well worth looking around.

FACILITIES AT HURLEY LOCK

There’s a tearoom and public toilets at Hurley Lock.

HOW TO GET TO HURLEY LOCK

Hurley Village Car Park is a 5-minute walk to the lock. It can get extremely busy on summer days. To get to Hurley Lock via public transport, take the train to Marlow then enjoy a lovely 1-hour walk along the Thames Footpath to the lock.

While you’re in the area, there are several great walks near London which take advantage of this beautiful riverside location.

2. MEDMENHAM

Best wild swimming in the Thames for an evening picnic on a shady enclosed grassy patch

Medmenham is a mile upstream from Hurley Lock on the other side of the river. At the end of a lane of posh houses, a lovely patch of grass opens out in front of a wide stretch of the Thames.

It’s a perfect spot for a picnic with the surrounding trees giving it a lovely secluded feel.

There are no shelving beaches, but it’s only about a 1-foot step down off the bank into the water. While shallow at the edge, the river deepens quickly.

FACILITIES AT MEDMENHAM

There are no toilets at Medmenham (or any other facilities) however, it’s a 10-minute walk to The Dog & Badger pub.

HOW TO GET TO MEDMENHAM

Park where you can along Ferry Lane in Medmenham (location is marked on the map above), then walk down to the river and turn right.

To get here via public transport, buses run to the Dog & Badger from High Wycombe, Marlow, Henley and Reading.

3. SHIPLAKE

Best wild swimming in the Thames with easy access from London

Just south of Lower Shiplake, a long grassy bank lines the edges of the river with plenty of spots to put down a picnic blanket.

Although a long swim is possible here, it’s a popular part of the river, so you’ll often need to give way to boats making their way downstream.

However, it’s a lovely spot to take a quick dip and sit on the banks while watching a very active part of the river.

With such easy access from London, Shiplake is not exactly secluded, but, it’s a great place to catch up with a group in the sun.

FACILITIES AT SHIPLAKE

The Baskerville Arms in Lower Shiplake is a 20-minute walk from the swimming area.

HOW TO GET TO SHIPLAKE

Park on Mill Lane in Lower Shiplake then walk to Sonning Lock and take the Thames footpath west for a few minutes.

Take the 1-hour train from London Paddington to Lower Shiplake station. From the station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the swimming spot.

4. MOULSFORD

Best wild swimming in the Thames with a late afternoon pint

Moulsford is a relaxed wild swimming spot set beside a lovely meadow whose banks come right up to the edge of the river.

Several picnic spots have been marked out in the long grass from previous swimmers and the river is easily accessed via tracks through the grass that arrives at gentle shelving beaches.

A little upstream, a swing rope dangles from an old large tree which you can swim over to.

The best spot for a boozy lunch or dinner is at The Beetle & Wedge Pub.

FACILITIES AT MOULSFORD

There are toilets at the Beetle & Wedge pub in Moulsford which is a 15-minute walk from the swimming area.

HOW TO GET TO MOULSFORD

Park on the streets of Moulsford, turn right after the Beetle & Wedge Pub and walk for 15 minutes along the Thames.

To travel via public transport, take the train to Goring & Streatley Station, walk over the bridge and turn right. Head upstream for about 25 minutes.

5. SHILLINGFORD

Best wild swimming in the Thames for a quiet stretch of idyllic peacefulness

For peace and quiet on a beautiful shady stretch of the river, Shillingford is an under-visited location and a hidden gem on the Thames.

Just a 15-minute walk north of Shillingford Hotel, seven secluded picnic spots are nestled into the banks of the river. Each one is set among the trees, so once you have picked your spot, you’d never know anyone else was around.

With barely a house to be seen, it’s the best secret spot Paul and I have found on the Thames. You can swim for miles or simply take the odd dip.

FACILITIES AT SHILLINGFORD

Shillingford Bridge Hotel has a bar and toilets. It’s just a 15-minute walk from the swimming locations.

HOW TO GET TO SHILLINGFORD

Park at Shillingford Hotel, then walk 15 minutes along the western bank. Please note, the car park only takes cash.

To travel on public transport, buses to Shillingford run from Oxford, Reading and Henley.

6. CLIFTON HAMPDEN

Best wild swimming in the Thames for a quiet picnic by a charming village

Clifton Hampden is a charming village full of thatched houses, a lovely church, a quaint post office and a couple of pubs.

Just south of the village, a public meadow caresses the banks of the river before dropping down to several gently shelving beaches.

Some of the entrances into the water are a bit muddy, but a quick stroll will reveal tiny gravel beaches providing comfortable access.

Trees line the far bank with the odd house of the village poking between them. There are few better places to spend the afternoon soaking up the rays, snacking on a picnic and cooling off in the river than Clifton Hampden.

FACILITIES AT CLIFTON HAMPDEN

The Barley Mow pub is a 10-minute walk from the swimming spot at Clifton Hampden.

HOW TO GET TO CLIFTON HAMPDEN

Park at Barley Mow pub, then walk 5 minutes along the road towards the river. Turn right on the Thames footpath and walk another 5 minutes to find a spot to jump in.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy getting to Clifton Hampden via public transport. Buses run from Didcot, but they’re infrequent.

7. PORT MEADOW

Best wild swimming in the Thames on the edge of Oxford

It’s not often you can go for a swim in a river that passes through a city, but you can here. On the northwest edge of Oxford City centre, the River Thames flows through Port Meadow.

Cattle and horses graze on the riverbank meadow, so you have to search for a spot without animal dung. Once you do, the Port Meadow is great for a paddle. The centre is just deep enough for several ‘laps.’

The best spot for young families is on the east bank just next to the Godstow Car Park where there are shallow beaches.

For older swimmers walk down the western bank for 15 to 20 minutes and find a spot on the bank in the shade of trees.

Either the Perch or the Trout Inn are great places to enjoy a pint and conclude an excellent day out in Oxford.

FACILITIES AT PORT MEADOW

The swimming locations at Port Meadow are between The Perch Inn at one end, and the Trout Inn at the other. Both are around a 30-minute walk from each other. There are toilets at the Godstow Car Park.

HOW TO GET TO PORT MEADOW

Parking at Port Meadow Godstow car park is free. Young families can swim right next to the car park, others should cross over the bridge at the Trout Inn, turn left down the footpath and walk for 15 minutes along the west bank.

To travel via public transport to Port Meadow, take the train to Oxford Station. From Oxford, it’s a 30-minute walk along the Thames.

8 – BUSCOT WEIR POOL

Best wild swimming in the Thames in a large, protected pool

The further upstream you head the smaller the River Thames gets, so finding spots to swim gets trickier.

But Buscot has solved that problem by building a weir in the river which forms a large pool.

Less wild swimming and more like a large outdoor pool, there is very little current, shallow edges and a deep centre. The whole space is surrounded by lush trees and shrubs, giving it a lovely enclosed feel. This is a very safe place to swim in the Thames.

Next to the pool, a wide-open meadow provides lots of space to bask in the sun, laze under the shade of a tree or kick a football around.

It’s a great spot for groups or families with a bit of extra space to run around.

FACILITIES AT BUSCOT WEIR POOL

Buscot weir pool is run by the National Trust which has a convenient car park, toilets and a tearoom, all located within 5 to 10 minutes’ walk of the pool.

HOW TO GET TO BUSCOT WEIR POOL

Buscot Village car park (National Trust) is a 5-minute walk to the weir pool.

Unfortunately, public transport is not an easy option. Buses to Lechlade run from Cirencester and Swindon. From Lechlade, it’s a 3-mile walk.

9. LECHLADE RIVER PARK

Best wild swimming in the Thames for fun and games by a lovely Cotswolds town

Just upstream from Buscot, Lechlade River Park is a great location for a day of fun and games on the Thames.

The river curves around a large meadow with plenty of space to get away from everyone or bring the whole gang – whatever takes your fancy.

It’s a great spot to relax in the sun and, with so much space, you could have a game of cricket, kick the football around, or practise your Tai Chi. The nearby Swindon Watersports has kayaks for hire.

After a swim, head into the town of Lechlade – about 10 minutes from the river park. The Lynwood Café and The Swan Inn has a great pub menu.

FACILITIES AT LECHLADE RIVER PARK

There are public toilets on Burford Street in Lechlade and plenty of cafes and pubs just a 10-minute stroll into town.

HOW TO GET TO LECHLADE RIVER PARK

Lechlade Riverside car park is a 5-minute walk to the river. Buses to Lechlade run from Cirencester and Swindon. It’s a 10-minute walk from Market Place stop.

10. MINSTER LOVELL

Best wild swimming near the Thames with atmospheric, medieval ruins.

Strictly speaking, Minster Lovell is on the River Windrush, but it does flow into the Thames and it’s such a good spot that we had to include it.

Minster Lovell is one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds with a ruined 15th-century manor house set beside the river. It’s the perfect place for a picnic.

The river around the ruins is waist-high, so it’s more of a paddle than a swim. However, a few minutes’ walk downstream, a small weir forms a reed-fringed pool. Around this area, the water is deep and the current is strong.

There are more picnic spots further downstream for a more rural, out-of-the-way setting.

FACILITIES AT MINSTER LOVELL

The Old Swan pub is a 10-minute walk from swimming spots.

HOW TO GET TO MINSTER LOVELL

Park either at Minster Lovell Church (a 5-minute walk to the swimming location) or at the village car park (a 10-minute walk).

Buses to Minster Lovell run from Oxford (read our things to do in Oxford guide), Woodstock & Burford. The swimming is a 20-minute walk from the White Hart stop.

TIPS FOR SWIMMING IN THE THAMES SAFELY

1 – Enter the water slowly. The temperature may be cold, especially so in deeper areas. If it’s your first time, stay close to the shore while you get used to the conditions.

2 – Never jump in unless your heart and body have already become acclimatised, you know what’s below the surface and have a plan on how to get out again.

3 – If you feel the current might be too strong for you, stay closer to the bank as the water is usually slower moving. Swim upstream first because you don’t want to leave the more tiring work till the end.

4 – Be aware of the cold as hypothermia comes on quickly. For longer swims in summer or any swims in winter wear a wetsuit and make sure you have warm clothes to change back into when you are finished.

5 – Avoid swimming after heavy rain. The river not only swells, becoming more dangerous but is also more likely to be unclean as water companies dump sewage to prevent flooding. Thames Water are trialling a notification system for sewage release, so if you are a regular swimmer sign up.

6 – If you plan on swimming across deep water then do not go on your own, it’s safer and more fun with others.

7 – If you are swimming on a section of the Thames with lots of boats, wear a colourful hat or take a visibility float.

8 – Avoid areas of blue-green algae, wading in muddy areas or swimming with an open cut.

9 – Have fun and take a picnic. It’s a great day out, but beware; being drunk and wild swimming isn’t a good mix.

MORE GUIDES FOR YOUR ENGLAND TRIP

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• Find more great things to do in the Cotswolds here.
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• Our guide to the top places to see in the UK might give you some ideas for your next trip.