Wild Swimming in the Thames: 10 Best Spots Near London

Swimming in the Thames is a wonderful way to cool off on a hot day without battling the crowds at the beach. But there are a few things you need to know — here’s how to swim safely in the Thames.

By: Mark Barnes | Last Updated: July 28, 2026

Wild swimming is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the outdoors in England.

We’ve lived in the Cotswolds for several years and spent many a summer afternoon taking a dip in the River Thames.

Some locations are ideal for a proper swim; others are perfect for families with young kids; some have easy access to public transport; and others are out-of-the-way idylls.

Many of the locations in this guide are within easy reach of London. When an unexpected hot day strikes, we often make a last-minute trip out to one of these spots — all of which are in the non-tidal section of the Thames.

We’ve compiled everything you need, including suitability for different types of swimmers, a map with exact locations, parking details, and where to grab a pint.

Table of Contents show

A wild swimmer wading out of the River Thames at Clifton Hampden, holding a swim cap, with lily pads and lush green riverbank vegetation in the background — Mark at Clifton Hampden

Swimming in the Thames in 2026: What’s Changed?

In February 2026, the UK government shortlisted 13 new sites across England for official bathing water designation. These locations are under formal assessment and subject to regular water quality monitoring and public safety reporting.

The Thames — particularly the tidal stretches closer to London — remains heavily affected by combined sewer overflow (CSO) events, where heavy rainfall causes untreated sewage to discharge directly into the river.

But the non-tidal Upper Thames (the locations covered in this guide) remains far safer than tidal stretches.

The water quality still varies significantly by location and weather. So we strongly recommend checking the Swimfo Database, which provides real-time water quality reports, before any planned swim.

Is It Safe to Swim in the Thames?

It depends heavily on where and when you swim.

The stretch of the Thames covered in this guide runs through the non-tidal Upper Thames, from Oxfordshire down through Berkshire and Surrey.

This section is generally considered the cleanest and most swimmable part of the river, largely because it sits upstream of London.

Several locations here have been discussed as candidates for future designation as bathing waters.

Aerial view of the River Thames at Clifton Hampden, with lush green meadows and dense woodland lining the calm, tree-lined water — Clifton Hampden

What to Check Before You Go?

Unfortunately, we can’t tell you whether a specific stretch is safe on the day you plan to swim. Water quality can shift dramatically within 24 hours of rainfall. Here’s what to do before every swim:

Check Swimfo — the Environment Agency’s live bathing water quality database. You can search by location and see recent test results
Check the Thames Storm Discharge Map — This shows real-time storm discharge activity and highlights any areas that are not safe.
Wait 48–72 hours after heavy rain before swimming anywhere in the Thames — this is the most important rule of thumb, regardless of location
Avoid swimming near outflow pipes, moored boats, and stagnant backwaters, where contamination concentrates

Map: Thames Swimming Locations

We have marked each parking location on the map, as well as 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.

Click on the top right corner to open our map in your Google Maps app. Click the star next to the title to save it to your Google account.

Wild Swimming in the Thames

1. Hurley Lock

Hurley Lock sits on an island in the middle of the Thames, and it’s the perfect swimming location for families with a large shelving beach and good facilities.

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: There’s a tearoom and public toilets at Hurley Lock.
By car: Hurley Village Car Park is located just a 5-minute walk from the lock, but please keep in mind it can be very busy during the summer months.
Public Transport: Take the train to Marlow and follow the Thames Footpath for 1 hour to Hurley Lock.

While you’re in the area, there are several great walks which we have written about in our guide to the best walks near London.

swimmers in a river with boats on the far side — Hurley Lock

Wild Swimming in the River Thames at Hurley Lock — Hurley Lock

2. Medmenham

Medmenham is a mile upstream from Hurley Lock on the other side of the river and a great spot for an evening picnic. 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: There are no toilets at Medmenham (or any other facilities); however, it’s a 10-minute walk to The Dog & Badger pub.
By Car: Park along Ferry Lane in Medmenham, then walk down to the river and turn right. We have marked the location on the map above.
Public Transport: Buses run to the Dog & Badger from High Wycombe, Marlow, Henley and Reading.

A wild swimmer standing chest-deep in the River Thames at Medmenham, looking out across the calm water towards a kayak and lush tree-lined far bank in golden evening light — Mark at Medmenham

A wild swimmer in the River Thames at Medmenham alongside kayakers paddling past, with lush green trees lining the far bank in warm evening light — Mark at Medmenham

3. Shiplake

Just south of Lower Shiplake, this is one of the best swimming locations on the Thames with easy access to London. There is a long grassy bank that lines the river’s edge, with plenty of spots to lay out 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: The Baskerville Arms in Lower Shiplake is a 20-minute walk from the swimming area.
By Car: Park on Mill Lane in Lower Shiplake, then walk to Sonning Lock. Take the Thames footpath west for a few minutes to the swimming location.
By Public Transport: Take a 1-hour train from London Paddington to Lower Shiplake station, then walk 20 minutes to the swimming spot.

A person sitting at the water's edge watching a child float on an inflatable in the River Thames at Shiplake on a sunny summer's day, with willow trees and a green riverbank in the background — Inflatables in the River Thames, Shiplake

A wild swimmer wading into the River Thames at Shiplake wearing red swim shorts and a straw hat, looking out across the calm green water towards the tree-lined far bank — Inflatables in the River Thames, Shiplake

4. Moulsford

Moulsford is a relaxed wild-swimming spot in the Thames, set beside a lovely meadow whose banks come right up to the river’s edge.

Several picnic spots have been marked out in the long grass by previous swimmers, and the river is easily accessed via tracks through the grass that lead to 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 lunch or dinner is at The Beetle & Wedge Pub – one of our favourite country pubs near London.

Facilities: There are toilets at the Beetle & Wedge pub in Moulsford, which is a 15-minute walk from the swimming area.
By Car: Park on the streets of Moulsford, then on foot, turn right after the Beetle & Wedge Pub. It’s around a 15-minute walk along the Thames.
By Public Transport: Take the train to Goring & Streatley Station, walk over the bridge and turn right. Walk upstream for about 25 minutes.

A group of swimmers gathered at a rope swing hanging from a large tree on the bank of the River Thames at Moulsford, with a red brick house and wildflowers in the foreground on a summer's day — Moulsford

A person sitting on a fallen log beneath a large tree beside the River Thames at Moulsford, with a rope swing hanging overhead and a small handwritten "please take your litter home" sign propped against the trunk — Moulsford

5. Shillingford

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 the 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: Shillingford Bridge Hotel has a bar and toilets. It’s just a 15-minute walk from the swimming locations.
By Car: Park at the Shillingford Hotel, then walk 15 minutes along the western bank. Please note that the car park only accepts cash.
Public Transport: Buses to Shillingford run from Oxford, Reading and Henley.

A person sitting on the grassy bank of the River Thames at Shillingford, looking out over the calm water dotted with lily pads, surrounded by reeds, willow trees and lush riverside vegetation — On the banks at Shillingford

A wild swimmer in the River Thames at Shillingford, surrounded by lush green reeds and trees on a bright summer's day with dramatic clouds reflected in the calm water — On the banks at Shillingford

6. Clifton Hampden

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 to the water are a bit muddy, but a quick stroll will reveal tiny gravel beaches that provide 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: The Barley Mow pub is a 10-minute walk from the swimming spot at Clifton Hampden.
By Car: Park at the Barley Mow pub, then walk 5 minutes along the road towards the river. Turn right on the Thames footpath, then walk another 5 minutes to find a swimming spot.
Public Transport: Unfortunately, getting to Clifton Hampden via public transport is not easy. Buses run from Didcot, but they’re infrequent.

A wild swimmer in a wetsuit wading into the River Thames at Clifton Hampden, looking out across the calm green water with lily pads and lush woodland lining the far bank — Clifton Hampden,

Aerial view of a lone wild swimmer in the River Thames at Clifton Hampden, with tree-lined banks, open meadows and lily pads visible on the water's surface — Clifton Hampden,

7. Port Meadow

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, 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 in the shade of the trees.

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

Facilities: 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.
By Car: Park at the Port Meadow Godstow car park (free). Cross the bridge at the Trout Inn, then turn left down the footpath. The swimming location is a 15-minute walk along the west bank
By Public Transport: Take the train to Oxford Station, then walk for 30 minutes along the Thames to Port Meadow.

A wild swimmer looking across the River Thames at Port Meadow, Oxford, towards a dark horse standing at the water's edge surrounded by geese grazing on the meadow behind — Mark swimming with the horses at Port Meadow

Two people paddleboarding on the River Thames at Port Meadow, Oxford, with horses grazing and ducks gathered on the sandy bank behind them beneath a cloudy summer sky — Mark swimming with the horses at Port Meadow

8. Buscot Weir 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 plenty of space to bask in the sun, laze in 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: 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.
By Car: Park at the Buscot Village car park (National Trust), then walk for 5 minutes to the weir pool.
Public Transport: Unfortunately, public transport is not an easy option. Buses to Lechlade run from Cirencester and Swindon. From Lechlade, it’s a 3-mile walk.

A wild swimmer in the River Thames at Buscot Weir, with two people sitting on the weir structure behind and a "Danger Keep Away" sign visible on the bridge above, framed by golden reeds and trees in warm evening light — Paul at Buscot Weir

9. Lechlade River Park

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 are great lunch or dinner options.

Facilities: There are public toilets on Burford Street in Lechlade and plenty of cafes and pubs just a 10-minute stroll into town.
By Car: Park at Lechlade Riverside car park, then walk 5 minutes to the river.
Public Transport: Take the bus to Lechlade from Cirencester or Swindon and get off at Market Place stop. From here it’s a 10-minute walk to the river.

Swimmers and paddleboarders enjoying the River Thames at Lechlade on a hot summer's day, with the distinctive spire of St Lawrence's Church rising above the willow trees in the background — Lechlade Park

A person sitting on the grassy riverbank at Lechlade wearing a straw hat and backpack, looking out over the calm River Thames towards dense green trees and shrubs on the far bank on a clear summer's day — Lechlade Park

10. Minster Lovell

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: The Old Swan pub is a 10-minute walk from swimming spots.
By Car: Park at Minster Lovell Church (a 5-minute walk to the swimming location). Alternatively, park in the village car park and walk for 10 minutes down to the river.
Public Transport: Take the bus to Minster Lovell from Oxford, Woodstock or Burford and get off at White Hart Stop. From here it’s a 20-minute walk to the swimming location.

Aerial view of a couple lying on a picnic blanket on the grassy bank of the River Windrush at Minster Lovell, with reeds and the calm river visible beside them on a sunny summer's day — Picnic at Minster Lovell

A smiling man standing waist-deep in the clear River Windrush at Minster Lovell, framed by reeds in the foreground and open Cotswold farmland and hedgerows in warm morning light behind him — Picnic at Minster Lovell

Tips for Swimming in the Thames

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.
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.
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.
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.
Avoid swimming after heavy rain. The river swells, becoming more dangerous and more likely to be contaminated 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.
If you plan to swim across deep water, do not go alone; it’s safer and more fun with others.
If you are swimming on a section of the Thames with lots of boats, wear a colourful hat or take a visibility float.
Avoid areas with blue-green algae, avoid wading in muddy areas, and avoid swimming with an open cut.
Have fun and take a picnic. It’s a great day out, but beware; being drunk and wild swimming isn’t a good mix.