South Wales is the perfect place for open water swimming. Whether in the countryside or on the coast, the country is brimming with plunge pools, luscious lakes, relaxing rivers, wonderful waterfalls and seaside surf. Ditch the leisure centres and find out where you can go wild swimming in South Wales.
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Wild Swimming South Wales
Wild swimming in Wales has grown in popularity over the last few years, yet many wild swimming spots remain unknown. What is a wild swim? Essentially it is swimming outdoors in natural spaces. Cold water swimming activates endorphins, the chemical in our brain that makes us feel good. As well as being great exercise, many cite it has improved their mental health.
Outdoor Swimming Wales
Wales was made for wild swimming. Anyone thinking of going for a dip should ensure it is safe to swim there, as there may be hidden risks lurking under the water’s surface. You should always swim with others, especially if it’s your first swim. You should keep close to the shore. Cold water can decrease your range, so if you’re not going to be able to go as far as in a warm pool.
Best Wild Swimming South Wales
Keeper’s Pond, Blaenavon
It is easy to see why this place is so special for wild swimming. The surrounding landscape is a World Heritage Site. Keeper’s Pond is manmade, created to provide water for a local forge in the 19th Century. The spot has become renowned as a beauty spot for walkers and is now a favourite wild swimming location.
Car Park: Postcode NP4 9SR. The car park is right next to Keeper’s Pond.
Facilities: Tourist information and toilets at the car park
Llandegfedd Lake, Pontypool
Llandegfedd Lake is a hub for health, wellbeing and recreation on the Monmouth and Torfaen border. There are regular organised sessions in partnership with Swim Wales, which is fantastic for beginners to wild swimming in South Wales.
Car Park: Postcode NP4 0SY. The first hour is free or £3 to park all day. The car park is locked overnight.
Facilities: Changing facilities, toilets and a café, accessible during opening hours
Blue Lagoon, Abertillery
The stunning area of natural beauty and remote site is a short walk from the car to the lagoon. It is surrounded by forest. It is also known as The Canyon or Blaencuffin Canyon, as it is an old open-cast colliery. The clear waters have led many to name it the Blue Lagoon.
Car Park: Postcode NP13 2RN
Facilities: None
Kenfig Pool, Bridgend
Backing a long sandy beach and several freshwater pools is Kenfig National Nature Reserve. Glamorgan’s largest natural lake, Kenfig Pool, is on the edge of the reserve. Local folk stories say the pool has a lost town beneath the waters. However, we know it is 12 feet deep.
Car Park: Postcode: CF33 4PT. It costs £1 for an hour or £3 for a full day.
Facilities: Information centre with toilets (not accessible when the centre is closed)
Llangynidr Falls, near Crickhowell
There are plenty of wild swimming spots in the village of Llangynidr. The River Usk flows through the village, as does the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. There are also two hidden-away pools in the remote countryside. Sheltered by a wooded crag are the Llangynidr Falls.
Car Park: The village has a large, free car park.
Facilities: None
River Monnow, Skenfrith
The River Monnow forms a vast pool outside the ruined walls of the 13th Century Skenfrith Castle. As the waters are calm, you may spot wild swimmers and families with inflatables splashing about or jumping off the rope swing.
Car Park: Free car park a short walk from the river. Postcode NP7 8UH.
Facilities: None
The Warren, Hay on Wye
The Warren is a stretch of meadow alongside the River Wye. The water is shallow but does have some rapids. You can expect to see dog walkers, children paddling, and even people reading or having a picnic. It is a gorgeous suntrap.
Car Park: There is limited parking by The Warren as it’s a residential area. However, there is a large car park on Oxford Road, about a 10-minute walk. Depending on how long you spend here, it’s between £1-4 to park. Postcode: HR3 5EQ.
Facilities: Toilet block and visitors centre at the car park.
Wild Swimming Brecon Beacons
Llyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons
A popular spot for Brecon Beacons wild swimming is Llyn y Fan Fach. The picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park often steals hearts with its scenic surroundings, breathtaking views and incredible wildlife. You can enjoy a wild swim in the lake after an easy 4-mile walk.
Car Park: Postcode SA19 9UN. There are only 15 or so car parking spaces, so early arrival is advised, especially on weekends and bank holidays.
Facilities: Porta cabin toilets in the car park
Llyn Cwm Llwch, Brecon Beacons
One of the quietest pathways to Pen y Fan passes the glacial lake of Llyn Cwm Llwch. Making it a refreshing dip after a steady climb. It is easy to reach from the car park following the footpath along the stream and through fields in the direction of the peak.
Car Park: Nant Cwm Llwch Car Park. A farmer owns the land and charges £4/5 per car. Overnight camping is also allowed.
Facilities: None
Four Falls Walk in Waterfall Country, Brecon Beacons
I often go hiking in Ystradfellte. The area is known as Waterfall Country due to the unusually large number of publicly accessible falls here. Many of the waterfalls in South Wales have plunge pools. Other walkers have also made rope swings in several locations. The four waterfalls are called Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira – which is the one you can walk behind.
Car Park: Cwm Porth Car Park, CF44 9JF. £4 for the day. It is small, so if it is full, nearby farms (which you will see signposted) allow parking on their land for £5.
Facilities: Toilet block and visitors centre.
Wild Swimming near Cardiff
Radyr Weir, Cardiff
Found along the Taff Trail in Cardiff, Radyr Weir has become a popular spot for wild swimmers and paddleboarders. The river here is gently flowing, but it can be deep, up to 3 metres. It is always a busy spot with runners, dog walkers, cyclists, and families.
Car Park: Street parking along Longwood Drive, CF14 7ZB and a 5-minute walk. Or a 10-minute walk from Radyr Train Station.
Facilities: None
Getting around has never been easier
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. Plus, travelling further afield to Penarth, Barry, Bridgend, Porthcawl and the South Wales Valleys.
Penarth Seafront, Penarth
The beach at Penarth is primarily pebbles. However, that doesn’t stop the wild swimmers who regularly get into the sea here. Dawn Stalkers is a local outdoor swimming community that encourages and motivates you to get in the sea just before the sun rises. They also offer many tips on what to bring when swimming wild and how to be safe.
Car Park: Street parking along The Esplanade. Postcode CF64 3AU.
Facilities: None
Beaches near Cardiff
There are over 25 beautiful beaches only 30 minutes from Cardiff. From Barry Island to Nash Point or Rest Bay Beach to Ogmore and Southerndown, there are so many to choose from. Aside from places to swim in South Wales, there’s the South Wales Coast Path to walk and explore.
Swimwear for Wild Swimming
The best swimwear balances comfort, functionality, and durability for wild swimming. If you swim in colder waters, opt for a high-quality wetsuit; it provides insulation, buoyancy, and protection against abrasions. For warmer climates, a well-fitting, streamlined swimsuit made of quick-drying, UV-protective fabric is ideal.
Longer Length Swimwear
You can confidently conquer the waves without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction with Halocline Swimwear.
Cheeky Period Swimwear
Why miss out on a dip when it’s that time of the month? Period swimwear keeps you protected and comfortable.
FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide
Get your FREE Visting Cardiff Checklist and Guide with over 25 pages full of travel tips, how to get around, places to visit, food and drink, shopping, parks and green spaces, some Welsh phrases and a travel itinerary.
Stay in Cardiff
Want to see more of Cardiff? If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
easyHotel Cardiff
The easyHotel Cardiff is a 10-minute walk from the theatre. It has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Radisson Cardiff
The Radisson Blue Hotel Cardiff is in the city centre. The 4-star hotel has smart TVs in the bedrooms, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, laptop-compatible safes, and limited onsite parking.
Radisson Hotel Discount Code
Get 15% off 3 or 4-night stays, 20% off 5 or 6-night stays, or 25% off for 7 or more nights in luxury rooms and suites. When you use the Radisson Hotel Promo Code LONGER, you’ll also receive complimentary high-speed WiFi on unlimited devices. More information
Dog-friendly hotels in Cardiff
Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits! Before I had my rescue dog, Ivan, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog-friendly. How wrong was I? The dog-friendly hotels in Cardiff include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses.
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offers a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. They have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business Sykes Cottages has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful. They range from cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Getaway to Cardiff
You can book an escape to Cardiff in some beautiful locations with Red Letter Days. They also offer spa breaks, helicopter tours, afternoon tea, and so many different things to do. What’s more, they are affordable.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels and luxurious resorts tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
The surrounding areas
Don’t be afraid of staying outside of central Cardiff, either. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. Using LastMinute.com to book hotel rooms offers the chance to seize spontaneous opportunities for travel while securing great deals. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
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