Surrey County is located in southern England, adjacent to the city of London. It boasts charming villages, picturesque towns such as Guildford, and breathtaking natural landscapes like the Surrey Hills. Surrey offers something for everyone. If you're searching for your next open water swimming destination in Surrey, you've landed in the perfect spot. Here, we have gathered a list of the top six places for you to explore during your next wild swim.
While open water swimming carries inherent risks, following safety precautions can help mitigate these dangers.
Buckland Park Lake
- Location: Betchworth
- Price: £10
- Swim course length: 400m
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat or tow float/bag
Managed by the Surrey Hills Adventure Company (SHAC), Buckland Park Lake welcomes open water swimmers throughout the year. This lake, nourished by a natural spring, reaches a maximum depth of 3 meters and features a gradual incline at one side, facilitating convenient entry and exit. While swimming the 400-meter loop around the lake, you'll be treated to picturesque sights of the nearby white cliffs and wildlife. Safety is prioritised at this venue, with a dedicated lifeguard present and amenities including changing rooms and toilets. Buckland Park Lake is an excellent choice for a secure and enjoyable wild swimming experience.
Ferris Meadow Lake
- Location: Shepperton
- Price: £6
- Swim course length: 400m & 750m
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat
Ferris Meadow Lake offers wild swimming opportunities year-round, much like Buckland Park Lake. It provides a lifeguard on site and a gradual, gently sloping entry into the lake. However, unlike Buckland, Ferris Meadow Lake is exclusively designated for open water swimming and does not accommodate other water sports. Managed by Shepperton Open Water Swim, advance booking is necessary to secure a swimming session at this location. New swimmers are required to complete a brief induction, which typically takes only a few minutes, before enjoying their swim.
Thorpe Lakes
- Location: Chertsey
- Price: £9
- Swim course length: 225m, 400m, 800m, & 1.3km
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat
Thorpe Lakes is conveniently situated near Thorpe Park, the popular theme park. It offers a dedicated lake exclusively for open water swimming, providing a selection of four different swim distances. Adjacent to the lake, there is a 3km running track, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking to incorporate a run alongside their swim or for those preparing for a triathlon. This venue operates from April to September, ensuring the presence of a lifeguard for safety. Prior session booking is mandatory before arriving for your swim at Thorpe Lakes.
Divers Cove
- Location: Godstone
- Price: £9.90
- Swim course length: 450m & 650m
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim hat (not green). Wetsuit in water under 16°C and a wetsuit or tow float/bag in water over 16°C
Divers Cove is a spacious reservoir spanning 7.5 acres, where you can enjoy supervised open water swimming sessions. The venue boasts outstanding amenities, including lockers to securely store your belongings during your swim, heated changing rooms and showers to help you warm up after your aquatic adventure, and a delightful café where you can replenish your energy and socialise with fellow swimmers.
To swim at Divers Cove, there are certain requirements based on the water temperature. It is essential to pre-book your swim and wear a swim cap that is any colour except green. When the water temperature falls below 16°C, wearing a wetsuit is mandatory. However, if the water temperature exceeds 16°C, you have the option to use a tow float or a dry bag instead of wearing a wetsuit.
Frensham Great Pond
- Location: Frensham
Are you someone who delights in basking under the sun at the beach? It may come as a surprise that even in landlocked Surrey, a beach can be found. Frensham Great Pond boasts a sandy shoreline, offering a unique beach experience. While it may not offer the expansive ocean vistas typically associated with beaches, it does provide a splendid view across the lake.
Managed by the National Trust, Frensham Great Pond ensures a convenient visit with its provision of on-site toilets and a café where you can indulge in refreshments after a swim or throughout your beach day. The lake is thoughtfully divided into two designated swimming areas, clearly demarcated by buoys, ensuring a safe and secure environment. These areas maintain a maximum water depth of 1.4m, making them ideal for both novice wild swimmers and families with children who wish to take a dip.