
Why you need to go wild Swimming Peak District

Where is the Peak District
The Peak District national park is located in the heart of England, UK. Being born and bred in Sheffield I am very lucky to have grown up with it as my back garden! It is absolutely stunning from its gorgeous villages and towns to the stunning walks you can go on to see beautiful views, some of the best places to go rock climbing in the UK and to go wild Swimming Peak District, not to mention the wildlife!
When people think of England as a travel destination they usually think of London, a short city break before moving on. They don’t really consider the North and all we have to offer, from cheapness, less crowds, stunning scenery and generally more welcoming / polite. Your gaze won’t be avoided on public transport or in a pub up north. Especially not in the Peak District.
And if an extended time in nature isn’t really your bag, then you have a variety of large cities to stay in and do day trips! These include Derby, Sheffield and Manchester. So you’ve got plenty of opportunities.
Rules of wild swimming Peak District
1: Generally you can swim anywhere, if you find a body of water and it looks inviting hop on in. I never have but occasionally you may get the odd grump that will have a moan at you. Just smile, waves and let them be on their way. The only time you shouldn’t go swimming is if there are signs stating it’s a designated fishing area.
2: ALWAYS make sure you tell someone where you are going. Know this sounds over precautious to the seasoned wild swimmers, but water is unpredictable. If it’s the sea ( I’m aware this doesn’t count for wild swimming Peak District but), the current may be strong which is extremely dangerous. If it’s a new body of water you are unfamiliar with you have NO idea what could be underneath, such as plants to get tangled in etc. Like I said these are unlikely incidents to take place but it is better to be safe than sorry. I know my mental health will be at ease knowing I’ve passed this on 🙂
3: Know your limits. If you’re a weak swimmer going for a solo swim in a river that looks stunning in the photos but has a strong current. Your probs not making the best decision are you lovely. People on Instagram, TikTok etc make this shit look so glamorous and easy. But the reality is, they have most likely been doing this for a long time and know their stuff.
4: Be careful of your pets. If you get into trouble when wild swimming can you get yourself to safety? If the answer is no, do not take your pets (as well as the obvious don’t fucking do it). I’m sorry if I sound hard but babe I want to make sure you are safe, and not putting yourself and your beaut pets at risk. I know it looks good for the gram but you have to think of both your safeties.
5: Have something to keep you warm after. Now this is coming from experience, one new year’s day a few years back, I decided to go swimming during a trip to Scotland, because that’s what everyone does init? On I got my pretty swimming costume, and off my tits froze off! OMG! Even the sand was so cold it felt like my feet were being stabbed! Whether it’s winter, summer (as let’s face it the good old British summer can be just as bad as winter!) , spring or autumn make sure you have a blanket to wrap yourself in, a warm drink and warm clothes!
And just as a little pick me up for those long summer nights you obviously can’t forget the important stuff! This is one of my must haves when out with a group of friends and spending the day in the sun, it just sticks in the ground and is plastic so won’t break!!!
Click here to grab your must have!
Rate so where can I go wild swimming Peak District?
Right my lovelies there are countless places you can go find a nice spot and have a swim! But here are my top 3 favourite spots!
The Calver bridge – River Derwent
So this was one of the first places I ever went wild swimming. It doesn’t have a car park as such more of a layby with enough space for a couple of cars. Once you have parked up, head down the left side of the bridge and set up camp for the day. There’s plenty of spots, and the further down you do there are even benches. If you’re planning on staying awhile, you can set up a beautiful picnic area! There’s lots of little pool areas within the river where you can dip your toes or have a proppa swim, and for those who are more adventurous, the water is actually deep enough for you to jump off the bridge! Those who live in the house by the bridge will often come out and have a good natter too!
Interested in going for a walk after? Here it is featured in one of my posts!
Chatsworth House – Calver Bridge
Now if you’ve never been to Chatsworth house you are missing out! You can spend so many hours here! But first let’s talk about why it is on my go to wild swimming Peak District. As you approach this beautiful scene, the stunning grand Chatsworth house, deer, sheep and cows surrounding your driveway and the river Derwent lazily flowing through. Sounds idyllic doesn’t it. Especially on a stunning British sunny day. Grab yourself a blanket, a picnic and you are set. This is where I spent many days during my childhood, splashing in the river, swimming on the rope swings without a care in the world. It’s beautiful.
And once you’ve done a spot of wild swimming you can then go into Chatsworth house itself, explore the gardens, get lost in the maze and have time to take those all important photos!
And if you’re wanting to go the whole hog and have the ultimate English picnic experience you gotta get yourself a wicker picnic basket! Already ready packed with everything you could possibly need during your picnic! This really is absolutely beautiful!
Slippery Stones – River Derwent
Now I promise you not all places to go wild swimming Peak District are in different spots in the Derwent valley. Though some of my fave spots just so happen to be! Now the Slippery Stones arguably one of the Peaks most popular wild swimming spots. Now although the spot deep enough to swim isn’t that huge and can get over crowded the views you are surrounded with are totally worth it!
Just be mindful in the height of summer once it gets a lil cooler in the evening the midges are an absolute pain in the arse!
And there you have it
There you are babes, three top places to go wild swimming Peak District. All with their own amazing reasons to go! And if you’re interested in going on a more adventurous walk and swim combined then you have to check Padley Gorge out!

I’ve been hiking around the Peaks for years now but I’ve never thought of going for wild swimming before! Such a great idea, especially at Chatsworth!
Honestly it is so gorgeous! So relaxing and so much fun! Yes definitely Chatsworth is a great spot for your first swim!
This looks like such a fun swimming spot! I’d love to spend an afternoon picnicking with a cute wicker basket, and swimming if it’s a hot day. Thanks for this recommendation! Will keep in mind for the next time I visit the UK.
There’s really is so many beautiful swimming spots in the Peaks! You definitely need to put it on your list for your next visit!
This sounds like such a fun way to spend a summer day! There’s nothing better than going on a hike and then cooling off in the water afterward. That picnic basket would seriously be the icing on the cake!
Honestly it’s just wonderful! I love it! It certainly is, pop a bottle of bubbly in there and your good to go!
Oh my goodness, this sounds like such a lovely place to visit!
I’ve never had a chance to do the full “English picnic” experience by a river, but I do know that in Texas, where I live, we like having big barbeques by the lake during the summer. The kids all run around to swim and all of the food ends up smelling like sunscreen before it’s over with, lol! But it always makes special memories. Next time we plan something like that, I’ll have to ask my family to switch it up & let us try a picnic. Xx
Omgoodness! That sounds absolutely perfect! It’s my dreamt o go to Texas! And your comment makes me want too even more!!!
Such great tips for wild swimming, thank you! I especially loved the one about ignoring the old grumps hahaha
Haha! Honestly you get some right grumps that just like to complain for no reason!
I love the Peak District, it isn’t very far from where I live 🙂 I want to visit it again once things get back to normal.
Snap! I love living so close 🙂 Yes me too! I miss it so much!
This looks so peaceful! As an American, it’s hard to imagine getting to visit this place and go swimming, but that won’t stop me from putting it on my bucket list! 😍
You definitely should put it on! It’s so so so beautiful!
I grew up in the Lake District and it’s so different there. All lakes are either reservoirs for drinking water or terribly unsafe due to depths, so this is pretty cool you can find so many places to go swimming. Even if it might be a little cold
I’ve found that with the lakes. Every time I’m up I just want to jump in and have a swim! Yes you should come down and try it!
I’ve hiked in the Peak District before but I hadn’t thought of wild swimming! This might be something I’d try out in the summer.
Definitely do! Give me a shout and we can go together!!
I’ve never tried wild swimming but it sounds like such an adventure! I also live in Yorkshire but I’m ashamed to say I very rarely venture into the Peak District…it is definitely an area that I need to explore more! And I guess I’ll be packing my swimming costume! Although I might just wait for the snow to disappear first, I’m not sure I’m ready for such a bracing dip! Thanks for the great guide!
It’s so much fun, honestly you will absolutely love it! it makes me feel so free and happy! Yeah I won’t brave it with the snow either haha!
I think I structure most trips around swimming so this gave me another one to put on the list. Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome! Yes I love going for a swim 🙂