Wild swimming
in Shropshire
Swimming outside in Shropshire is as pure as it gets
The water’s colder. The views are grander. And yes, the post-swim cake tastes better too. Dive in. Life’s better in Shropshire
Outdoor & Wild Swimming
The growing popularity of swimming and rivers, lakes and reservoirs means that there are many locations in Shropshire where people swim in the open air.
The National Trust promote wild swimming in the reservoir at Carding Mill Valley , but it is important to be aware of the risks involved before you get into the water. The reservoir is deep in places and the water is cold, even on warm, sunny days.
Three popular wild swimming spots have been designated as bathing waters – the River Severn in Shrewsbury and Ironbridge, and the River Teme in Ludlow.
The three Shropshire locations were part of 27 new sites to be designated in the 2024 for the bathing water season, which runs between 15 May and 30 September. The new sites will take the total number of bathing waters to 451 across England – the highest number to date.
The Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at designated bathing water sites and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels – working with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality at these locations.
NEW Shropshire Bathing App
They say knowledge is power—and in Shropshire, it’s also peace of mind. Thanks to the new Shropshire Wild Bathing app, wild swimmers can now check real-time water quality before taking the plunge. The app – which is called Shropshire Wild Bathing and is free to download – was developed by the River Severn Partnership, a group that includes Shropshire Council and the Environment Agency.
Highley Outdoor Pool one of Shropshire’s best-kept secrets
They say you need a passport for a proper getaway. Not in Shropshire. Tucked behind the trees at the Severn Centre in Highley, this open-air heated pool is summer bottled—nostalgia, sunshine, and splashy fun all rolled into one. The lawn’s lush, the vibe’s friendly, and the countryside? Classic Shropshire.
Perfect for:
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Making sun-soaked memories with the kids
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Cooling off after a wander or pedal through the Severn Valley
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Enjoying a proper day out that won’t break the bank
No flights. No fuss. Just good old-fashioned fun. Life’s better in Shropshire.
