Suffolk &amp; Cambs

<p>Or join a group of thebluetits.co who have found great places to swim</p>


<p>Go for it! I have to admit I&#8217;ve bought a Roxy wetsuit though so I can still swim during the winter &#8211; I&#8217;m not brave enough to do cold, wild swimming without a suit!</p>


<p>I would love to do some open water swimming &#8220;I think&#8221; I just need a nudge</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cambridgeshire">CAMBRIDGESHIRE</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waresley-park-estate-cambs">Waresley Park Estate, Cambs </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Waresley-Park-4.png" alt="Waresley Park Lake" class="wp-image-47451" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Waresley-Park-4.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Waresley-Park-4-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Waresley-Park-4-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/Waresley-Park-4-400x267.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/waresley-park-estate-cambridgeshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waresley Park Estate</a>&nbsp;is a stunning wedding venue, big house rental and events setting in west Cambs. There are loads of exciting new initiatives happening here, including the opening of their <a href="https://waresleyparkestate.co.uk/wild-swimming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild swimming</a> sessions in a gorgeous private lake. With a life guard on site it’s an ideal experience for anyone who wants to reconnect with nature and exercise in the wild – solo swimmers, couples or families.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-houghton-mill-near-st-ives"><strong>Houghton Mill</strong>, near St Ives </h3>



<p>The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/houghton-mill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mill Pond by the Houghton Mill NT</a>&nbsp;is an idyllic stretch of river flowing through traditional water meadows, though we wouldn’t recommend going in if the water mill is working (not all that often, don&#8217;t worry). It’s a great spot for launching a kayak or canoe, if you prefer to stay dry and there’s a handy car park nearby.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grantchester-meadows-cambridge">Grantchester Meadows, Cambridge </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="829" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/09/River_Cam_at_Grantchester_Meadows_England_44199469135.jpg" alt="Grantchester meadows" class="wp-image-35597" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/09/River_Cam_at_Grantchester_Meadows_England_44199469135.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/09/River_Cam_at_Grantchester_Meadows_England_44199469135-800x518.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/09/River_Cam_at_Grantchester_Meadows_England_44199469135-1000x648.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/09/River_Cam_at_Grantchester_Meadows_England_44199469135-400x259.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/09/River_Cam_at_Grantchester_Meadows_England_44199469135-811x525.jpg 811w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>Grantchester Meadows isn’t just for a leisurely stroll after filling your boots at The Orchard Tea Rooms or enjoying a roast dinner at one of the many gorgeous pubs (<a href="https://therupertbrooke.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rupert Brooke</a> being our top pick). The deep banks mean strong swimmers can dive in, but being a river there’s some mud and weeds to contend with. But the lure of those roasties ought to keep you going!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milton-country-park-milton">Milton Country Park, Milton </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/milton-country-park.jpg" alt="Milton Country Park" class="wp-image-17297" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/milton-country-park.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/milton-country-park-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/milton-country-park-720x405.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/milton-country-park-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Open water session are available at Milton Country Park</figcaption></figure>



<p>You can swim in Todd&#8217;s Pit, a former chalk pit at Milton Country Park <a aria-label="https://www.miltoncountrypark.org (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.miltoncountrypark.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milton Country Park</a>, which has crystal  clear waters and isn&#8217;t scarily deep so it&#8217;s a good place to start out on your wild swimming journey. Plus the water is regularly tested and is &#8220;excellent&#8221; quality so you can be sure you&#8217;re not picking up any nasties. You have to book an organised session here, so don&#8217;t just pitch up with your wetsuit. And, there&#8217;s a open water swim <a href="https://www.miltoncountrypark.org/event-details/open-water-swim-taster-session" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taster session</a> on <strong>4 May 2026.</strong> </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suffolk">SUFFOLK</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fritton-lake-suffolk-norfolk-border">Fritton Lake, Suffolk/ Norfolk border </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="900" height="527" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Wildswim_6.jpg" alt="Fritton Lake" class="wp-image-27160" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Wildswim_6.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Wildswim_6-800x468.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Wildswim_6-400x234.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Wildswim_6-897x525.jpg 897w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <strong>©</strong>Fritton Lake </figcaption></figure>



<p>Who needs Soho Farmhouse when you&#8217;ve got this sustainable, must-join private members club on your doorstep? Straddling the border with Norfolk at Fritton and Someleyton, <a href="https://www.frittonlake.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fritton Lake</a> has a collection of high end holiday lodges around the gin-clear waters of a beautiful lake. If you stay here (or buy a membership) you can enjoy all sorts of activities too, including open water swimming. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dedham-and-flatford-on-the-river-stour"><strong>Dedham and Flatford on the River Stour</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/2-2.png" alt="wild swimming in the river stour essex and suffolk" class="wp-image-40609" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/2-2.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/2-2-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/2-2-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/2-2-400x267.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Want to swim in the most picturesque of places? How about a dip in Constable Country&#8217;s River Stour at Dedham and Flatford. Take the plunge in the two-metre deep river pools near Fen Bridge. Just watch out for the weeds and rowing boats that are always bobbing past – or you can always hire one if you want to play on the water in <em>Bridget Jones</em> style instead!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alton-water-stutton">Alton Water, Stutton</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-1000x667.png" alt="Alton water Stutton" class="wp-image-47923" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sequestered away in the Suffolk countryside near Stutton, <a href="https://anglianwaterparks.co.uk/alton-water-park/other-activities/open-water-swimming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alton Water</a> is the open water swimming spot that ticks every single box, and then some. This Beyond Swim Endorsed reservoir runs weekly supervised swim sessions from <strong>May to September</strong>, with a safe, buoyed course, trained lifeguards on duty and an open invitation to swimmers of every ability. Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned open water athlete or someone who&#8217;s been meaning to try it for years and keeps bottling it, this is the place to start. And the best bit? There&#8217;s parking, showers, changing rooms and proper toilets, so you can leave the &#8220;changing behind a hedge whilst hoping no one walks past&#8221; experience firmly in the past where it belongs. Sessions are just £8 a swim, but booking is essential so don&#8217;t leave it to the last minute.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-river-waveney-at-outney-common-bungay"><strong>The River Waveney at Outney Common, Bungay</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-1-1000x667.png" alt="The river waveney" class="wp-image-47925" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-1-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-1-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-1-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-1.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a 3km stretch of idyllic river for open water swimming in the River Waveney at Outney Common. An early pioneer of wild swimming said this was his favourite stretch of river to swim in in the entire country! </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walberswick-beach-at-the-mouth-of-the-river-blyth"><strong>Walberswick Beach at the mouth of the River Blyth </strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="664" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/03/walberswick-beach-suffolk-stock-image-1.jpg" alt="Walberswick" class="wp-image-31563" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/03/walberswick-beach-suffolk-stock-image-1.jpg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/03/walberswick-beach-suffolk-stock-image-1-800x553.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/03/walberswick-beach-suffolk-stock-image-1-400x277.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/03/walberswick-beach-suffolk-stock-image-1-759x525.jpg 759w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



<p>Totally scenic place to swim with wild, marram-grass covered dunes as your backdrop. Definitely an Insta-worthy dip and when you&#8217;re finished and craving carbs, nip into Walberswick village to pick up some finger-licking good halloumi fries from <a aria-label="https://www.anchoratwalberswick.com/food-1 (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.anchoratwalberswick.com/food-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Anchor.</a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beccles-lido-beccles">Beccles Lido, Beccles</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/04/beccles-lido-1000x667.png" alt="Beccles Lido" class="wp-image-44324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/04/beccles-lido-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/04/beccles-lido-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/04/beccles-lido-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/04/beccles-lido.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Suffolk&#8217;s only public outdoor lido and it&#8217;s open all year round – yes, you read that right. Sitting pretty on the banks of the River Waveney in the charming market town of Beccles, right on the southern edge of the Broads National Park, <a href="https://beccleslido.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beccles Lido</a> is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with an indoor pool. Three heated swimming pools, warmed to a very civilised 28°C in summer, suitable for all ages and abilities, with all the fresh air and outdoor swimming magic you crave but none of the &#8220;is there something in the water?&#8221; anxiety of a lake. And when you&#8217;re done? There&#8217;s an onsite sauna waiting to warm you back up again. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stutton-beach-stutton">Stutton Beach, Stutton</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-2-1000x667.png" alt="Stutton Beach" class="wp-image-47926" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-2-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-2-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-2-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2026/04/wild-swim-2.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Technically it&#8217;s the River Stour, but don&#8217;t let that put you off – this is one of Suffolk&#8217;s best kept secrets and we&#8217;re only telling you because we trust you. Tucked away at the southern edge of the village of Stutton, there&#8217;s a little &#8220;secret&#8221; beach on the Stour estuary that is rustic, rural and completely magical – with sweeping views all the way across to Manningtree in Essex. Park up at the community shop and yes, it&#8217;s a bit of a walk, but that&#8217;s half the charm. <strong>A word of warning though:</strong> check your tide times before you go, unless you fancy swimming in mud rather than water, which is a very different experience. And if you fall completely in love with the Stour, you could always sign up to become a Manningtree Mermaid, a brilliant open water swimming community that swims regularly in the estuary and has grown to over 150 members.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE&#8230;</h4>



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Make a splash! 11 wild swimming spots in Suffolk and Cambs

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