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Kate Middleton, Ed Sheeran and the Beckhams are all hooked on cold water swimming – so, where are the UK’s best spots?

Last year, the Princess of Ribs admitted her adoration for swimming in the wild, and she’s by all accounts not the only well known face to partake in an outdoors plunge, with the Beckhams, Prue Leith and Ed Sheeran every single guaranteed fan.

Talking in September to Mike Tindall, spouse of Princess Anne’s girl Zara, on his web recording The Upside, The Awful And The Rugby, Kate Middleton, 42, conceded ‘the colder the better’ with regards to wild swims, something that Sovereign William has marked her ‘insane’ for.

The Princess of Wales said in the chat, ahead of her cancer diagnosis earlier this year: ‘Cold swimming – the colder, the better. I absolutely love it. Slightly to the point where William’s [saying] ”You’re crazy” and it’s dark and it’s raining. I will go and seek out cold water. I love it.’

Advocates claim, based on some scientific evidence, that wild swims can improve moods and deliver a much-needed boost to people on a day-to-day basis.

The Princess of Wales is the latest public figure to come out and confess her love for swimming in the wild. Here at FEMAIL we look at the best spots across the UK to get dunking in if you want to reap the benefits like Kate

Physiologically, experts believe the improvements to mental health may be caused by the shock of cold, particularly on the face, prompting a fight or flight response in the body.

This can boost levels of dopamine and the release of endorphins — feel-good hormones — in the brain, according to experts.

While the rewards are rich, it’s important to look into each location and weather conditions before planning to swim – there are more often than not no lifeguards in wild swim spots.

The allure of a morning swim in nature has seen different superstars making their own personal swimming lake.

David and Victoria Beckham have a 3,000 square meter (0.7 section of land) lake at their £6 million Cotswolds home – and recently Ed Sheeran shared a snap of him jumping into the ‘untamed life lake’ he made on his meandering aimlessly £3.7million domain in Suffolk.

Notwithstanding at first expressing in arranging records that the kidney-molded pool would ‘uphold nature protection’ and give ‘a characteristic territory to bugs, creatures of land and water and birds’, the pop hotshot is plainly inclined toward a dip in it as well.

South East England

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Surrey

A dip in the Thames? Runnymede, known for its role in the Magna Carta, is a great wild swim spot just out of London

There are plenty of places around South east England to swim but Runnymede offers something for everyone.

The Great Charter of Freedoms was drafted and signed at Runnymede in 1215, and there’s even a memorial to check out.

The best spot to swim is about 100m downstream of the memorial at a large mender near the weeping willows for a relaxing plunge.

It’s best to wear a bright hat to make sure you’re seen by boats going up and down too. Along the river is a playground and paddling pool for kids to enjoy as well, making it perfect for a family day out.

South West England

St Agnes, Cornwall

Make for St Agnes: This Cornish haven has long been a wild swimming hotspot, and has lifeguards in the bay too 

Cornwall is well known for its water sports, whether it’s surfing, white-water rafting or wild swimming and its gorgeous coastline is the perfect setting to do it in style.

There’s been a wild swimming explosion around St Agnes in recent years, with nearly 20 organised swim groups enjoying regular dips in the beautiful waters.

Trevaunance Cove has lifeguards on the beach and there’s also an old harbour and caves to explore after your dip.

North East England

Linhope Spout, Northumberland

Let’s go to Linhope Spout: This Northumberland natural plunge pool – with its own waterfall – is a divine spot to swim in 

Wild swimmers will struggle to find a more beautiful place to bathe than Linhope Spout.

The fairytale plunge pool has a natural 18-metre waterfall crashing down into it and is framed with the most gorgeous greenery.

Located in the middle of Northumberland National Park and surrounded by a wooden glade, it’s the perfect space to soak up the scenery.

North West England

Kailpot Crag, Ullswater, Cumbria

Kailpot Crag is a tranquil al fresco swim spot in the Lake District, with gentle sloping banks for easy access

Located next to the Lake District, this spot is on the quieter east side of the tourist region.

Kailpot Crag is heaven-sent for everyone from novice wild swimmers to experts thanks to its gently sloping banks. Walk from Sandwick to the rocky cliffs to jump straight in or head to the small lakeside beach for an easier approach.

Wales

Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales

This milky blue lagoon at Abereiddy, Pembrokeshire, is a Welsh wild swim favourite

Surrounded by rugged rocks you can dive off from, Abereiddy in Pembrokeshire is a green lagoon with an otherworldly feel.

With high cliff tops and ruins from its industrial past nearby, it’s also fun to explore after you’ve taken the waters.

If you want to check it out yourself this year then be quick, the lagoon is often closed from the end of September to November to protect breeding seals.

Scotland

Skye Faerie Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Skye’s famous Fairy Pools are crystal clear waters surrounded by emerald green hills

Located in the Highlands, Skye’s famous Fairy Pools have long been a hit with wild swimming fans.

Two of the pools are connected by an underwater arch; if you swim underneath you’ll see the rock face is encrusted with pieces of quartz and legend has it you’ll get your fairy wings if you’re successful.

Surrounded by a landscape of craggy rocks and green hills, there’s a mystical atmosphere. And thanks to Scotland’s lenient open-access laws you can swim in most of it.

Northern Ireland

Groomsport Harbour, Bangor, Northern Ireland

Groomsport on the Northern Irish shore near Bangor has excellent water quality, making it a local favourite for a dawn swim

Northern Ireland’s coast is naturally beautiful, but Groomsport in particular is known for its excellent bathing water quality making it one of the top spots for wild swimming.

The rocky coastline makes it the perfect backdrop for a morning swim; take a picnic basket and enjoy lunch on the shore; kids will love the playground nearby.

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