Yorkshire


<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sparth-reservoir-marsden"><a href="https://www.wildopenwater.com/swimspot/sparth-reservoir-west-yorkshire-england-united-kingdom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sparth Reservoir</a>, Marsden&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/05/Sparth2-1024x768.jpg" alt="Sparth Reservoir " class="wp-image-8327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/05/Sparth2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/05/Sparth2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/05/Sparth2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/05/Sparth2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/05/Sparth2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Sparth is one of those places only ever whispered about. “But where <em>is </em>it?” people will ask, “Over yonder,” you’ll answer, and bat them away because you really don’t want anyone else crashing your special place. But we can’t keep it to ourselves any more. Just out of Marsden village centre (soz, we can’t say exactly where because we swore an oath) you’ll find this glorious picnic and swimming spot. It’s a bit of a walk and a scramble but totally worth it when you get there.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pool-bridge-farm-york"><a href="https://www.poolbridge.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pool Bridge Farm</a>, York</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/PBF_8_June_2024_by_Jonny_Walton4B9A6535.jpeg" alt="swimming in lake" class="wp-image-3660" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/PBF_8_June_2024_by_Jonny_Walton4B9A6535.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/PBF_8_June_2024_by_Jonny_Walton4B9A6535-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/PBF_8_June_2024_by_Jonny_Walton4B9A6535-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/PBF_8_June_2024_by_Jonny_Walton4B9A6535-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Credit: Jonny Walton</figcaption></figure>



<p>Drive 10 mins from York city centre and you’ll find yourself at Pool Bridge Farm, a haven for wild swimmers looking to escape the madness of everyday life. With four lakes to choose from – all of which are surrounded by the be-a-utiful scenes of the North Yorkshire countryside – you can take a dip in the calming waters for the ultimate (poop-free) wellness boost. Choose between Monet Lake filled with blooming lilies, the M Lake which also offers wood-fired saunas, the 300m circuit of the Horseshoe Lake, or the Q Lake, which is their token kid-friendly option. You can’t go wrong. Tickets from £5 and must be booked online before arriving.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kisdon-force-yorkshire-dales"><a href="http://www.yorkshireguides.com/kidson_force.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kisdon Force</a>, Yorkshire Dales</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Kisdon-Force-Yorkshire-scaled.jpg" alt="Kisdon Force Yorkshire waterfall wild swimming spot" class="wp-image-3670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Kisdon-Force-Yorkshire-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Kisdon-Force-Yorkshire-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Kisdon-Force-Yorkshire-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Kisdon-Force-Yorkshire-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Kisdon-Force-Yorkshire-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Kisdon-Force-Yorkshire-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>Feeling adventurous? Kisdon Force will be right up your street. Located in the postcard-worthy Yorkshire Dales, this spot is particularly popular for both local and visiting wild swimmers alike. Take your pick between its two impressive waterfalls: one that’s 5m high with a sun-drenched pool, the other 12m high with a darker (and slightly more intense) isolated pool. You can find Kisdon Force just a 15 min walk away from the village of Keld, giving you the chance to enjoy some idyllic scenery along the way. Just be sure to visit the famous <a href="https://tanhillinn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tan Hill Inn</a> for a post-swim bite to eat… much deserved, if you ask us!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bolton-abbey-wharfedale"><a href="https://boltonabbey.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bolton Abbey</a>, Wharfedale</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Bolton-Abbey.jpg" alt="Bolton Abbey" class="wp-image-3662" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Bolton-Abbey.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Bolton-Abbey-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Bolton-Abbey-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Bolton-Abbey-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You might know Bolton Abbey as a tourist attraction for easy breezy walks, picnics, and mini history lessons – but did you know it’s also a hot spot for wild swimming, too? The stunning ruins are conveniently nestled next to the River Wharfe banks where you can follow stepping stones to the still waters just calling out for a swim. Enjoy a relaxing session and follow up with an obligatory ice cream: you’ll be floating on a cloud before you know it. Turns out the perfect day does exist…</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-janet-s-foss-malham"><a href="https://www.malhamdale.com/janetsfoss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Janet’s Foss</a>, Malham</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Janets-Foss.jpg" alt="waterfall" class="wp-image-3664" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Janets-Foss.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Janets-Foss-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Janets-Foss-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/05/Janets-Foss-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Okay, the first thing we’ll say about Janet’s Foss is that it does get pretty busy. But it’s for good reason – and if you’re not too put off by fellow swimmers, it’s well worth a visit. Unlike a lot of wild swimming spots, Janet’s Foss happens to be kid-friendly, so it’s perfect for bringing the family during the May half term or summer hols. It’s got it all: turquoise water surrounded by a fairytale-like woodland, an awe-inspiring waterfall, and even a cave where Janet (the Queen of the local fairies) supposedly inhabits. If you do want a quiet dip, aim for off peak times like the early morning or evening for a more peaceful experience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loup-scar-burnsall"><a href="https://luxury-yurt-holidays.co.uk/wild_guides/loup-scar-burnsall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Loup Scar</a>, Burnsall</h3>



<p>Loup Scar is a total must-visit, no matter your wild swimming experience. There’s two parts to the river where you can either take the plunge in the deeper pool surrounded by limestone cliffs and a grassy bank (ideal for breaking open the picky bits!) or opt for a gentler current from the natural pools on the wider part of the river. As always, it’s important not to dive into the pools. Safely ease yourself in and enjoy soaking up the glorious scenes.</p>


Fancy a dip? Best wild swimming spots in Yorkshire

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