THE UK’S TOP SWIM SPOTS

As soon as current restrictions on movement are lifted, head to these great open-water venues…

COTSWOLD WATER PARK

Located on the Wiltshire-Gloucestershire border, this features 150 lakes set over 40 square miles. But the main open-water swim lake is number 32. The site is (usually!) open March to October with members permitted to swim every morning before 10am, and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30pm to dusk. Changing rooms and showers available at all times. waterpark.org

PENNINGTON FLASH

The location of Ironman UK’s swim leg in Leigh, Greater Manchester, this is a man-made lake offering regular openwater swimming sessions throughout the summer. Lap lengths range from a novice area to 5km events. Changing rooms,showers and a cafe. Wetsuit hire available. wigan.gov.uk

ROYAL DOCKS, EAST LONDON

These docks at Newham are tested for water quality every two weeks. There are 400m, 750m and 1,000m loops on offer and you can’t swim unless you show a NOWCA wristband. Swim sessions are £8 and membership is £12 per year. loveopenwater.co.uk

PORTOBELLO BEACH

‘Enjoy’ a bracing dip just a few miles from Edinburgh city centre. It’s a tad on the chilly side, but nothing a Dryrobe won’t remedy when you’re back on terra firma. The Wild Ones, a dedicated group of sea swimmers, meet on Sunday mornings. facebook.com/groups/ wildonesedinburgh/

LLYN TEGID

Llyn Tegid in Bala, North Wales plays host to the swim at the Bala Big Bash Triathlon Weekend every September, but there are plenty of opportunities to swim this stunning mesotrophic four-milelong lake throughout the year. Distance swimmers must tow a marker buoy. welshtriathlon.org