20 JUMP IN AT THE DEEP END

Powerfully invigorating, a cold plunge is good for both body and mind. Following the popularity of journalist and broadcaster Alexandra Heminsley’s memoir to swimming, ‘Leap In: A Woman, Some Waves and the Will to Swim’ (Hutchinson, £12.99), we’ve discovered the five top spots to try wild swimming in the UK

LAKE MAJESTIC AT WILDERNESS FESTIVAL, COTSWOLDS At the heart of the Cornbury estate in the Cotswolds, where the annual music and culture festival is held, is a series of linked grassy-banked lakes (above) perfect for a refreshing morning splash after a night in your tent. It’s convivial, there is a pop-up spa downstream and it’s safe: over the weekend, lifeguards patrol the waters on paddleboards (3–6 August; wildernessfestival.com). RIVER WHARFE, YORKSHIRE Take a picnic and stop for a delicious Dales ice cream after a splash in the shingle-edged stretch of the river that winds around the ruins of Bolton Abbey. The waterway is flanked by bluebell woods and the occasional sheep ( boltonabbey.com). JURASSIC COAST, ENGLISH CHANNEL The chalky white cliffs make for a dramatic skyline on Dorset’s splendid coastline. Highlights include the famous Durdle Door natural archway and the delightful thatched cottages of East and West Lulworth village. After a dip in the sea, be sure to revive yourself with a freshly caught crab sandwich – they are famously great! JUBILEE POOL, PENZANCE Cornwall’s much-loved 1930s pool on the Penzance promenade was saved from destruction and reopened last year. Painted white and fabulously Art Deco in style, it is one of the last remaining natural saltwater lidos in Europe and has just received a £1.4 million grant to become the first geothermally heated lido in Britain ( jubileepool.co.uk). THE SERPENTINE, LONDON The cordoned-off portion of Hyde Park’s lake is open to all in summer, but members of the Serpentine Swimming Club (£20 annual membership, no qualifications required!) come all year round from 6–9.30am to take the plunge while nesting moorhens and west London landmarks look on (serpentineswimmingclub.com).