“Embracing the Waves: The Rise of Wild Swimming Retreats as Sanctuaries for Women’s Connection”

Following our initial retreat, we began embarking on more swimming excursions together. These experiences ignited my commitment to swim in every tidal pool across Britain – which subsequently became the central theme for my debut book, a narrative of swimming and camaraderie titled The Tidal Year.

Seeking genuine companionship can be challenging in an ever-increasing digital realm where many individuals feel more isolated than ever. There’s a rising skepticism surrounding online relationships. Returning to fundamentals and forging friendships through shared interests and activity-driven events can effectively connect people – as evidenced by the heightened interest in running clubs as an alternative to dating applications. Water serves as a fantastic medium to bond with others – swimming offers not only great exercise but is also often conducted in beautiful outdoor settings, accompanied by the temptation of a comforting cup of tea and a slice of cake afterward.

Swimming stands as one of the few sports in which women excel beyond men. Research has revealed that women outperform in long-distance events due to superior buoyancy, metabolic efficiency, and endurance, in addition to gaining from physiological benefits associated with cold-water exposure. This may be why wild swimming groups predominantly comprise women – some retreats advertise as women-only. Even so, those that are mixed often attract a majority of female participants. It’s not an intention to exclude but rather to create an atmosphere that fosters reflection, openness, and profound connections.

Apart from the health advantages and chances to meet new individuals, a further and arguably the most significant reason these retreats are exceptionally delightful is that swimming holidays are genuine holidays. With our busy lives, many of us feel overwhelmed. A swim retreat provides the perfect opportunity to unplug. While you’re in the water, replying to emails, fielding phone calls, or drafting to-do lists is simply impossible. At numerous retreats, the schedule, meals, and transportation are arranged for you. Your only requirement is to arrive; all decisions are handled. Now, that constitutes a true holiday. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the finest swimming retreats in the UK to consider for your holiday in 2025.

The UK’s top swimming retreats

The Salt Sisterhood, Falmouth, Cornwall

This retreat was the catalyst for my friendship. On this women-only retreat, guests may choose between private or shared accommodations in a Scandi-style wooden house nestled away from the Helford River. You commence the day with a swim in the secluded creek that inspired Daphne Du Murier’s Frenchman’s Creek, followed by breakfast and yoga sessions led by The Salt Sisterhood founder, Lauren Biddulph. Each day, Lauren leads guests to various hidden swimming locations in Cornwall. My personal favorite was Godrevy’s Cove – it begins with a coastal trek through a maze of blackberry bushes. A chef accompanies Lauren to prepare vibrant and healthy vegetarian meals, then it’s hot chocolate and yin yoga sessions before bedtime. Cornwall is at the forefront of the guided swim stay trend, with Watergate Bay Hotel providing surf instructions and guidance on enhancing your swimming technique, while the beachfront Scarlet Hotel offers weekend retreats at its outdoor natural reed pond and eco spa.