Wild Swimming Near Derby: Our Favourite Spots to Take the Plunge This Summer
- Hill Farm
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
From a spring-fed lake five minutes down the road to legendary Peak District plunge pools, here's your guide to the best wild swimming in Derby near Hill Farm Glamping.
There is something about jumping into natural water in July that does things to your soul that a chlorinated leisure centre just cannot replicate. The cold hits you. Everything else disappears. And for about thirty seconds you feel completely, brilliantly alive.
Wild swimming has absolutely exploded in the last few years, and honestly, we are here for it (just stay safe and swim in public areas). If you're staying at Hill Farm Glamping and wondering what to do with a warm July afternoon, this is your answer.
We actually covered some wild swimming spots in an earlier blog on the Hill Farm website, so if you've already had a read of that one, think of this as the longer, summer version. We've added a few new spots, including the brilliant Spring Lakes right on our doorstep, and thrown in everything you need to know before you go. 🏊
A quick word on wild swimming safely 🌊
Before we get into the gorgeous locations we’ve got for you, we want to say something genuine rather than just rattling off a standard disclaimer. Wild swimming is wonderful and we love that more people are discovering it. It's also something that deserves a bit of respect.
A few things worth knowing before you go:
Never swim alone, always take someone with you.
Get in gradually. Cold water shock is real, even in summer. Ease yourself in rather than diving straight into cold natural water.
Check conditions before you go. After heavy rain, rivers can be fast and unpredictable. If the river looks too fast, trust your gut and save it for another day.
Tow floats are a brilliant idea, especially in open water lakes. They make you visible to anyone on the water and give you something to rest on.
Wear water shoes where you can. Rocky river beds are uneven and can be slippery.
Leave no trace. Wild swimming spots are precious even if they’re popular. Take everything home with you.
Right. Let’s get to some new near-Hill-Farm-locations.
1. Spring Lakes, Long Eaton 🏖️
Distance from Hill Farm: Approximately 20 minutes (12 miles).
Good for: Families, beginners, water sports fans (brilliant day out).
What to expect: Spring-fed and river-fed lakes, a beach area, cafe, kayaking, wakeboarding, paddle boarding and open water swimming.
This is our first recommendation for a reason. Spring Lakes in Long Eaton is genuinely one of the best all-round water spots in the whole area, and at about 15 minutes from Hill Farm it's as convenient as it gets.
The open water swimming at Spring Lakes uses a proper designated lake with a buoyed route for swimmers. The water is spring-fed and consistently described by swimmers as clean, clear and lovely. If you're new to open water swimming, this is honestly one of the best places to start in the area. It's managed, there are staff on site, there's a proper cafe for a bacon roll and a coffee afterwards, and you can combine your swim with kayaking, paddle boarding or wakeboarding if you fancy something a bit more chaotic. 😄
For families, the beach area is gorgeous on a warm day. Kids who aren't ready for open water swimming can still have an absolute ball here.
Good to know: Check the Spring Lakes website before you go for current session times and booking info. Tow floats are required for open water swimming. Wetsuits are recommended, especially earlier in the summer.
Distance from Hill Farm: Approximately 17 minutes.
Good for: Confident swimmers, triathletes, those who want a training swim/focused swim.
What to expect: A clean, shallow lake (8ft max) with a buoyed 550-metre swim route, run as organised sessions. Don’t show up if you’re not signed up for set swim sessions. You can only swim as a non-member with the club, which is encouraged – so don’t be shy, but be ready to swim!
The Lavender Patch is a lovely, peaceful lake tucked away on Hall Croft Farm in Hilton, about 17 minutes from Hill Farm. It's well known among the open water swimming community in Derby and is used regularly by Derby Triathlon Club and MVH Triathlon Club for their summer training sessions.
The lake itself is beautiful and the water is clean and clear. The buoyed route runs at approximately 550 metres per lap, so it's ideal if you want to properly swim rather than just dip.
Important: Again, the Lavender Patch is not open for drop-in public swimming. Sessions here are run by local triathlon clubs on set days (typically Tuesday evenings with Derby Triathlon Club, and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings with MVH Triathlon Club). Both members and non-members are welcome at sessions for a small fee. Check the Derby Triathlon Club and MVH Triathlon Club websites and Facebook groups for current schedules before making the trip.
3. River Derwent, near Chatsworth 🏞️
Distance from Hill Farm: Approximately 45 minutes.
Good for: Confident adults, those who want a proper Peak District wild swim.
What to expect: A proper river swim with multiple access points from Carlton Lees car park £5, picnic-worthy banks, and the backdrop of Chatsworth.
If you want a proper, classic wild swim and you're happy to go a bit further into the Peak District, the River Derwent near Chatsworth is stunningly beautiful. This is a popular spot between two weirs so relatively calm waters, however it isn’t an official swimming location and entering the water is completely at your own risk.
There are shallow spots that are brilliant for paddling and cooling off, and deeper sections for those who want to properly swim. The grassy banks are perfect for a picnic afterwards. Lots of sheep, deer and ducks for company.
If you make a day of it, Chatsworth Farm Shop and the estate's cafes are there for a proper lunch, and there are some fantastic pubs nearby including the Devonshire Arms if you want a post-swim pint.
Good to know: Arrive earlier in the day during summer school holidays if you want a bit more space. River shoes are recommended for the rocky bed.
Distance from Hill Farm: Approximately 55 minutes.
Good for: Everyone, families, swimmers wanting outdoor water with the comfort of a proper pool.
What to expect: A heated 30-metre outdoor pool set in a lawned enclosure, with views of Stanage Edge and Hathersage Church.
OK, technically Hathersage is a lido rather than wild swimming, and it is the furthest spot on this list from Hill Farm. But it earns its place because it is SO gorgeous and the experience of swimming in an open-air pool surrounded by Peak District hills feels as close to proper outdoor swimming as you can get with the safety and warmth of a managed facility.
The pool is heated to 28 degrees throughout the summer season, which sounds indulgent but is genuinely delightful when you are swimming outdoors in the Peak District. The views from the water across to Stanage Edge are stunning. There is a cafe on site, a lawned area for lounging, and the village of Hathersage itself is absolutely lovely for a wander.
In 2026 Hathersage Swimming Pool celebrates its 90th year, so if you can get there this summer there is an extra special reason to visit. They also run monthly evening swims with live music in the bandstand, which honestly sounds like a perfect Hill Farm day trip.
Good to know: Booking is highly recommended, especially in summer. Tickets go on sale to non-season ticket holders on Fridays from 7am for the following week. Check the Hathersage Swimming Pool website for the full 2026 timetable.
Distance from Hill Farm: Approximately 17 mins.
Good for: Families and children, those who want a safe fun day out with water.
What to expect: A lovely paddle pool to keep the heat off the day. You’ll find the paddling pool in the craft village with plenty of other entertainment for the kids!
Markeaton Park is incredibly popular, be prepared for a day full of fun, activities and beautiful parkland walks.
Important: Check opening before you go as Markeaton Park Paddling Pool is having some repair work done with the hope that it will be open and ready for the school holidays.
How to make the most of a wild swimming near Derby day trip from Hill Farm 🌿
The nice thing about staying at Hill Farm for a wild swimming trip is the combination of proper outdoor adventure and then a genuinely lovely place to come back to. After a day of cold water and fresh air you are going to feel brilliantly worn out and thoroughly ready for your hot tub and a relaxed evening.
A few practical bits to pack for a wild swimming day from Hill Farm:
A wetsuit if you have one, especially for lake swimming earlier in the season
Water shoes for rocky riverbeds
A tow float for open water lake swimming
Big fluffy towels and a dry robe or changing poncho (you will not regret this)
A warm drink in a flask for after the swim
A picnic, because eating outside after a swim is one of life's great pleasures
And then come back to Hill Farm, light the woodfired hot tub, and spend the evening thoroughly pleased with yourself. 🔥
Ready to plan your wild swimming trip? 🏊
If you want to chat through the best spots for your group, whether you have little ones, nervous swimmers, or a pack of adrenaline-seekers who want to jump off something, just give us a ring. We know this area really well and we love pointing people in the right direction.
Summer dates at Hill Farm are filling up fast. Book your stay here and we'll see you soon. 🌿
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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, wild swimming conditions can change quickly. Always check current conditions, access arrangements and any entry requirements directly with each venue before visiting. Please swim safely and never swim alone.