Outdoor swimming in Cardiff offers a mix of urban waterfront experiences and scenic wild spots within easy reach of the city. Whether you prefer supervised open-water swimming or untamed river dips, there’s something for every adventurous swimmer.
Cardiff Bay and Reservoirs
- Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) hosts open water swimming sessions in its dedicated, clean water area within Cardiff Bay. These supervised swims take place several times a week and are open year-round for adults, with optional wetsuits recommended in winter. The water quality is tested weekly to ensure safety.
- Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs offer supervised sessions in Cardiff’s designated bathing waters. These beautifully restored reservoirs provide a tranquil, nature-rich setting for open water swimmers, with pre-booking required for safety-managed swims.
River and Urban Wild Swimming
- Radyr Weir, located along the River Taff, is a gentle-flowing, clean river spot just a short train ride from Cardiff Central. It’s perfect for those who like cool freshwater swims surrounded by greenery.
- The Drope in St Fagans offers a more rural experience close to the city. The calm stretch of river makes it ideal for a relaxing swim amid meadows and wildlife-rich banks.
Coastal and Sea Swimming
- Penarth Beach is popular among sea swimmers and home to the Dawn Stalkers, a local sunrise swimming group that meets daily before dawn. The beach combines sand and pebbles, and currents can change quickly, so awareness of conditions is crucial. Water shoes are recommended for comfort.
- Barry Island and Jackson’s Bay, only a short train ride from Cardiff, offer sandy coves and excellent swimming conditions, particularly Jackson’s Bay which is quieter and more sheltered.
Nearby Wild Spots
- For a day trip, explore Ogmore-by-Sea or Sker Beach, west of Cardiff. These are more natural settings ideal for confident sea swimmers, though they can be exposed and should be approached with care due to currents.
Safety and Tips
- Always check water conditions before swimming and avoid entering rivers after heavy rain.
- Use tow floats and brightly coloured swim caps for visibility.
- For sea swimming, be mindful of tides and local advisories.
Cardiff’s combination of urban and wild swim spots makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want both safety and adventure in equal measure.
If you don’t fancy outdoor swimming but indoor then read our article on