Kate Middleton, Ed Sheeran and the Beckhams all love cold water swimming. So where are the best places in the UK?

Last year, the Princess of Wales confessed her love of swimming in the great outdoors. She’s not the only celebrity who enjoys a dip in the great outdoors. The Beckhams, Prue Leith and Ed Sheeran are also big fans.

In September I spoke to Mike Tindall, husband of Princess Anne’s daughter Zara, on his podcast The good, the bad and the rugbyKate Middleton, 42, admitted that “the colder the better” when it comes to swimming in the wild, something Prince William called her “crazy” about.

The Princess of Wales said in the chat, ahead of her cancer diagnosis earlier this year: “Cold swimming – the colder the better. I love it. To the point where Williams [saying] “You’re crazy” and it’s dark and raining. I go looking for cold water. I love it.

Proponents claim, based on scientific evidence, that wild swimming can improve mood and give people a much-needed boost in everyday life.

The Princess of Wales is the latest public figure to confess her love of swimming in the great outdoors. Here at FEMAIL, we look at the best places to go swimming in the UK if you want to reap the rewards just like Kate

Experts believe that the improvements in mental health are due on a physiological level to the shock of cold, particularly to the face, triggering a fight or flight response in the body.

According to experts, this can increase dopamine levels and the release of endorphins (the feel-good hormone) in the brain.

Although the rewards are great, it is important to check the location and weather conditions before swimming. Often there are no lifeguards at wild swimming spots.

The allure of a morning dip in nature has prompted other celebrities to create their own swimming ponds.

David and Victoria Beckham have a A 3,000 square metre (0.7 acre) lake at their Cotswolds home, worth £6million. Earlier this month, Ed Sheeran shared a photo of him jumping into the ‘wildlife pond’ he had built at his sprawling £3.7million estate in Suffolk.

Although he initially stated in planning documents that the kidney-shaped pool would “support nature conservation” and provide “a natural habitat for insects, amphibians and birds”, the pop star is clearly up for a swim in it too.

So, if you don’t have the luxury of your own wild pond, where can you enjoy the benefits of cold water swimming? FEMAIL takes a look at the best places to go wild swimming in the UK…

South East England

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Surrey

A dip in the Thames? Runnymede, famous for its role in the Magna Carta, is a great place to go wild swimming just outside London

There are plenty of places to swim in South East England, but Runnymede offers something for everyone.

The Great Charter of Liberties was drawn up and signed at Runnymede in 1215. There is even a monument you can visit.

The best place to swim is about 100 meters downstream from the monument, at a large swimming pond by the weeping willows. You can relax there wonderfully.

It is best to wear a bright hat to ensure you are also seen by boats going up and down. Along the river there is a playground and a paddling pool which children can also enjoy, making it perfect for a family day out.

South West England

St. Agnes, Cornwall

Head to St Agnes: this Cornish retreat has long been a hotspot for wild swimming and also has lifeguards on duty in the bay

Cornwall is famous for its water sports, including surfing, white water rafting and wild swimming, and the beautiful coastline is the perfect setting to do this in style.

In recent years there has been a real swimming explosion around St Agnes, with almost 20 organised swimming groups regularly taking a dip in the beautiful water.

There are lifeguards on duty at Trevaunance Cove and after a dive you can also explore an ancient harbour and caves.

North East England

Linhope Range, Northumberland

Let’s head to Linhope Spout: this natural plunge pool in Northumberland – with its own waterfall – is a divine place to swim

Wild swimmers will be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place to swim than Linhope Spout.

The fairytale plunge pool has an 18-metre natural waterfall cascading into it and is surrounded by beautiful greenery.

Situated in the heart of the Northumberland National Park and surrounded by a clearing with plenty of woodland, this is the ideal place to enjoy the scenery.

North West England

Kailpot Crag, Ullswater, Cumbria

Kailpot Crag is a peaceful spot for outdoor swimming in the Lake District, with gently sloping banks for easy access

This spot is located next to the Lake District, on the quieter eastern side of the tourist area.

Kailpot Crag is a godsend for everyone from novice wild swimmers to experts, thanks to its gently sloping shores. Walk from Sandwick to the rocky cliffs to dive right in, or head to the small lakeside beach for an easier approach.

Wales

Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales

This milky blue lagoon at Abereiddy, Pembrokeshire, is a favourite wild swimming paradise in Wales

Abereiddy in Pembrokeshire is a green lagoon with an otherworldly feel, surrounded by rugged cliffs that you can dive from.

Even after a dip in the water, it is fun to explore the area, with the high cliffs and ruins from the industrial past nearby.

If you want to come and see it for yourself this year, be quick. From late September to November the lagoon is often closed to protect the breeding seals.

Scotland

Skye Faerie Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Skye’s famous Fairy Pools are crystal clear waters surrounded by emerald hills

Located in the Highlands, Skye’s famous Fairy Pools have long been a hit with wild swimming enthusiasts.

Two of the pools are connected by an underwater arch. If you swim under it, you will see that the rock face is covered with pieces of quartz. Legend has it that if you succeed, you will receive fairy wings.

Surrounded by a landscape of craggy rocks and green hills, there is a mystical atmosphere. And thanks to Scotland’s relaxed open-access laws, you can swim in most of it.

Northern Ireland

Groomsport Harbour, Bangor, Northern Ireland

Groomsport on the Northern Irish coast near Bangor has excellent water quality, making it a local favourite for a morning dip

The coastline of Northern Ireland is a land of great natural beauty, but Groomsport in particular is renowned for the excellent quality of its bathing water, making it one of the best places for wild swimming.

The rocky coastline is perfect for a morning swim. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy your lunch by the shore. Children can enjoy themselves in the playground nearby.