Last week, we revealed our new look with a morning at London’s Serpentine. We moved, swam, shared a warming coffee with Grass-Fed Collagen and spent time together outdoors. It was our way of bringing Let Life Back In to life.

But you don’t need to be in London, or recreate our morning, to find a moment that feels like yours. Maybe it’s a swim with a friend. Maybe it’s the walk to the water, a few deep breaths on the shore or that first warm drink afterwards.

If you’re looking for somewhere to start, here are seven beautiful places for an outdoor swim within reach of UK cities. Some make an easy lakeside visit; others are an adventure in themselves. Pick the one that suits you, check the local guidance and make the morning your own.

1. Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond

Near Glasgow | Around 45 minutes by car

On the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, Milarrochy Bay gives you open water, mountain views and room to pause before the day gets going. The shore is easy to reach from the car park, whether you’re joining a friend for a swim or simply spending some time beside the loch.

The National Park lists Milarrochy Bay as a popular swimming spot. This is a large loch shared with other water users, so check the weather, stay within your ability and make yourself visible in the water.

2. Higham Lakes, Northumberland

Near Newcastle | Just north of Ponteland

If you like the idea of an outdoor swim with a little more structure, head to Higham Lakes. Here, a morning outside might mean arriving for a session, meeting other swimmers and taking your time over a dip. You still get the fresh air and open water, with lifeguards on site during organised swims.

H2oTrails runs booked swimming sessions at Higham Lakes. You’ll need to arrange membership and book online before visiting; check the current timetable and entry requirements rather than turning up for an unplanned swim.

3. Gaddings Dam, Todmorden

Near Manchester | Around an hour by car, then a steep walk of roughly 40 minutes

For some mornings, getting there is part of the moment. Gaddings Dam sits high above Todmorden, reached by a climb across open moorland. Bring a friend, take in the views on the way up and leave plenty of time for the walk back.

The group that looks after the dam says it’s an unmanaged swimming location where conditions can be cold and help may be some distance away. Go prepared, keep your swim within your ability and never go alone. Even if you decide to stay on dry land, the walk gives you a reason to step away from the usual rush.

4. Windermere at Fell Foot

Near Lancaster | Around 45 minutes by car

At the southern end of Windermere, Fell Foot has a lakeshore you can linger beside, with parkland for a walk before or after you swim. It’s a lovely choice if your morning moment includes company: someone can join you by the water even if they don’t fancy getting in.

The National Trust says people swim at Fell Foot, but the lake stays cold and is shared with boats and other water users. Read the signs on site and check conditions before entering.

5. Carding Mill Valley Reservoir, Shropshire

Near Wolverhampton | Around 55 minutes by car

Tucked into the Long Mynd, Carding Mill Valley makes it easy to spend a little longer outdoors. Follow the valley up towards the reservoir, take in the Shropshire Hills and choose whether your morning calls for a swim, a walk or both.

The National Trust welcomes wild swimming at the reservoir, while warning that the water is cold and deep in places. Read its guidance and the information displayed at the reservoir before you go in.

6. Llyn Padarn, Eryri

Near Bangor | Around 25 minutes by car

Llyn Padarn sits beside Llanberis, with mountain scenery that can make the journey feel much farther from the everyday. You can come for the swim, stay for a walk along the shore and give yourself time to look around before heading home.

Eryri National Park includes Llyn Padarn in its outdoor swimming guidance. Check local advice and water quality before visiting, and remember that this is deep open water shared with other people enjoying the lake.

7. Sharrah Pool, Dartmoor

Near Exeter | Around 50 minutes by car, then a 45 to 60-minute walk

Sharrah Pool is for a morning when you have time to wander. Follow the route through the woods towards the River Dart, with the walk, the sound of the water and the chance to slow down all part of the appeal.

The pool is a known outdoor swimming spot in the Dart Gorge, but river conditions can change quickly after rain. Check the forecast and river conditions, choose a lawful access route and leave the swim for another day if the current is strong.

Make the moment yours

There’s no single way to claim a morning. You might take the plunge at a place close to home, plan a trip with a friend or find that the best part is sitting by the water with a warm coffee afterwards. What matters is making a little space for something that helps you feel more like yourself.

If a coffee is already part of your morning, adding Grass-Fed Collagen is a simple way to make that familiar moment more nourishing. Take it with you, share the morning with someone you love, and let life back in wherever you are.

Before you go: Open water is never predictable. Check local access, bookings, weather, water quality and on-site guidance before travelling. Swim with someone, enter slowly and choose conditions that suit your experience. A walk by the water counts as a morning moment, too.