Wild swimming has numerous charms: from the chance to be at one with nature, to having fewer fellow swimmers to share the water with.
So it's no real surprise that this long-standing pastime is having a resurgence in popularity right now.
Thanks to the decent weather, we’ve also been handed a rare chance to cool off outdoors — so time to make the most of it.
Keep reading to find some of our top picks for taking a wild dip in West Yorkshire.
Lumb Falls, Hardcastle Craggs, Hebden Bridge
These magical waterfalls in the Yorkshire hills offer the adventurous both beautiful pools to swim in and tumbling showers to cool off under. A favourite amongst Hebden Bridge locals, this secluded spot is hidden from prying eyes by woodland. The water is brown, stained by peat and minerals, but wholesome nonetheless.
River Wharfe, Ilkley
Thanks to campaigning by residents, a popular bathing stretch of the Ilkley river Wharfe has now been designated the first official bathing water site in the UK. Previously there had been issues with the water company dumping waste here, but that's not the case anymore - so you can take your little ones down safe in the knowledge there's nothing funny in the water.
Gaddings Dam, Todmorden
This 'secret beach' in Todmorden is the bane of many locals' existence, given that it always pulls in large crowds of city explorers during the summertime. Strictly a reservoir, over the years the erosion of the materials used to build it has left a 'sandy' shore line that has left it earning the impressive-sounding title of 'Britain's highest beach'.
Ingleton Waterfall, Ingleton
This stretch of the River Twiss on the Lancashire border is right in the middle of a popular walking route, so you'll definitely want to bring a bathing suit. It's a bit of a trek but worth it, for the vast number of spectacular pools on offer here.
Caroline's aka Bowers Pond / Lake, Leeds
Situated north of Methley, close to St Aidan's nature park, Caroline's is a large expanse of water offering peaceful, relaxing swims for groups.
Jerusalem Farm, Halifax
This secluded riverside spot at Jerusalem farm is a bit of a Halifax hidden gem. With a small carpark nearby, all it takes is a short walk down a track before you're at your destination. Take a picnic and make a day of it.
Spring Lodge Lake, Leeds
About 15 minutes south of Leeds of the A1 motorway, this open water swimming spot offers a bit more structure for those who feel uncomfortable swimming wild unsupervised. Open Wednesday 6-8pm, Saturday 8-10am and Sunday 8-10am during the summer, there are experts on hand to support you. Sessions are priced from £4.25.
How to stay safe
Whilst wild swimming can be an incredible experience, there are also some dangers that swimmers need to be aware of.
Identify your emergency exits before getting in and look around for any downstream hazards.
Look out for non-swimmers and children.
Even shallow water can suddenly deepen. Maintain constant supervision and if anyone in your group cannot swim make sure to mark out boundaries.
When water is fast flowing, it can knock you off your feet easily even in shallow streams.
Don't dive head first into rocky pools of water.
Watch out for blue-green algae, which often multiplies in warm, wet weather. It creates a powdery, green surface scum and can cause rashes, eye and skin irritation. It can also make you sick if swallowed.
This list should only be used as a guide, caution and your own judgement should be used when swimming, at your own risk.
Feature Image - Wikipedia
News
Huge international girl group tipped for reunion tour after teasers from big UK arenas
A major international girl band appear to be gearing up for a big reunion tour following a number of teasers popping up at some of the largest arenas around the country.
Including right here in Leeds.
In case you haven’t already guessed it from the thumbnail, we’ll give you another hint: there used to be six of them, though it remains to be seen how many will be returning…
Yes, the once-huge all-female pop group, The Pussycat Dolls, looks set to reunite once again, though the full lineup and exact nature of the shows are yet to be fully verified.
They were a big chart-topping act throughout the noughties, and some of the famous faces are still doing bits in around showbiz today; they’ve been away for a long time, but the First Direct Bank Arena and more have just fans getting ready to “loosen up their buttons”.
Image: Co-op Live
Sharing the big digital advert splashed at the top of the venue on Wednesday, 11 March, the First Direct Bank Arena couldn’t have made it any easier for fans to guess.
Choosing one of the most obvious lyrics turned puns and asking us, “Don’t Cha Wish you knew who we’re announcing tomorrow (Thurs, 12 Mar)”, it didn’t take any time at all for people to figure it out.
With the comments across social media platforms now filled with people sharing gifs of their old performances and dance routines, or simply sharing their general excitement, the hype train is already well and truly on the way.
And then, as if things weren’t already blatant enough, the Pussycat Dolls’ official page has also shared a short clip ahead of the inevitable reveal featuring the words, “PCD Forever”, along with pointing them towards a website listed under the same name.
Now, the last time they performed was not long before the pandemic, with most of the original lineup performing on The X Factor, releasing their first new song in over a decade, ‘React’, which was supposed to signal the start of a reunion.
However, the planned comeback tour was ultimately cancelled in January 2022, and we hadn’t heard much else since – until now. Fans are crossing fingers that they get at least a trio of Nicole Sherzinger, Ashley Roberts, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, and Jessica Sutta, but we’ll find out very soon.
A bar in Leeds is serving £1 Baby Guinness shots in celebration of St Patrick’s Day
Clementine Hall
Baby Guinness shots for a quid? It would be rude not to.
Get ready to raid your wardrobe for anything green, because one of the funnest (and booziest) holidays of the year is just around the corner.
Of course, we're talking about the almighty St Patrick's Day that is taking place on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
It's a day filled with merriment, Irish music and plenty of Guinness. Whether that be pints of the good stuff or shots of Baby Guinness.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We're particularly a fan of the latter.
And there's a few spots in Leeds where you'll be able to get those bad boys for just one pound.
Roxy Ball Room & Roxy Lanes are hosting the offer which will be available from Friday 13 - Sunday 22 March, that's over an entire week of £1 shots for you to get stuck into.
All you have to do is download their brand-new rewards app, claim the voucher and leave the rest to them.
The voucher can be used at any time during the day and at any of their Leeds locations. Pretty class if you ask us.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And you're really spoilt for choice because you'll find Roxy Ball Rooms on Merrion Street and Boar Lane as well as a Roxy Lanes on The Headrow.
Not only will you be able to bag yourself a £1 shot, but in the same timeframe they're also offering limited edition Jameson shots to mark the occasion as well as two for £10 pints of Guinness.
Of course you'll be able to enjoy all the usual Roxy games and unleash your competitive side, from beer pong and tech darts to karaoke and ice-free curling.
So, get your mates together and get ready to grab a bargain this St Patrick's Day by downloading the Roxy Rewards App here.
Georgina Pellant -
1st June 2021 
