Eve Stebbing, author of Wild Swimming Walks Norfolk & Suffolk, shares five of the best wild swimming spots in Norfolk.
Norfolk’s wild beauty, vast unbroken skies and crystal-clear chalk streams make it one of the UK’s most magical destinations for wild swimmers. Many of its best swimming spots can be reached by a series of enjoyable walking routes, offering the perfect opportunity to combine scenic adventures on foot with refreshing dips, fascinating history and the occasional stop at a welcoming local café or pub.
From secret tidal creeks and remote island beaches to fairytale medieval ruins, here are five of the best wild swims in Norfolk, each combining beautiful scenery, rich history and unforgettable dips.
1. Burnham Overy Staithe & Holkham Gap
Location Highlights: Located on the windswept North Norfolk coast, this route crosses vast white sands and marram-grass dunes towards Holkham Gap, where the Household Cavalry can sometimes be seen exercising on the beach. The area looks out over Scolt Head Island, a whaleback of white sand that serves as Britain’s only desert island.
Top Wild Swim Spot:
- Bank Hole & Scolt Head: Swim in the sheltered harbour pool at Bank Hole (where Admiral Nelson learned to sail) or wade across the shallow harbour channel at low tide along the adventurous “cockle path” to Scolt Head Island.
Walk Details: 7.7 miles, easy coastal route. Refreshments available at The Hero pub, the Coffee Pedlar on the staithe, or The Victoria Hotel at Holkham
2. Brandon to Thetford Priory
Location Highlights: Deep within Breckland’s Thetford Forest, this route weaves along the clear Little Ouse River, passing historical landmarks such as the 15th-century fortified Thetford Warren Lodge and the atmospheric ruins of Thetford Priory.
Top Wild Swim Spot:
- Santon Downham & St Helen’s Picnic Site: A clear, chalk-bottomed river pool featuring a gentle beach entry up to a metre deep, a rope swing, and views of a quaint single-nave church.
Walk Details: 9.5 miles, challenging forest and river path. Refreshments available at The Ram Hotel in Brandon or local coffee shops near Thetford Castle
3. Blickling Circular
Location Highlights: Set against the magnificent backdrop of National Trust’s Blickling Hall, this circuit wanders through estate parkland, Fring Wood, and wild marshes. Along the way, walkers pass an impressive 1793 pyramid mausoleum built for Earl Buckinghamshire.
Top Wild Swim Spot:
- Blickling Mill Pool: A serene, crystal-clear pool where water cascades through the brick arch of the mill building, opening into a reedy channel perfect for longer swims. A walnut tree planted in memory of Waterlog author Roger Deakin stands on the riverbank.
Walk Details: 6.5 miles, easy circuit. Refreshments available at the Buckinghamshire Arms, Muddy Boots café, or The Stables.
4. Stiffkey Freshes
Location Highlights: This wild coastal walk winds across saltmarshes and freshwater greens lined with sea lavender, purslane, and edible samphire. The path climbs into a peaceful valley populated by grazing sheep before reaching the tiny village of Cockthorpe.
Top Wild Swim Spot:
- Stiffkey Freshes Creek: A quiet, sheltered creek swim beside boats pulled up on the bank at high tide, with additional mud-sliding and tidal pool swimming available at nearby Garborough Creek.
Walk Details: 9.7 miles (or shorter double-loop options), moderate route. Refreshments available at The Red Lion pub or Stiffkey Stores
5. Norwich Cow Tower
Location Highlights: Following the River Wensum into the city’s historic heart, this urban river walk passes iconic landmarks including Norwich Cathedral, the 14th-century Bishop Bridge, and Mousehold Heath – the historic hideout of Kett’s rebels. Medieval Caen stone for the cathedral was once transported along this very channel.
Top Wild Swim Spot:
- Cow Tower: A fairytale natural bay situated directly beneath a 12th-century brick artillery tower built to defend Norwich. The clear waters have good tested water quality and are regularly enjoyed by local wild swimmers.
Walk Details: 7.6 miles (with 3.2-mile and 4.4-mile loop options), easy city and riverside walk. Refreshments available at Bread Source by the cathedral or The Red Lion at Bishop Bridge
Safety Tips for Wild Swimming in Norfolk
- Always check the weather, river conditions and tide times before swimming. Avoid fast-flowing or murky waters.
- Test currents with a stick or leaf, and ensure you know your exit points.
- Many walks feature nearby pubs and cafés – plan for refreshments and rest stops.
Discover 28 inspiring wild swimming walks across Norfolk and Suffolk, leading you to chalk streams, tidal pools, desert islands, sandy coves and river beaches.