Last Updated on: 27th August 2025, 04:27 pm
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Turo reveals the UK’s most stunning outdoor pools and wild swimming spots hidden from the crowds
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From clifftop infinity pools to secluded wild swims, these destinations promise the perfect summer retreat
Car-sharing marketplace Turo has unveiled a curated list of the UK’s most spectacular outdoor pools and wild swimming locations accessible only by car. With the country experiencing one of its hottest summers on record, more people are seeking tranquil escapes away from packed public pools.
Many of these breathtaking spots are tucked away in remote coastal stretches, hidden valleys, and private estates. Without public transport links, car access is essential to reach these unique summer hideaways.
Rory Brimmer, UK Managing Director of car sharing marketplace Turo, says:
“Britain’s most breathtaking swimming experiences are often hidden away in places that the trains simply don’t reach – clifftop pools with infinity views, secluded natural pools in remote valleys, and exclusive lidos tucked away in private estates. These locations offer something increasingly rare: genuine tranquility and the chance to swim in some of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
“The challenge is that many of these spectacular spots are completely inaccessible by public transport. Having access to the right vehicle means you can discover these hidden aquatic gems, often with enough space for towels, picnic supplies, and everything needed for a perfect day by the water. Whether it’s a convertible for the scenic coastal drive or a 4×4 for accessing remote moorland pools, Turo opens up swimming opportunities that most people never even knew existed.”
Top Outdoor Swimming Destinations for 2025
The Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall
Best for: Art deco glamour meets Atlantic Ocean views
This stunning 1930s triangular lido, carved into the rocks at Penzance’s Battery Rocks, offers one of the UK’s most dramatic swimming experiences. The geothermally heated seawater pool maintains a comfortable temperature year-round, while waves from the Atlantic occasionally crash over the sides during high tide, creating an exhilarating natural jacuzzi effect.
The pool is a 10-minute walk from Penzance town centre, but with limited parking nearby and no direct public transport links to the seafront location, a car is essential for accessing this Cornish gem. The drive along the A30 offers spectacular coastal views, making the journey part of the experience.
Car park tip: Arrive early in summer as the small clifftop car park fills quickly, or park in Penzance town and enjoy the scenic coastal walk.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Best for: Wild swimming in crystal-clear mountain pools
These ethereal natural pools, fed by waterfalls cascading down from the Black Cuillin mountains, offer some of Scotland’s most magical wild swimming. The series of interconnected pools varies in depth and temperature, with the clearest, most swimmable pools requiring a moderate hike through dramatic Highland scenery.
Located near Glenbrittle, the Fairy Pools are accessible only via a single-track road with no public transport options. The 20-minute walk from the car park to the main pools rewards visitors with pristine mountain water and views that feel truly otherworldly.
Highland hack: Bring a wetsuit even in summer – Scottish mountain water is refreshing in the extreme. The car park charges £5, and the road can be busy, so consider visiting early morning or late afternoon.
Hathersage Open Air Pool, Peak District, Derbyshire
Best for: Heated outdoor swimming with Peak District views
This heated outdoor pool, maintained at a comfortable 78°F (26°C), offers year-round swimming with stunning views across the Peak District. The pool’s elevated position provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding moors and valleys, making every length feel like a scenic journey.
While Hathersage has a train station, the pool is a 15-minute walk uphill from the village centre through residential streets with no regular bus service. Driving allows easy access to the dedicated car park and makes it simple to combine with other Peak District attractions.
Peak performance: The pool offers both serious lane swimming and family fun areas. Visit during weekday mornings for the most peaceful experience and clearest mountain views.
The Lido, Saltdean, East Sussex
Best for: Art deco elegance on the South Coast
Another Art Deco masterpiece, this magnificently restored 1930s lido sits dramatically on the clifftops near Brighton, offering heated outdoor swimming with uninterrupted sea views. The building, recently restored to its original glory, houses both indoor and outdoor pools, with the outdoor pool being the star attraction.
Located in the small village of Saltdean, the coastal drive from Brighton offers spectacular views of the Seven Sisters cliffs and makes for a perfect convertible journey.
Seaside secret: The outdoor pool is heated to 26°C year-round, and the café serves excellent locally-sourced food. The clifftop location can be windy, so bring a windbreak for poolside lounging.
Ilkley Pool and Lido, West Yorkshire
Best for: Victorian elegance in the Yorkshire Dales
This beautifully maintained Victorian outdoor pool, fed by natural spring water, sits in the heart of Ilkley with stunning views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. The unheated spring water provides a bracing but refreshing swimming experience, particularly popular with cold water swimming enthusiasts.
Driving provides direct access to on-site parking and easy exploration of the surrounding Dales countryside.
Dales delight: The spring water temperature averages 15°C in summer, perfect for building cold water tolerance. The poolside café serves warming drinks and hearty Yorkshire fare for post-swim recovery.
About Turo
Turo is the world’s largest car-sharing marketplace, where users can book the perfect car for any journey from a vibrant community of trusted hosts across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and France. Whether flying in from afar or seeking a car nearby, looking for a rugged truck or something smooth and swanky, travelers can skip the rental car counter and choose from an extraordinary, unique selection of vehicles shared by local hosts. Entrepreneurs can take the wheel of their futures by becoming hosts and building car-sharing businesses on Turo, leveraging the established platform to scale their operations and achieve their goals.
With an unwavering mission of putting the world’s 1.5 billion cars to better use, Turo unlocks the hidden value in idle and underutilised assets, empowering anyone to get in the driver’s seat. ‘Find your drive® — Turo.’
To learn more about Turo, please visit www.turo.com.
