With the freedom of open water appealing to thousands of wild swimmers across the country, we round up some of the best locations for it in Hampshire

Compton Lock

Twyford, SO21 1NS

Compton Lock is a stunning spot on the River Itchen, about three miles south of Winchester. It became so popular that the Parish Council showed their support by building wooden steps to help swimmers get in and out.

Andark Lake

Oslands Ln, Southampton SO31 7EG

The lake offers confined open water conditions with onsite facilities including changing rooms with showers, free WiFi, a café and a shop.

Eastleigh Lakeside

Wide Ln, Eastleigh SO50 5PD

This spot takes the wild out of wild swimming but provides a supervised 350m circuit to help newcomers get a secure taste of the pastime.

Calshot Beach

Calshot Cl, Calshot, Southampton SO45 1BP

Calshot is a one-mile-long shingle bank located on the southern end of Southampton Water. On Sundays swimmers usually meet at Stanswood Rescue hut.

More…

- Meeting the wild swimmers of Hampshire - Malcolm Bradbrook finds out why Hampshire wild swimming enthusiasts are taking the plunge