Wild swimming offers an incredible way to experience nature, challenge yourself, and find peace in the water. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical guidance, or the next great swimming adventure, these books provide something for everyone. This list includes a mix of classic and new releases, covering everything from personal journeys to essential guides on where to swim in the UK and overseas.

1. The Art of Wild Swimming: England & Wales – Anna Deacon & Vicky Allan

This beautifully illustrated guide explores the best wild swimming spots across England and Wales. Packed with personal stories, safety tips, and stunning photography, it's an essential resource for both new and seasoned wild swimmers.

2. Floating: A Return to Waterlog – Joe Minihane

Inspired by Roger Deakin’s "Waterlog," Minihane sets out to retrace Deakin’s swimming journey across Britain. Along the way, he discovers how wild swimming helps him manage anxiety and reconnect with the world. This is an inspiring, reflective read.

3. Waterlog: A Swimmer’s Journey Through Britain – Roger Deakin

A classic that sparked the wild swimming movement, Deakin’s travelogue takes readers on a lyrical adventure through Britain's rivers, lakes, and seas. If you haven’t read it yet, this is a must-have for your collection.

4. Swimming with Seals – V. Whitworth

A beautifully written personal account of swimming with seals off the coast of Scotland. This book captures the deep connection between humans and marine life.

Girly Dips is an inclusive swim community for all women. We are a safe space where like-minded people meet once a month, at a different swim spot across London. If you have a passion for swimming/dipping, trying new experiences and are looking to build new connections then this is the group for you. Each dip is followed by a brunch and catch up, where someone always wins a prize for 'funkiest cossie'. 

5. Turning: Lessons from Swimming Berlin’s Lakes – Jessica J. Lee

This poetic memoir follows Lee’s journey as she swims in 52 different lakes, using wild swimming as a path to self-discovery and healing.

6. The Lido – Libby Page

A heartwarming novel about community, friendship, and the power of swimming to bring people together. Perfect for those who love a feel-good read.

7. Leap In: A Woman, Some Waves, and the Will to Swim – Alexandra Heminsley

A story of overcoming fear and finding joy in open-water swimming. Heminsley’s journey will resonate with anyone who has struggled with confidence in the water.

8. The Joy of Swimming – Lisa Congdon

This is a beautifully illustrated book celebrating swimming culture, featuring inspiring stories, art, and historical insights into the world of swimming.

9. Why We Swim – Bonnie Tsui

A fascinating exploration of our deep connection to water, blending science, history, and personal stories. Tsui examines why humans are drawn to swimming, making this a thought-provoking and inspiring read.

10. I Found My Tribe – Ruth Fitzmaurice

A powerful memoir about finding strength through swimming and friendship, set against the backdrop of Ireland’s wild coastline.

11. Taking the Plunge: The Healing Power of Wild Swimming – Anna Deacon & Vicky Allan

A fantastic book for anyone interested in the mental and physical benefits of cold-water swimming. It combines stunning photography with personal accounts from swimmers who have found healing and joy in the water.

12. Wild Swimming: France – Daniel Start

For those looking to explore France’s incredible swimming spots, this book provides detailed maps, hidden locations, and travel tips to help you find the country’s most breathtaking wild waters.

13. The Joy of Wild Swimming – Lonely Planet

A beautifully curated guide from Lonely Planet that explores the world's most stunning wild swimming locations. Packed with breathtaking photography, expert tips, and inspiring stories, it's a must-have for adventurous swimmers.

14. The Outdoor Swimmer’s Handbook – Kate Rew

A practical guide for wild swimmers covering everything from safety and gear to finding the best swimming locations. Written by the founder of Outdoor Swimmer magazine, this book is a go-to reference for all levels.

15. Wild Swimming: Spain – John Weller & Lola Culsán

For adventurers looking beyond the UK, this book provides an in-depth guide to the best rivers, lakes, and coastal spots in Spain, complete with maps and safety tips.

16. Blue Spaces: How and Why Water Can Make You Feel Better – Dr. Catherine Kelly

A fascinating exploration of the science behind why swimming in natural waters has profound benefits for mental health and well-being. This book delves into the psychology of why we are drawn to water.

17. Push Past Impossible – Ryan Stramrood

An inspiring memoir about endurance, mindset, and overcoming the impossible. Stramrood shares his experiences as an extreme open-water swimmer, pushing past fear and physical limits to achieve extraordinary swims.

18. Oxygen: A Memoir – William Trubridge

An intimate and inspiring memoir from world champion freediver William Trubridge. He explores the mental and physical journey of breath-hold diving, the pursuit of personal limits, and the deep connection between human potential and the ocean. It is a must-read for swimmers intrigued by human breath-hold diving.

19. The Sea Around Us – Rachel Carson

A timeless classic that explores the beauty, mystery, and ecological importance of the ocean. Carson’s poetic writing and scientific insights make this book an essential read for anyone who loves the sea.

20. Blue Mind – Wallace J. Nichols

This groundbreaking book explores the science behind why being near, in, on, or under water makes us happier, healthier, and more connected. A must-read for swimmers, scuba divers, and ocean lovers alike.

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This article was written by Kathryn Curzon, a dive travel writer for SSI (Scuba Schools International).