Clifton Hampden, Thames

A pretty bridge and pub featured in Jerome K. Jerome Three Men in a Boat. Sandy bays shelving to deeper water on far bank. Very long swim possible. Backdrop of wild empty meadows. Beware of boats.

Place Categories: River Swims and Wild Swim.Place Tags: paddle, swim and wildswimming.

We found a paddling and swimming spot not very far from the bridge at Clifton Hampden. When we arrived we had some entertainment watching local teenagers kayaking. Then I had my first river swim for approximately 30 years. The water was quite cold but the experience of swimming in it was fantastic – for some reason much more enjoyable than swimming in the sea in Cornwall a few weeks earlier. On a sunny day it’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours.
Jason Arneil, Aug 08, 2015 - Clifton Hampden, Thames

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We found a paddling and swimming spot not very far from the bridge at Clifton Hampden. When we arrived we had some entertainment watching local teenagers kayaking. Then I had my first river swim for approximately 30 years. The water was quite cold but the experience of swimming in it was fantastic – for some reason much more enjoyable than swimming in the sea in Cornwall a few weeks earlier. On a sunny day it’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours.
Jason Arneil, Aug 08, 2015 - Clifton Hampden, Thames

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It was magical! Myself and the family arrived there at midday and found nobody else there, The tiny little ‘beach’ sloped out gently into the water and the entire family went paddling, swimming, feeding the ducks, waving enthusiastically to the boats. A perfect day out
Tim Curtis, Aug 07, 2013 - Clifton Hampden, Thames
5/5
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After cycling up from south London, the coldness of the water and the tranquility of the place was a highly welcome break! Didn’t stay in for long, nor did I truly swim but could see a long way down stream and will certainly be returning to do just that. Not sure I even swam in the right place but as my first “wild swim” I have to say that it’s only made me want more. Am planning more cycle rides around swims … ticks all the boxes as far as I’m concerned!
Alex Lockhart, May 27, 2013 - Clifton Hampden, Thames
5/5
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