About this trip
7 - 9 November 2025
"A retreat in the lakes, led by local guides."
Join us at Almond Lodge on Helvellyn, where rustic decor meets timeless valley views. Relax by the log fire and take a dip in the plunge pools. Meals and table wine are included, so you can enjoy the stunning Lakes in all their wintery glory.
Meet Your Swim Guides:
Mel
Mel is TWSCo's full-time swim guide. A qualified Beach Lifeguard, Open Water Swim Coach, and holder of the National Water Safety Management Programme, Mel is also working towards her Diploma in Cold Water Therapy. A nutritionist, personal trainer, and Swim School owner, Mel loves all things swimming and wellbeing.
- Favourite swim: Bossiney Cove, Cornwall
- Favourite retreat: Spring in Cornwall
- Favourite cake: Lemon Drizzle
Rich
Rich is a Beach Lifeguard, Open Water Lifeguard, and Open Water Swim Coach. He has completed the National Water Safety Management Programme and is a National Trainer Assessor for The Royal Lifesaving Society. Rich also serves as an RNLI lifeboat crew member and the operations manager of Land & Wave, a busy outdoor centre in Dorset.
- Favourite swim: Any of Snowdonia's waterfalls
- Favourite retreat: The North Wales Swim Retreat
- Favourite cake: Carrot Cake
Ali
Ali is a Beach Lifeguard, Open Water Lifeguard, and Open Water Swim Coach. A seasoned favourite with TWSCo, she has a wealth of mountain experience and a special love for the Lake District!
- Favourite swim: Jumping off the jetty into Derwent Water
- Favourite retreat: The Lake District Swim Retreat
- Favourite cake: Millionaire's Shortbread
What’s included
- BreakfastA hot breakfast such as filled baps or pancakes, alongside homemade granola and fruit
- LunchA warming lunch included
- DinnerA homemade dinner each night from Chef Mel
- All swims & activitiesAll swims included, plus any additional activities on the itinerary such as hikes and talks.
- AccommodationA good night's sleep
- Table wineA glass of red or white with your evening meal
- Teas & CoffeesHot drinks from the tea room
- Cake, Cake and more cakeCake is vital, homemade cake after every swim, of course
Available Packages
Shared Dormitory Room
Share a dormitory room with 3 or 4 like-minded people—perfect for solo travellers or friends alike. Before the retreat, we'll connect everyone via WhatsApp so you can say hello and get to know each other. The price includes meals, all swims/events, and table wine, ensuring a fun, social experience while you enjoy the retreat.
Larger Room for Up to Four
Share a spacious room for up to four, featuring a double bed and a bunk for just £449 each. Price includes meals, all swims/events, and table wine. Perfect for those who can swim 200m continuously. Larger groups are welcome, with big discounts available!
Available options
Order a branded TWSCo. swim cap in advance, either sky blue or orange. Collect on retreat
Itinerary
1:00 PM – Meet at our first swim location
Our adventure begins at a beautiful lake nestled in the lee of Helvellyn, England’s favourite mountain. This stunning spot sets the scene for your guided swim and swim clinic. Whether you’re looking to improve your stroke or try a new one, our qualified and experienced swim coaches will guide you through the process in this picturesque setting.
Be sure to bring your hot drinks flasks, fully charged, to enjoy alongside homemade cake after your swim. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and socialise before heading to the accommodation for room assignments.
Evening: Dinner & Talk
After a refreshing swim, we'll gather for a delicious dinner with table wine. Relax and enjoy the evening before settling in for our famous 'Tame the Tides' talk in the lounge. This engaging session will inspire and inform, offering insights into the challenges and joys of wild swimming.