This summer in Suffolk is set to be a hot one and there's nothing more refreshing than taking a dip on a sweltering day off work. 

So, here's a short list of the best places to swim outdoors in Suffolk this summer, ranging from family-friendly lidos to adventurous outdoor swimming spots. 

Beccles Lido 

East Anglian Daily Times: Beccles Lido is a great spot for a dip on a hot summers day and is currently being upgradedBeccles Lido is a great spot for a dip on a hot summers day and is currently being upgraded (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Where: Puddingmoor, Beccles NR34 9PL

Price: £6.50 Adult, £4.80 child and concessionary 

Beccles Lido is undergoing upgrades this year to make its outdoor swimming pool even more enjoyable, with new picnic tables, benches, showers and much more to be installed.

The facility is set to reopen in on May 18 for its fully heated summer season and operators say they are "extremely grateful” for the donation from the estate of the late Peter Hinsley.

Friars Meadow in Sudbury

East Anglian Daily Times: The River Stour in Sudbury was granted bathing water status by the government The River Stour in Sudbury was granted bathing water status by the government (Image: Newsquest)

Where: Sudbury CO10 2TL

Price: Free

Earlier this year the River Stour in Sudbury was granted designated bathing water status by the Government.

This means the river benefit from regular water monitoring by the Environment Agency who will be working to keep it clean as one of is 27 new swimming spots in England.

Dedham and Flatford on the River Stour 

East Anglian Daily Times: Dedham and Flatford on the River Stour is another great pace to swim, however, the bridge is currently closedDedham and Flatford on the River Stour is another great pace to swim, however, the bridge is currently closed (Image: Suffolk Highways)

Where: East Bergholt, West Suffolk, CO7 6UL

Price: Free

Dedham and Flatford is another great spot along the river to take a dip, surrounded by the idyllic scenery that inspired artist John Constable's work. 

Swimmers often start at Fen Bridge and head to Flatford Mill and Willy Lott's Cottage, however, the bridge is currently closed at the moment due to structural concerns so it's best to start at the cottage. 

Felixstowe beach

East Anglian Daily Times: Felixstowe was crowned among the cleanest, safest and most enjoyable sites in the UK this yearFelixstowe was crowned among the cleanest, safest and most enjoyable sites in the UK this year (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)Where: Felixstowe IP11 2DE

Price: Free

Felixstowe  South and Pier has been crowned among the cleanest, safest and most enjoyable sites in the UK for the third year running, after achieving the Blue Flag award in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Seamus Bennett, a Felixstowe town councillor and founder of the Felixstowe Swimscapes group has said: "The sea is good for all sorts of swimmers, whether that's bobbing around in the water or for long-distance swimming."

Southwold beach

East Anglian Daily Times: Southwold beach was also given the prestigious Blue Flag award this year and is great for a summer swim.Southwold beach was also given the prestigious Blue Flag award this year and is great for a summer swim. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Where: Southwold IP18 6LT

Price: Free

Southwold Beach also achieved a Blue Flag award this year for the third year running.

The beach has previously been named among the best and sunniest destinations in the UK and is perfect for a summer swim.