Cool off this summer with a refreshing sea dip on your beach holiday. Hotter summers and record heatwaves are beckoning us to the coast to take the plunge. Whether you want to dip a toe in the water or are ready to dive straight in, check out the best wild swimming spots on the UK coast – from tidal pools to hidden coves.
1. Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Dive into the sparkling turquoise waters of a flooded sea quarry in the Welsh coastal hamlet of Abereiddy in Pembrokeshire. Enveloped by craggy cliffs, where the former quarry was blasted away, this is the perfect location to jump into the azure depths from dizzying heights on a coasteering adventure, or you can just float in the magical azure lagoon. Now protected by the National Trust, the Blue Lagoon has become quite a phenomenon and a popular swimming spot, so don’t expect to bag it to yourself at any time of year.
2. Treyarnon Tidal Pool, Cornwall
As the tide ebbs, this natural pool carved into the cliffs hemming Treyarnon Bay is the perfect place to take a dip without having to battle the wild Atlantic surf. It’s big enough for more serious swimmers to do a few laps, whilst also making a picturesque swimming hole for the whole family at this beautiful beach in Cornwall. On sunny days flop-out on the rocks like seals to warm up before a picnic on the turf-topped cliffs, or on colder days retreat to the Trey Bay Café for a heart-warming bowl of soup and other tasty treats.
Where to stay: Trewalder sleeps 8 guests and spills out on the stunning cliffs of Treyarnon Bay, just footsteps from the tidal pool.
3. Broad Sands, Combe Martin, North Devon
Accessed by over 200 cliff steps, crowds are never a problem at this double-fronted cove hemmed by clear, cobalt waters. Steep, wooded cliffs shelter the sand and shingle shoreline, making it easy to slide into the glassy sea, where you can swim to sea caves and scramble to the top of the island look-out to keep watch for wildlife – and pirates. There are no facilities so pack supplies and swerve the summer crowds at other Devon beaches at this secluded swimming spot.
Where to stay: Squirrel away in Love Cottage in Combe Martin, where couples have easy access to the coast path and beaches.
4. Hushinish Beach, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides Scotland
The Isle of Harris is smattered with idyllic beaches and lochs where you can strip off for a bracing dip without a soul around. Explore to your heart’s content and rest assured that due to the Gulf Stream, the water isn’t as cold as you’d expect so far north. One of our top spots is the white-sand horseshoe bay of Hushinish, which you’ll find at the end of an epic 12-mile track through jaw-dropping scenery. Wear goggles and you might be rewarded with starfish embedded in the sandy depths, and once you’re out you can warm up with a five-mile walking loop via the silver sands of Tràigh Huisinis.
Where to stay: Katie’s Cottage sleeps 5 and is just metres away from the sparkling white sands of Hushinish Beach.
5. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate
You’ll have to wait for the tide to drop to seek out Margate’s tidal pool, that was constructed way back in 1937. A huge four-acre section of saltwater enclosed in concrete walls (larger than the two largest seawater lidos put together), it was designed so that large numbers of swimmers could enjoy the ocean at all states of tide. On a sunny day in this quintessential seaside resort it’s no surprise that plenty of swimmers still take the plunge, but even in the depths of winter a hardy crew of sea swimmers brave the chilly waters that flow in from the North Sea.
Where to stay: Gather friends and family to stay in this large Victorian property on Margate’s seafront that sleeps 10.
6. Climping Beach, Atherington, West Sussex
A hidden gem on a busy section of the South Coast in West Sussex, Climping Beach is a quiet oasis of a shingle beach tucked away down a winding lane. Often overlooked by visitors heading to Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, it remains a tranquil haven with a dedicated wild swimming club and a great little café.
Where to stay: Sink into the hot tub after a sea dip when you stay at this delightful 4-bedroom beach house with direct access to the shoreline.
7. Church Ope Cove, Portland, Dorset
This stunning little cove on the Dorset coast deters the crowds with its steep descent through the woods and churchyards. So once you step onto the pebbly beach there’s barely a soul around to share the tranquil waters, which are bound to lure you in for a swim.
8. Botany Bay, Broadstairs, Kent
Backed by soaring white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks, Botany Bay in Kent is one of the most photographed beaches in the South East. Golden sands and Blue Flag water quality beckon you in for a dip, and if you want an adventure you can scramble or swim around to smuggler’s caves at low tide.
9. Burnham Beach and Scolt Head Island, Norfolk
At the western tip of Norfolk’s Holkham Beach lies the pure white sands and dunes of Burnham Overy Staithe Beach. It’s from there that locals swim across the narrow, deep channel to the uninhabited Nature Reserve of Scolt Head Island. Make it an island-hopping adventure and loop back via the mud creeks and swimming holes on the Cockle Path. This is a real wild swimming adventure to experience while holidaying in Norfolk.
10. Porth Iago, Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales
One of the finest coves on the stunning Llŷn Peninsula, Porth Iago is a sugar-white wedge of sand flanked by cliffs and grassy headlands. Skip through the flower-filled dunes, marvel at the hill fort and frolic in the waves. Take a pew on the grassy headland and you might even spot a passing pod of dolphins.
Sea Swimming Safety Tips
- Check the tides, swell and currents before you go.
- Always hit the water with a swimming buddy.
- Never dive from the rocks.
- Take a floatation device or ensure there are enough ‘get out’ points on your swim, in case you get into difficulties.
- Always tell someone where you are going.
- Take warm clothes and a flask of hot drink to help recover your body temperature after a swim.
Check out our blog for more wild swimming tips and if you want to know all about wild swimming in the UK take a look at wildswimming.co.uk.
Can’t wait to cool off by the coast this summer?
Book a Sea View Cottage and make a splash on your sizzling summer break.
