Despite offering an onsite indoor heated swimming pool at our holiday complex in Dorset, some guests may be inclined to take part in a more natural experience. Across Dorset there are hundreds of opportunities for wild swimming and sea swimming from secluded beaches to rivers and ponds. In this small blog, we will try to capture our favourite spots for these activities
Safety information:
Although we want you to enjoy your stay and wild swimming experience, it’s important for newcomers and the experienced alike to consider the risks and hazards involved in this kind of activity. The main risks worth pointing out are to not swim alone, cold water shocks and slips.
Please check out and consider the advice on the RNLI website https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming and an article on wild swimming for river or pond based swims https://www.wildswimming.co.uk/health-safety/
Although Dorset is home to some of the UK’s biggest and best beaches these can sometimes become too busy for the relaxing family. One of our favourite beaches in the local area is called Worbarrow bay located near Tyneham village. Not only does this place offer fresh clear waters perfect for the cold weathering swimmer, but there is also a huge historical significance to the area that can cater to the not so brave! Tyneham village is an area lost and forgotten after the evacuation of the village during the second world war to provide training for troops participating in the D-Day landings. To this day there is still an MOD presence in the area with the remains of tanks scattering the surrounding fields. It is certainly a place we remember fondly from school trips to the area and for those who are interested to find out more these articles may be of some use:
Visit Dorset Tyneham- https://www.visit-dorset.com/listing/tyneham-village/13633301/
Amy Irvine’s brief history of the area- https://www.historyhit.com/locations/tyneham-village/
Moving away from the history, Worbarrow bay is open all year-round free of entry charge with dogs permitted all year round so even the furry members of the family can take part. There is onsite parking that works on a donation basis. Despite all the amazing features of Worbarrow bay, guests should be aware that there are no lifeguards on site, the bay is accessed from a mile long path and there are no toilets in the close area.
For further information you can check out the Visit Dorset website at https://www.visit-dorset.com/listing/worbarrow-bay/126162301/ where you can find more useful travel information.
By far the most popular of these destinations, Bournemouth offers the most civilised experience with 7 miles of golden sandy beaches alongside a wide array of attractions and facilities. Every section of the beach offers a different experience while also remaining very close to the Bournemouth town centre. This is incredibly ideal for those maybe looking to do a bit of shopping or to get a nice meal before or after your beach experience.
In terms of facilities there are a huge array of carparks available that do incur a cost, there are toilets available in a variety of locations and there are plenty of shops and cafes that offer food. Moreover, for substantial periods of the year there are lifeguards on station along all of the shoreline.
Unfortunately, dogs do have to be kept on leads along the promenade and pathways; however, there are some zones that are dog friendly. To find out more about this check out Bournemouth’s tourism website- https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/beaches
For much more logistical information about Bournemouth beach check out Visit Dorset once again – https://www.visit-dorset.com/listing/bournemouth-beach/210989301/
Bowleaze cove is a much smaller, low-key cove comprised of a sand and pebble beach. It is located just a couple miles from Weymouth. It’s an all-year-round dog friendly beach with some of the more favoured activities being fishing and swimming. There is pay and display car parking to give easier access, however, unfortunately there is no permanent lifeguard service offered in the area. Despite being a quieter beach, Trip Advisor suggests at the time of writing this around 236 restaurants in a 5km radius of the place with a shop and pub incredibly near-by. The area has even received awards from the marine conservation society for its beautifully clean waters. From reading reviews of this place people do suggest it can sometimes get busy in the peak of summer; however, there is significant praise for how this beach hasn’t been commercialised when compared to the likes of its neighbour -Weymouth.
For the incredibly enthusiastic, the area offers a great opportunity for walking while also providing stunning views over the Jurassic coastline, Portland and Weymouth.
As this one may be harder to find via a google search I’ve included the postcode: DT3 6PR
Located on the river Stour near Sturminster Newton, this seems to be the favourite river swimming spot in the area. Surrounded by beautiful grassy field this spot is definitely amongst nature. In my opinion, this is the best spot for a quiet dip and picnic on a lovely day. As this is a fairly remote public spot, it appears that there is no guidance and regulation on dogs, however, local signage on this may change so bring a lead with you!
One thing you should account for is that this area is less of a tourist location with a wide away of facilities but more of a hidden enthusiast spot. However, being so close to Sturminster Newton means that the nearest pubs, restaurants and shops are a very short drive away for added comfort.
For more information on spots near this area, check out Somerset Live’s article- https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/local-news/itching-your-kit-off-best-126729
If you want to find out more about what people say about this spot, you can check out the comment section of Wild Swimming’s post on the area- https://www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/colber-bridge/
This is a great option for a child friendly introduction for wild swimming. The shallow depths make it a great paddling spot for little newcomers. I’d also recommend children bringing a small net with them to see what creatures than can catch and release back!
The area of Moreton is also incredibly picturesque and charm that is found in tiny towns; however, despite being so tiny in nature it also comes with surprising history even being the final resting place of Lawrence of Arabia and much more. If a bit of history and tourism goes along side your wild swim check out this article by Tess of the Vale- https://tessofthevale.com/2020/02/06/lawrence-of-arabia-moreton-and-cul-peppers-dish/ .
There are a few public car parks dotted around the area some even letting you stay for a good 2 hours free of charge. The ford itself is also not far from the centre of the town itself where you can find a couple of nice cafes to enjoy a hot drink afterwards.
In honesty, with the incredibly shallow depths placing this location on a wild swimming blog may be a bit cheeky as the average adult may not be able to submerge themselves; however, we still think it’s a great spot for the family, kids and furry friends.
There are a few wild swimming spots on the River Stour. A popular one where the water is wide is at Eye Bridge which is near the pretty village of Pamphill. With its clear calm waters it’s ideal for free swimming and paddleboarding. Lots of lovely small walks including bluebell woods. This is a pretty spot so why not bring a picnic and sit on the grassy banks looking out for kingfishers or visit the local cafe Pamphill Parlour Café for refreshments. Parking is limited
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