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Open water swimming lakes in Dorset
Silverlake, Dorset
Exclusive to those staying at Silverlake, Dorset, our beautiful lakes are perfect for an open-water swim. Our lakes are surrounded by acres of natural scenery, and the best part is there is no need to jump in the car — just grab your towel and head on down for a splash straight from your Silverlake holiday home. Beaumont Lake is also home to its own swim platform, perfect for jumping into the refreshing water.
However, for your own safety, a buoyancy aid must be worn at all times, and we always recommend swimming with a partner, as our lakes are not lifeguarded.
Wild swimming isn’t the only activity that can be enjoyed here either – there are plenty of other water sports and activities to try on-site, while the upcoming Silverlake Lido will offer a heated outdoor pool and luxury leisure experience.
Swineham Lake, near Wareham
Swineham Lake is a dedicated open water swimming lake in the heart of Purbeck, close to the RSPB Arne Reserve. Open on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, there are 3 loops to swim around the lake, ranging from 560m to just over 1km long, so swimmers will need to be able to swim the minimum length.
Image credit: Swineham Open Water Swimming
A fully lifeguarded lake, Swineham Lake is the perfect place to try out open water swimming, offering complete peace of mind when it comes to safety.
- • Price: £7 for adults, £3 for children 16 and under
- • Location: Swineham Farm, Wareham, BH20 4JD – free parking on site
- • Facilities: changing rooms, toilets, tea and coffee
- • Distance from Silverlake: 12.8 miles
Sea swimming in Dorset
Osmington Mills Beach, Osmington Mills
Osmington Mills is a rugged and rarely visited gem compared to some of its neighbours, but the peace and quiet it offers makes it excellent for wild swimming.
Image credit: Leimenide
Sheltered by the headland, this pebbly, dog-friendly beach is perfect for a calm swim, although it does require a descent down the cliffs from the town above to reach it.
- • Location: Osmington, Osmington Mills – parking at the end of Mills Road, DT3 6HF
- • Facilities: Parking, cafe / restaurant, toilets – all above the beach
- • Distance from Silverlake: 5.9 miles
Ringstead Bay, Ringstead
A vast expanse of pebbly beach, Ringstead Bay is one of our favourite beaches in Dorset and a wonderful spot for sea swimming, where you can easily stretch out and enjoy a more private swim.
Image credit: Odd Wellies
Head for the west side, marked by the old boathouse, for a quieter swim, looking out to Portland and White Nothe in the distance on a clear day.
- • Location: Ringstead Bay, Ringstead – parking located at Ringstead Bay Car Park, DT2 8NG
- • Facilities: toilets and shop in the car park
- • Distance from Silverlake: 6 miles
Mupe Bay, near Lulworth
In and amongst Dorset’s natural beauty is Mupe Bay. Near one of the UK’s best-known coves, Lulworth Cove, Mupe Bay is a secluded neighbour offering mesmerising white cliffs and blue waters perfect for wild swimming.
Image: Irene Vigna
To reach the beach, you have to scramble along the path down the cliff face; however it is well worth it for the experience, but proceed with caution. This hike is roughly 2 miles and wraps around the coast from Lulworth Cove, offering some amazing views. It also involves crossing MOD land, so you will need to check that it is open to the public on the day. The best time to swim at Mupe Cove is at low tide, when an expanse of sand is revealed, as well as the rockpools of Mupe Ledge.
- • Location: Multiple car parks in and around Lulworth, with the best option being Lulworth Cove car park, West Lulworth, Wareham, BH20 5RS
- • Facilities: Numerous facilities in Lulworth, however none at Mupe Bay
- • Distance from Silverlake: 8.9 miles
Weymouth Beach, Weymouth
Weymouth is one of the largest coastal resorts in Dorset, home to a number of beaches and swimming spots. Weymouth Beach, at the heart of the town, is a lovely sandy beach sloping into the water, with the long tide letting you walk really far out into the bay before starting your swim.
Image: Richard Murgatroyd
This is a great spot to get all of the family into sea swimming. Lifeguards are on hand at peak times for your safety, and there are plenty of facilities nearby so you can really make the most of your time here.
- • Location: Weymouth, Dorset – parking at Pavilion Car Park, DT4 8DZ
- • Facilities: toilets, shops and cafes
- • Distance from Silverlake: 10.1 miles
Worbarrow Bay, near Lulworth and Tyneham
Surrounded by vast grasslands, Worbarrow Bay is a hidden treasure along the coast. It is a lovely, quiet beach due to the slight difficulty of getting there, however it is well worth the journey.
Image: Visit Dorset
You’ll need to walk through the historic ghost village of Tyneham for around one mile to reach Worbarrow Bay, but once you’re there, it’s likely you’ll have this wonderful shingle beach to yourself. This bay is naturally sheltered and so it’s suitable for open water swimmers of all abilities. Like with Mupe Bay, Tyneham and the land before Worbarrow Bay are owned by the MOD, so you will need to check if access is available before visiting.
- • Location: Tyneham Village car park, East Lulworth, Dorset BH20 5QN
- • Facilities: No facilities – nearest toilets at Tyneham Farm
- • Distance from Silverlake: 10.1 miles
Church Ope Cove, Isle of Portland
This little cove, located on the Isle of Portland, is the perfect escape for some Dorset wild swimming. A short walk from the car park to Church Ope Cove offers incredible views over Pennsylvania Castle and Rufus Castle, as well as incredible coastal scenery.
Image: Jim Linwood
Due to the direction the cove faces, Church Ope constantly gets the sun and is perfect for soaking up the rays. It’s lovely and calm due to its sheltered location, although currents can be strong outside of the cove, so we recommend staying in the direct cove area. If you are lucky, you may even see a dolphin just off the coast.
- • Location: Church Ope Cove, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HU - free parking is available for up to 20 cars around a quarter of a mile away (DT5 1HT)
- • Facilities: Cafe, toilets, beach hut hire
- • Distance from Silverlake: 17 miles
Dancing Ledge, near Langton Matravers
One of the original outdoor swimming spots in Dorset, the sea pool at Dancing Ledge was blasted into the rock over a century ago, so that the local children had a place to learn to swim.
Image: Dorset Council
Being a sea pool, swimming at Dancing Ledge is typically warmer than in the sea when the tide is out. When the tide is high, the ledge and the sea become one – while it creates a beautiful natural infinity pool, it’s definitely for the more advanced swimmers at this point. The walk down from Langton Matravers on the Coast Path is fairly challenging, but the views from this tranquil wild swimming spot are well worth it.
- • Location: Spyway Car Park, Langton Matravers, BH19 3HG – follow the signs and the South West Coast Path for approx. 1.5 miles
- • Facilities: no facilities
- • Distance from Silverlake: 19.7 miles (car park)
Lake Pier, Poole Harbour
Poole is one of the largest locations on Dorset’s shores, with plenty of spots for swimming, but a particularly popular spot along the shoreline is Lake Pier. This has been a favourite for wild swimming due to its calmer waters, views over to the Arne nature reserve, and astounding sunrise and sunset over the harbour.
Image: Steve Hogan
The water is initially shallow but becomes increasingly deeper the further you go out towards the harbour channel. Described as the “hidden gem”, both the eastern and western sides are great for a dip that avoids the crowds.
- • Location: 99 Lake Drive, Poole, BH15 4LR
- • Facilities: Parking located onsite, food and drink vans sometimes also present
- • Distance from Silverlake: 19.9 miles
Chapman’s Pool, near Worth Matravers
Chapman’s Pool is another secluded wild swimming spot that’s a winner in our book, despite the long walk from the car park down the track to the beach. Its remote location however means that it is lovely and peaceful - a great place to get away from the crowds – with clear waters and beautiful views of the surrounding cove.
Image: Visit Dorset
This beach is fairly sheltered with calm waters, but due to its seclusion, we recommend this spot for more experienced open water swimming.
- • Location: Renscombe Car Park, Worth Matravers, BH19 3LL – follow the waymarked path across the fields before taking the steps downhill and continuing along the track to reach the beach
- • Facilities: no facilities at the beach
- • Distance from Silverlake (car park): 20.3 miles
River swims in Dorset
Moreton Ford, Moreton
Thanks to its shallower waters, Moreton Ford is a great wild swimming spot in Dorset for the whole family. Surrounded by willow trees, it is a shady spot perfect for a splash or a paddle.
Image: Visit Dorset
It may perhaps be too shallow for adults to fully submerge themselves, but it’s a great place to introduce your little ones to the joys of open water swimming in a safer place than the sea.
- • Location: Moreton, near Dorchester, DT2 8RJ – free parking nearby at Moreton Car Park, Moreton, DT2 8RG
- • Facilities: toilets and café in the centre of Moreton
- • Distance from Silverlake: 3 miles
Eye Bridge, Wimborne Minster
The Eye Bridge is another popular Dorset wild swimming spot on the River Stour. Offering easy access into the water, this is a location popular with all ages.
Image: Visit Dorset
The water deepens under the footbridge itself, and this spot is perfect for a gentle splash, with views of the weir and surrounding trees as you head upstream.
- • Location: Wimborne, Dorset – limited parking at 553 Cowgrove Road, Wimborne, BH21 4EL
- • Facilities: No facilities
- • Distance from Silverlake: 18.7 miles
Colber Bridge, Sturminster Newton
Surrounded by open fields, this open stretch of the River Stour is a scenic open water river swim in the heart of the Dorset countryside.
Image: Visit Dorset
It can be a little muddy and tricky to get in and out, but once you’re in, this is a slow and gentle swim with plenty of wildlife to witness along the way. Leave the world behind with a swim upstream with a chance to see herons, kingfishers, dragonflies and damselflies.
- • Location: Sturminster Newton, Dorset – park at Station Road Car Park, Barnes Close, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BN
- • Facilities: Pubs, cafes and toilets in Sturminster Newton
- • Distance from Silverlake: 21.9 miles
Wild swimming groups in Dorset
With enjoying the water part of the lifestyle here in Dorset, there are plenty of local wild swimming groups in Dorset where you can join a community of like-minded people.
Below are some of the open water swimming groups you can get involved with, and where they are based:
- • Beyond the Blue (Poole)
- • Jurassic Area Wild Swimmers (Jurassic Coast)
- • The Bluetits (groups in Bridport, Sandbanks, Studland and Weymouth)
- • Cold Water Collective (Boscombe)
- • Bournemouth Sea Dippers (Bournemouth)
- • East Dorset Open Water Swimming Club (Poole)
The benefits of wild swimming
Wild swimming offers a host of physical and mental benefits. Physically, it improves cardiovascular health, boosts the immune system, and is great for muscle toning, due to the resistance of swimming through the water and the current. Immersing yourself in cold water can also reduce inflammation and speed up recovery from exercise.
Many people enjoy wild swimming mainly for its mental benefits: it is known to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins and providing a natural escape from daily pressures. Wild swimming also encourages mindfulness, as you become more attuned to your body and surroundings.
Open water swimming also fosters a deep connection with nature, promoting a sense of peace and wellbeing while allowing you to experience the beauty of the outdoors in a uniquely immersive way.
Connect with nature at Silverlake, Dorset
Life at Silverlake, Dorset is all about escaping the everyday hustle and bustle and enjoying all that nature has to offer. Whether that’s enjoying wild swimming either on-site or nearby, exploring the beautiful natural surroundings, or trying out the myriad of other activities on-site, which range from cycling to stand-up paddleboarding.
With Activity Hub membership included for all holiday homeowners at Silverlake, there is no need to worry about wetsuits and equipment – it’s all on-site. Combine that with the beautiful swimming spots and other activities on your doorstep, and you have all the ingredients for a haven for you and your family to escape to time and time again.
Forget holidays where you constantly have to jump in the car – the stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities are just a short walk away on the Silverlake Estate.
We currently have holiday homes for sale in Dorset right on the water’s edge, with our new lakeside holiday home plots at Deanesly Point. Take the leap towards an escape that connects you with nature today – get in touch with our team about the holiday home of your dreams.