Swimming in the Wild: Best Places for Sea Swimming in Dorset

Dorset is renowned for its clean beaches and waters making it the perfect place for sea swimming. With the Jurassic Coast as a backdrop, you could be fooled for thing you were in the Mediterranean.

Discover Sea Swimming by area:

1. Weymouth
2. Isle of Portland
3. West Bay
4. Lulworth
5. Studland Bay

1. Sea Swimming in Weymouth

Weymouth has an active sea swimming community with the most popular being “Weymouth Bay Sea Swimmers.” The best beaches to launch from locally are Greenhill Beach and Newton’s Cove. The annual Ironman 70.3 Weymouth takes place each September with many locals competing with an advantage to knowing the conditions.

Every December, Weymouth Harbour hosts the Christmas Day Swim where locals dive in and raise money for town charities.

2. Sea Swimming on the Isle of Portland

The Isle of Portland is surrounded by sea. The best spot for swimming is the infamous Chesil Beach. It’s recommended to swim width ways, close to the shore, due to strong rip currents. Chesil is home to various wildlife with jellyfish, Grey Seals and Basking Sharks frequenting the area. The Cove Pub on the wall is the perfect place to warm up and watch the magnificent sunsets year-round.

Church Ope Cove is a secret spot under the cliffs where Pennsylvania Castle is situated. Tackle the 100 steps on the way up and down to the cove and be rewarded with breathtaking views.

3. Sea Swimming in West Bay

The East side of the main West Bay Beach is considered safest to swim from, with the cliffs providing a stunning backdrop. The West Bay Wallow takes place in the Harbour every Boxing Day.

Leather Back Turtles have been spotted in this location during summer and it’s a lifeguarded beach during peak times. Explore more of this beautiful coastline with our blog: Your Guide to Chesil Beach.

4. Sea Swimming in Lulworth

Lulworth Cove is a tourist hot-spot during the summer months. Perfect for coasteering and swimming due to its sheltered nature. It’s said the cove was formed during the end of the last Ice Age whereby a swollen river and the sea collided.

Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks and provides an enclosed beach to launch from. The clear waters and views of the Jurassic Coast extend round to Weymouth and Portland. Don’t forget to take a selfie under the arch!

5. Sea Swimming in Studland Bay

This four mile stretch of sandy beach and clear waters is perfect for paddling and swimming. Studland Bay is also the most popular naturist beach in Britain, so you can swim naked if you so wish!

We hope you enjoyed reading our round-up of the best places for sea swimming in Dorset. To find your dream cottage closest to your favourite sea swimming location, take a look at our range of holiday cottages in Dorset.

To enjoy optimum sea swimming, always check the tide times before entering the water and try to swim at a lifeguarded beach. Always let someone know where you are going if you’re not planning on taking a swimming buddy. For more information visit the RNLI website