There’s nothing quite like the feeling of swimming in the wild, whether it’s an invigorating, icy dip in the winter or a refreshing cool down in the summer.
And Weymouth, with its iconic stretch of coastline and sheltered bays, offers some fabulous locations for a swim, each with its own unique charm.
So if you’re already a seasoned sea swimmer or if you’re looking to dip your toe in for the first time, here are some of Visit Dorset’s favourite swim spots to visit in Weymouth!
Greenhill Beach
This delightful spot, with its picturesque backdrop of colourful beachuts and the award winning Greenhill Gardens offers a gentle introduction to sea swimming. With lifeguards on duty during peak times and a sandy beach sloping into the water, it's perfect for the whole family and a great spot for a sunrise dip!
Newton's Cove
Nestled beneath the Nothe Gardens, this peaceful cove is a haven for swimmers and can offer millpond conditions both in summer and winter. This spot is best accessed at high tide, where you can descend the steps straight into the sea. At low tide, it’s a treasure trove of marine life, perfect for rockpooling. Keep an eye out – you might even spot a seal enjoying a mackerel snack!
Bowleaze Cove
A popular beach with local sea swimming groups, Bowleaze Cove is a fantastic location for a dip, with less crowds than Weymouth’s main beach, stunning views out over Weymouth Bay and some delightful local café’s for an apres swim coffee and chat.
If you’re looking to enhance your wild swimming experience even further, you can book a session at Revive Sauna, where you can try the rejuvenating effects of hot/cold therapy; relaxing in the authentic wooden sauna hut before dashing down to the sea for a refreshing plunge. The ultimate blend of fire and ice!
Castle Cove
This ‘secret’ beach can be reached via a footpath off Old Castle Road and is well worth the extra effort to get to, with a lovely stretch of sand backed by green cliffs and overlooked by the historic Sandsfoot Castle ruins. With views out to Portland Harbour, this is a beautiful beach that should definitely be on your tick list.
Chesil Cove
On a calm day with an easterly wind, this is a gorgeous spot to swim with crystal blue waters that can rival the Med, however, due to the nature of the sea conditions off Chesil Beach, it’s safest to swim in a horizontal direction, close and parallel to the beach. This is a favourite spot with locals to watch the sunset, and during the summer months, there are paella and pizza nights where you can sit and soak in the atmosphere.
CAUTION: If the winds are South Westerly, swimming is NOT advised at this location as the swell and currents are too dangerous.
Beyond the Swim
Weymouth offers a host of activities to complement your wild swimming adventures.
Explore the charming harbour, indulge in fresh seafood along the esplanade, or take a walk along the scenic Jurassic Coast.
Safety First
No matter your experience level, safety is paramount. Always check tide times and weather conditions before heading out. If you're new to open water swimming, consider joining a local group swim or going with an experienced buddy.
