Swim Holidays in The South West

Wild Swim in Devon and Cornwall

We offer three types of swimming holidays geared towards the “water babies”, “the explorers”, the “swimmers” and the ” wild dippers”.

Our small group tours (maximum 16 people) are the perfect balance of exploration and adventure and are designed to immerse guests in some of the most iconic swims in Devon and Cornwall. Fuelled by cake, wonderful food and good company, we’ll take you on a journey like no other – we link the most stunning sea, estuary, lake, river, lido and sea pool swims into a magical tour that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Join one of our friendly groups, meet like-minded people and discover new and swim spots and landscapes – from the water up!

Choose your Swimming Holiday in England Here

Devon Swimming Weekend

This tour joins up the most stunning sea and estuary swims in Devon into a magical and reviving swimming weekend you’ll remember for a lifetime. Join one of our friendly groups, meet like-minded people and discover new places – from the water up!
From£529
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Devon Mid-Week Swimming Break

Invigorating and reviving, we'll take you to the hidden swimming spots, coves and beaches of Devon's gorgeous and rugged Coast and with beautiful wild swims on Dartmoor
From£649
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Cornwall Mid-Week Swimming Break

Get stuck into an active wild swimming holiday in Cornwall, to discover the joys of sea swimming, estuary swooshing, hidden beaches and coves, sea pools and lidos.
From£679
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Our Tours Are Rated 97% Excellent by Trip Advisor

  • star rating  Recently did one of the Cotswold self-guided walking tours through Active England. The itinerary was excellent, as was Jago Hartland who met with us for orientation and kept in touch... read more

    avatar thumb tonybV5950LD
    December 1, 2022

    star rating  Super helpful, friendly and amenable team at Active England helped us have a brilliant experience. We are a late 50's Australian couple and not super fit, but the ebikes ... read more

    avatar thumb Tagalongtwo
    November 1, 2022

    star rating  Our Cotswolds bike trip was Amazing!! Thank you to our fantastic guide, Conor.
    The countryside was picture perfect with great little villages and sites to take in all along our... read more

    avatar thumb denisewT7376LE
    October 31, 2022
  • star rating  I loved the freedom and flexibility of Active England's self-guided Short Walks in the Cotswolds tour. It was easy to use the provided routes, the hotels were very nice,... read more

    avatar thumb lkfwallace
    October 26, 2022

    star rating  Had an amazing 4 day bike tour in the Cotwolds with our guide Amanda, tour director Jago and support from the wonderful office staff. We have nothing but great things... read more

    Lisa N
    October 18, 2022

    star rating  The perfect way to experience the Cotswolds was on a bicycle. Four days of lovely countryside, interesting inns, old churches and charming towns. Rick did an awesome job of supporting... read more

    BRwy
    October 6, 2022
  • star rating  From the planning stages of our fabulous self guided walk in the Cotswolds to our transfer and tour of Oxford and Bath, the Active England team were excellent. Jago took... read more

    Lovewalkingholidays
    October 6, 2022

    star rating  Can't say enough about Jago and the team. Walks were stupendous, inns were stunning, and the pub/restaurant recommendations were spot on. Transportation always punctual. Jago even gave us a bonus... read more

    ronmU411MJ
    October 1, 2022

    star rating  What a fabulous few days! Our guides, Tatty and Chris looked after us incredibly well. We didn't have to look at a map/check tide times/book restaurants/drive. Great... read more

    louiseabbott
    August 30, 2022
  • star rating  So many different secret and semi-secret swimming places that I could never have found on my own - and even if I had found them, I wouldn't have wanted... read more

    EveSwimmer
    August 29, 2022

    star rating  Chris and Jago were flexible, fun and incredibly helpful during our three-week bike journey in England. Chris was amazing at 'making changes on the go,' including showing us and delighting... read more

    364elizabethk
    August 29, 2022

    star rating  My son (30) and I (69) has a splendid self guided trip arranged by Active England. The bikes were first rate, the routes were gorgeous and mostly empty of cars,... read more

    T233SDsusand
    August 21, 2022
  • star rating  I really enjoyed my self-guided cycle tour of the Cotswolds with Active England Tours. Iago was a very knowledgeable guide who was very kind and accommodating. I am so grateful... read more

    Curiosity58496342239
    August 19, 2022

    star rating  Our arrival was a bit bumpy due to the train strikes. This incredible company immediately responded and were very diligent to get to us. Jago our Host for the tour... read more

    21suzie212020
    August 19, 2022

    star rating  Imagine tree-lined paths, peaceful moments with sky everywhere, and closing the day in a cosy pub- it was everything we imagined it would be! We did a six day... read more

    DarcyTrips
    July 31, 2022
  • star rating  My son and I just completed a three week LeJog tour through Active England, and were impressed with all the guides' professionalism and caring attitudes. They also made it... read more

    Y9371OEmarkl
    July 6, 2022

    star rating  We are a Bliss of four wild women who love wild swimming and have just completed an amazing weekend of open water swimming with our wonderful guides Tatty and Laura.... read more

    katyvdv
    June 26, 2022

    star rating  The LeJog tour with Active England was a bike tour of a lifetime. 19 days of riding averaging 60 miles per day. The guides were outstanding... read more

    jpeyemd
    June 21, 2022

What is Wild Swimming?

Wild Swimming is “the practice or activity of swimming for pleasure in natural waters”, and in England we are spoilt for choice! Discover the best hidden away lakes, pools, beaches, coves and rivers for a splash, swim, dip or float. Each day we’ll have 2 or 3 swims, walking to those isolated places you can only access by foot!

We’re for all swimmers, from the head-up breast-strokers to the triathletes, there’s an abundance of swimming options on all tours, each day. We’re not competitive, this trip is all about the journey and exploring some fantastic wild swimming spots in our favourite places. Finish each day in a country pub or a cosy hotel with some  wonderful food and in great company.

A Joyful World of Watery Adventure

Guided by our outstanding team, we know every beach and cove, bend in the river, lake, lagoon and sea pool. We’ve found the best beach picnic stops, local pubs, walking routes and more! You won’t need to worry about any of your luggage transfers, bookings or equipment – we’ve got that all taken care of. 

What you need to know before your Swim Holiday - FAQs

Do I need to be good at swimming to go on a wild swimming holiday?

We require guests to be competent swimmers and walkers. All guests must be able to swim 400m unsupported before joining this tour. Each day we have short and long swimming options to suit different types and strengths of guests, our guides are there to help you enjoy your holiday with us, swimming at your own pace and in your own time!

Do I need to be a fast swimmer to go wild swimming?

Not at all – we are not racers! You can swim as much or as little as you like! For safety, we require that you are a competent swimmer (see the above question and answer) however this tour is designed to be a great mix of swimming and walking (to access the swims) each day, with plenty of time to relax in the evenings. 

How safe is the swimming?

We make sure that the swimming is as safe as possible

  • Our groups are a maximum of 16 people
  • We will have at least one guide per 8 swimmers and support will be always with you either on the shore of kayak / SUP
  • All our guides are qualifies RLSS lifeguards and have in date First Aid Qualifications
  • We only swim when it is safe and at the discretion of our guides, taking into account tide and weather conditions

Do you provide wetsuits and tow floats on your wild swimming holidays?

No. We strongly recommend that you bring a wetsuit on these trips – even for the hardy skin-swimmers, you’ll get much more out of our Swim-Walk tours with the option of a wetsuit. All guests are required to bring their own tow floats – these are essential for safety and visability.

What do I need to bring for my wild swimming adventure; do you have kit list?

For all our tours we will send out kit lists in plenty of time before your tour. 

  • It’s completely up to guests what they swim in, however we recommend wetsuits in April – June as the waters are still chilly! For “skins” swimmers, we ask for evidence that they are swimming regularly in advance of the tour. 
  • We provide brightly coloured hats for all guests
  • Tow-floats are mandatory, for visibility purposes 

What else do I need to bring?

  • We highly recommend bringing warm clothes – Dry robe / dressing gown etc – for after you have swum
  • Hats / warm shoes are also highly recommended
  • Beach shoes – such as crocs are required although flip flops are not recommended (to flimsy on rocky beaches)
  • Walking shoes / a strong pair of trainers are required as there are walks of up to 2 miles to access the more remote swimming locations
  • A walking jacket / trousers, should the weather be inclement
  • Relaxed evening attire – nothing smart needed!

Can I join as a solo traveller?

All our trips are open for single travellers to join, these trips are a great way to meet social, like-minded people, active and looking for a great holiday. “As a single female, I would not hesitate to go on another Active England trip as a solo traveller”. S.G. Over 30% of our guests travel alone and swimmers are always very accommodating and welcoming. Solo guests have the option to have a room on their own or share with another guest.

What do you do if the sea is too rough?

We assess, daily, the sea conditions and only swim when it is safe

  • There are alternative swims available each day in lakes / rivers / lidos / sea pools etc
  • We are very flexible with our timing and will often have a pre-breakfast swim if we know the weather is closing in

Do I have to be a certain age?

All guests have to be over the age of 18 for our group departures. We do run private family tours, where children are allowed, if accompanied by an an adult.

Do we wear wetsuits or 'skins'?

It’s completely up to guests what they swim in, however we recommend wetsuits in April – June as the waters are still chilly! For “skins” swimmers, we ask for evidence that they are swimming regularly in advance of the tour. 

  • We provide brightly coloured hats for all guests
  • Tow-floats are mandatory, for visibility purposes 

What is included on a swim holiday?

We try and make our swimming tours as simple as possible, with the following included on all tours

  • All accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
  • One or two picnic lunches, depending on the length of the tour
  • One or two dinners, depending on the length of the tours
  • Fully qualified Guides on every swim, either on the shore/ bank or on sea craft
  • Guides for all other needs – from early in the morning till last thing at night
  • All transport – we have a fleet of vehicles to transport you between swims 
  • Luggage transfers 

What is not included on a swim holiday?

  • All meals not indicated as above
  • Swimming equipment, e.g. wetsuit, googles, tow floats (which are mandatory)
  • Evening drinks

Wild Swimming Photo Gallery