Swimming Holidays in the South West of England

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!

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.

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 trained by the Royal Life Saving Society 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

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.

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 from April until 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 (too 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!

Absolutely! 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.

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.

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.

It’s completely up to guests what they swim in, however we recommend wetsuits from April until 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 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
• 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

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