Sea Swimming in Sussex
Sussex has some of the best sea swimming in the UK. Discover organised swimming groups, tidal pools, and open water swim spots along the Sussex coast — from Brighton and Worthing to Eastbourne and Hastings.
32 venues listed
Tinside Lido
Plymouth, Devon
One of the finest Art Deco lidos in the world — a stunning 1930s outdoor seawater pool on Plymouth Hoe, perched directly above Plymouth Sound with views across the harbour and the Cornish coast beyond. Tinside Lido has a circular pool design, original Art Deco fountains and changing rooms, and is one of just a handful of seawater lidos still operating in England. Swimming here, with Drake's Island and the breakwater on the horizon, is genuinely unforgettable.
Jubilee Pool
Penzance, Cornwall
The most spectacular outdoor swimming pool in the UK — a Grade II* listed Art Deco seawater lido at the very tip of the Penzance peninsula in Cornwall, overlooking Mount's Bay and St Michael's Mount. Jubilee Pool is a genuine architectural marvel, built in 1935, and now uniquely heated by geothermal energy drawn from Cornwall's granite bedrock. The geothermal pool maintains a luxurious 35 degrees year-round. Swimming here — with the sea on three sides — is an utterly extraordinary experience.
Stonehaven Open Air Pool
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
One of Scotland's most beloved outdoor swimming pools — a heated Art Deco seawater lido perched on the clifftop at Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, with dramatic views across the North Sea. Open from May to September, Stonehaven lido is the northernmost heated outdoor pool in the UK and hosts legendary midnight swims on midsummer evenings. A genuinely magical Scottish swimming experience.
Surf Snowdonia
Conwy, Conwy
The world's first inland surf lagoon, set in a stunning North Wales valley in the Snowdonia foothills. Surf Snowdonia offers surfing for all abilities, cold water swimming in the lagoon, and a growing wellness programme — a genuinely unique outdoor wellbeing experience in an extraordinary natural setting in Wales.
St Enodoc Hotel
Wadebridge, Cornwall
A beautiful contemporary hotel on the Camel Estuary at Rock in North Cornwall, steps from the water and surrounded by some of Cornwall's best beaches, sailing, and walking. St Enodoc's spa has treatment rooms, a sauna, and an outdoor hot tub — alongside immediate access to Polzeath surf beach, the Camel Trail cycle route and the clear estuary waters for wild swimming.
The Grove of Narberth
Narberth, Pembrokeshire
A beautiful boutique spa hotel in the heart of Pembrokeshire, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of West Wales. The Grove's spa features an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna, and a range of treatments drawing on Welsh natural ingredients — paired with outstanding local food and easy access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and its wild sea swimming.
Saunton Sands Hotel
Braunton, Devon
A classic art deco hotel perched above one of the finest beaches in North Devon — Saunton Sands, a 3-mile sweep of Atlantic surf backed by Braunton Burrows. The hotel's spa has an indoor pool, outdoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and sea-view treatment rooms. One of the most classically beautiful seaside spa hotels in England.
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate
St Ives, Cornwall
A beautiful Cornish hotel on a private Blue Flag beach in Carbis Bay near St Ives — made famous as the venue for the 2021 G7 Summit. The estate spa has an indoor pool, outdoor ocean-facing pool, sauna, steam room, and a full range of treatments — all with stunning views across St Ives Bay. One of the most scenically spectacular spa hotels in Cornwall.
The Headland Hotel & Spa
Newquay, Cornwall
A dramatic Victorian Gothic hotel sitting high above Fistral Beach in Newquay — Cornwall's most famous surf beach. The Headland's spa has an indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, and clifftop hot tubs with views across the Atlantic. A genuinely exhilarating wellness destination combining surf culture with spa luxury.
St Michael's Resort
Falmouth, Cornwall
A stunning contemporary spa resort right on the water's edge in Falmouth, Cornwall. St Michael's features a spectacular indoor-outdoor pool overlooking the Fal estuary, hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a full range of treatments — all with that extraordinary Cornish coastal light. One of the most beautifully located spa hotels in the South West.
Bude Sea Pool
Bude, Cornwall
A remarkable tidal seawater pool carved into the rocks at Summerleaze Beach in Bude, North Cornwall — one of the finest sea pools in the UK. Naturally filled by the Atlantic on each tide, Bude Sea Pool offers a sheltered open water swimming experience on one of Cornwall's most beautiful surf beaches. Free to use and maintained by a local trust.
Watergate Bay Hotel
Newquay, Cornwall
A vibrant surf and wellness hotel directly on the sand at Watergate Bay, one of Cornwall's most spectacular beaches. Watergate Bay Hotel is a year-round destination — with surfing, yoga, open water swimming, a spa, outdoor hot tubs, and a strong wellness programme alongside world-class waves. A uniquely active and restorative Cornish escape.
Jubilee Pool Penzance
Penzance, Cornwall
A stunning Art Deco seawater lido built in 1935 on the seafront at Penzance in Cornwall. Recently restored and featuring a geothermally heated pool alongside the main tidal pool, Jubilee Pool is one of the most beautiful outdoor swimming venues in the UK — and a genuine piece of Cornish heritage.
Lusty Glaze Beach
Newquay, Cornwall
A stunning private cove near Newquay with crystal-clear water, accessible via a steep path through a wooded valley. Lusty Glaze hosts open water swimming events and wild swimming experiences in one of Cornwall's most beautiful natural settings — a must for sea swimmers visiting the north Cornish coast.
Solace Sauna
Fawley, Hampshire
A traditional wood-fired sauna sitting directly on the shoreline of Lepe Country Park, with cold Solent sea swimming right outside the door. Women's circles, yoga-and-sauna ritual events, and private hire — one of the most beautifully situated beach saunas on the south coast.
Sea Sauna Sheringham
Sheringham, Norfolk
An authentic wood-fired sauna on Sheringham promenade a stone's throw from the North Sea on the Norfolk coast. Community and private sessions run throughout the year, with direct access to cold sea swimming — a proper cold-water contrast therapy experience on a beautiful stretch of coastline.
Tŷ Sawna — Oxwich Bay
Oxwich, Swansea
Two bespoke wood-fired barrel saunas set directly on the sands of Oxwich Bay in the Gower Peninsula, with sweeping ocean views through panoramic windows. Sauna sessions with direct access to the sea, plus regular beach yoga and breathwork events — a genuinely spectacular setting.
SwimSwimSwim Brighton
Brighton, East Sussex
Open water sea swimming coaching on Brighton's seafront for all abilities — from first-timers to channel hopefuls. Community-led morning sessions with qualified coaches, safety cover, and a genuinely warm welcome. One of the most active sea swimming communities on the South Coast.
Rewild Sauna
Chichester, West Sussex
A wood-fired beach sauna right at the water's edge at Bracklesham Bay, East Wittering. Shingle beach sessions with sea access for cold plunges — one of the most exposed and exhilarating spots on the West Sussex coast. Public and private sessions available year-round.
Wild Scottish Sauna
St Andrews, Scotland
Seaside wood-fired saunas at four stunning Scottish coastal locations — Portobello, St Andrews, Elie, and Kingsbarns. Each session pairs the sauna with a direct dip in the North Sea. Year-round, all weathers, exactly as intended.
Soul Water Sauna Portobello
Edinburgh, Scotland
A purpose-built wood-fired sauna on Edinburgh's beloved Portobello Beach with direct access to the sea for cold-water immersion. Accommodates up to 8 guests. The combination of a 90°C sauna and the Firth of Forth is hard to beat.
Fire, Salt & Sea Worthing
Worthing, West Sussex
A wood-fired beach sauna sitting right on Worthing's seafront with year-round sessions for individuals, couples, and groups. The sauna heats to 90°C while the English Channel waits just steps away for your cold plunge. One of the most atmospheric spots on the West Sussex coast.
Hastings Seagull Swim Club
Hastings, East Sussex
A friendly and competitive sea and open water swimming club in Hastings offering training for all standards and ages in one of East Sussex's most characterful coastal towns. Combining sea swimming for health, competitive training, and an active community of year-round ocean enthusiasts.
Seabirds Brighton CIC
Brighton, East Sussex
A community interest company dedicated to cold water sea swimming along the Sussex coast, running the Salty Seabirds wild swim group covering Brighton, Hove, Worthing and Shoreham. Providing swim kit, tide chart resources, safety guidance, and a thriving community for year-round sea swimmers.
Beach Bandit Swimming
Brighton, East Sussex
An adult open water swimming club in Brighton & Hove offering coached group sea sessions focused on technique, endurance, and key open water skills like sighting, buoy turns, and pacing. Ideal for confident swimmers training for races, triathlons, or long-distance events.
Eastbourne Open Water Swimming Club
Eastbourne, East Sussex
A community open water swimming group meeting year-round from Eastbourne beach on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays in August. Experienced swimmers on hand to guide newcomers.
Sea Lanes Brighton
Brighton, East Sussex
The UK's National Open Water Swimming Centre, featuring a 50m heated outdoor pool on Brighton's seafront alongside direct sea access. A landmark wellness venue offering swimming, coaching, fitness classes, and community events.
Florence House
Seaford, East Sussex
A beautifully restored 1920s retreat centre set in six acres at the top of Seaford Head, two minutes from the beach. A popular venue for yoga, meditation, creative, and healing retreats with stunning South Downs views.
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa
Littlehampton, West Sussex
A medieval-style coastal hotel and spa near a private beach, offering thermal suites, indoor and outdoor pools, and a full menu of spa treatments. Set in beautiful grounds steps from the sea.
iSwim Brighton
Brighton, East Sussex
A members-only sea swimming club based at Brighton Sailing Club, offering year-round cold water sea swimming with a structured buddy system, community events, and full changing facilities.
Ocean Set Brighton
Brighton, East Sussex
A structured coached sea swimming programme running Sunday sessions from Sea Lanes in Brighton, building front crawl technique and open water confidence for swimmers of all abilities.
Brighton & Hove Swimming Club — Sea Swimming
Brighton, East Sussex
England's oldest continuously running swimming club (founded 1860), offering year-round sea swimming from a private clubhouse arch on Brighton's Madeira Drive, with an active events calendar.