Wild Swimming in Dorset
Tranquil river pools, sun-dappled millponds, and secret beaches, it’s easy to see why so many of us are abandoning the chlorine and cacophony of indoor swimming baths in favour of the great outdoors.
The rivers of Dorset provide some of the region’s most enchanting wild swimming spots. From the gentle wends of the River Frome to the eddies and weirs of the River Stour, we’ve put together a list of nine lesser-known wild swimming locations for you to discover and enjoy.
If you’re seeking the rush of natural water, this is the blog for you.
Colber Bridge, near Sturminster Newton
A beautiful stretch of the River Stour surrounded by grassy meadows and lined by low reaching boughs. Cool waters slow around the piers of the ornate wrought-iron Colber Bridge and a deep channel runs through the midriff. According to the locals, longer swims can be enjoyed further upstream at Bather’s Island, a former river swimming club. Snipe, reed warblers and kingfishers are often seen darting along the banks, as are otters, dragonflies, and a myriad of butterflies. This idyllic setting, in the heart of Dorset, continues to stir the souls of all who discover it.
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Fiddleford Manor, near Sturminster Newton
Another of the River Stour’s much-loved swimming spots, Fiddleford Manor is a quiet millpond on the banks of a historic manor house believed to have been built during the 1300s by the Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset. Water is channelled by three old sluice gates and is known to become invitingly tepid during the summer months. You’ll find yourselves surrounded by the Stour Valley, a landscape synonymous with novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy. The area is characterised by ancient woodlands and medieval estates, a history captured by the magnificent oak truces and arched braces of Fiddleford Manor, now minded and maintained by English Heritage and open for public tours. Enjoy a natural dip in this lesser-known corner of old Wessex.
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Eye Bridge, The River Stour, near Wimborne Minster
As the River Stour (also known as the Dorset Stour) flows south-east it begins to flow through wider passages on its way to the pretty market town of Wimborne Minster. Near the thatched cottage village of Pamphill there is a stretch of mature river that runs beneath a wooden footbridge (known locally as the Eye Bridge) where you’ll find beachy juts ahead of a small weir, a popular wild swimming spot. This lovely section of the Stour Valley Way is teeming with wildlife, including kingfishers, little egrets and herons who feast on the chubs, trout and minnows. From the bridge, you can follow the waymarks on an circular walk toward Cowgrove Common and back through bluebell woods to the Pamphill Parlour Café for a light bite or cream tea.
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Moreton Ford, River Frome
The shallow waters of Moreton Ford (also referred to as the Moreton Splash) are great for introducing youngsters to the joys of wild water. This wide pool, with its shallow, shimmering gravel bed and leafy surrounds, also provides a great spot for picnickers. The Ford is spanned by a narrow footbridge, perfect for a game of ‘Pooh sticks’ or for catching a glimpse of the tiddler fish that dart below the surface. The nearby community of Moreton is famous for being the former home of Colonel Thomas Edward Lawrence, more commonly known as Lawrence of Arabia, who once rented a cottage in the village and is buried in the local churchyard.
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Wareham Bridge, the River Frome
As the River Frome runs its course, it passes beneath the historic arches of Wareham Bridge. On hot summer days, this is a popular spot for swimmers, many of whom also enjoy a picnic on the riverbank. You must be mindful of passing boats and canoes (and the odd flotilla of ducks) and you’re strongly advised not to jump from the bridge’s parapet as the river isn’t deep enough to suspend your plunge. Wild swimmers relish the opportunity to experience ‘the Frome’s’ final leg as it wends towards its headwaters, followed by a pint and some lunch on Wareham Quay.
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Cutt Mill, near Hinton St Mary
Not far upstream from the picturesque villages of Sturminster Marshall and Hinton St Mary lie the ruins of Cutt Mill. Wild swimmers love this serene setting with its mellow waters and mixture of shallows and deeps. The mill dates back to Saxon times and was scribed in the Domesday Book, once home to generations of millers and bakers up until the Second World War. This tranquil spot attracts an abundance of wildlife, including common sandpipers and sedge warblers during the summer months.
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White Mill, Sturminster Marshall
White Mill is an 18th-century retired corn mill set on the outskirts of Sturminster Marshall and owned by the National Trust. This historic building still retains many of its original features, including its original elm and applewood machinery. A little further downstream are the decorative arches of White Mill Bridge, believed to date back to the 12th Century and allegedly the oldest bridge site in Dorset. This is one of the River Stour’s most tranquil stretches, enticing wild swimmers with its cool waters which can carry you as far as Eye Bridge (aforementioned) if you’re feeling adventurous. There are also some lovely countryside pubs to be found along the way, just make sure you’ve got some willing family or friends waiting on the riverbank with towels and dry clothes.
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Lake Pier, Poole Harbour
The sparkling waters of Poole Harbour provide the location for our next wild swim. Lake Pier is tucked away along the shoreline close to the Ham Common nature reserve. A long wooden pier straddles the strandline to reach the shallows before they shelve into the deeper harbour. Swimmers tend to bathe in the less-crowded waters either side of the pier, many migrating west to the quieter seclusions of Rockley Point. This is a wonderful spot to enjoy a dazzling sunrise or the remains of a summer’s day, one of Poole Harbour’s hidden gems.
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Lymington Sea Water Baths
The Georgian seafaring town of Lymington provides the backdrop for our final open sky swimming recommendation. It can’t be classed as wild swimming per se, and we realise we’ve strayed outside the boundaries of Dorset, but the Lymington Sea Water Baths offer an exciting alternative for all those not quite ready to take on the open water or winding rivers. Children can jump and splash around ’till their hearts are content on the inflatable obstacle course (the biggest on the south coast) and lifeguards patrol the baths at all times. The town’s long association with sea water baths stretches back to the 18th Century. More recently, in 2012, this much-loved facility received Grade 2 listed status.
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Wild swimming offers an exhilarating outdoor experience, but always remember to put both yours and your loved ones’ safety first. This Wild Swimming safety guide is essential reading for all those looking to take the plunge.
Discover some of the UK’s most treasured wild swimming spots when you book a stay with Toad Hall Cottages.