Dartmoor river pools carved through granite gorges, hidden coves with crystal-clear Atlantic water, tidal pools beneath sea cliffs — Devon has some of the finest wild swimming in England. Whether you want a gentle family paddle or an icy plunge beneath a tor, this is the complete guide.
Swim spots
Types of swim
Peak summer temp
Our detailed Dartmoor-specific guide covers 9 river pools with grid references, parking, water temps, safety advice and seasonal tips. The definitive moorland swimming resource.
The classic Dartmoor wild swim — a broad, peaty pool on the East Dart with grassy banks for sunbathing, gentle entry for families and clear amber water in summer. Busy on hot weekends but utterly beautiful.
Dartmoor wild swimming at its most dramatic — a deep gorge pool beneath a cliff face with a natural jumping rock. 20-minute woodland walk keeps crowds away. Not for beginners, but unforgettable for confident swimmers.
Crystal-clear sheltered water in a stunning cove near Dartmouth. Feels almost Mediterranean on a good day — minimal currents, clean water, and a café on the beach. One of Devon's finest sea swimming spots.
Warm, calm estuary water on the sheltered river side of Bantham beach. Perfect for nervous open water swimmers and families with small children. The sandy bottom slopes gently and the setting is gorgeous.
Victorian hand-carved tunnels lead to a natural tidal pool enclosed by rocks — one of Devon's most unique swimming spots. The pool fills at high tide and provides sheltered bathing below dramatic cliffs. Entry fee applies.
Sea swimming in a voluntary marine conservation area — swim out to the Great Mewstone island (for experienced swimmers only), or paddle in the sheltered rock pools at low tide. Outstanding underwater life and clean water.
Accessible family river swimming with shallow paddling pools near the ancient clapper bridge and deeper pools upstream. Combine with a forest walk to Bellever Tor. Good car park and easy walk in.
Two sheltered sandy coves with gentle water — Inner Hope is particularly calm and safe for swimming. The village is picture-perfect with thatched cottages, a pub, and the coast path running through. Lovely morning swim spot.
Atmospheric medieval bridge over the River Teign in a deep wooded valley. Pools above and below the bridge for swimming, surrounded by ancient oaks. The Fingle Bridge Inn sits right on the riverbank — swim then eat.
Two neighbouring bays between Paignton and Brixham — Broadsands has a wide sandy beach with calm water, while Elberry Cove (a short walk along the coast path) is more secluded with a pebble beach and clear swimming.
A steep valley on the Exmoor coast where the River Heddon cuts through oak woodland to reach the sea at Heddon's Mouth. Clear river pools in the upper valley and an atmospheric beach where the river meets the Bristol Channel.
A Grade II listed sea-water lido carved into the rocks below Berry Head. The 53-metre pool fills naturally with each tide and is maintained by volunteers. Free to use, open May–September. A genuine Devon gem.
Turquoise water in sheltered coves accessible by the East Portlemouth ferry or by foot. Sunny Cove is a tiny hidden gem reached by a scramble down rocks. Mill Bay offers easier access with fine sand and clear water.
Northern Dartmoor's secret — a deep, wooded cleave on the River Taw with far fewer visitors than the Dart. Narrow, wild-feeling pools reached by a 30-minute walk from Belstone village. A proper off-the-beaten-track swim.
Dramatic red pebble beach with clean water and the River Otter estuary at the eastern end. Quieter than other South Devon swimming spots — popular with morning dip regulars and cold water swimmers year-round.
Wide, gentle stretches of the River Exe north of Exeter with easy access from riverside paths. Meadow-lined banks, dappled shade and clean water. Popular with local outdoor swimming groups. Shallow enough for wading in many sections.
Sandy beach with the iconic Thurlestone Rock arch — swim out to it at high tide for a memorable Devon wild swim. The beach itself has gentle water and a National Trust café. Excellent for a morning sea swim.
Where the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water rivers meet in a dramatic, boulder-strewn gorge — deep plunge pools beneath waterfalls in ancient oak woodland. Powerful water, cold temperatures. For experienced wild swimmers only.
Devon's wild swim spots are unmanaged — no lifeguards, no safety equipment. Respect the water and follow these essential guidelines.
Enter gradually — never dive in from cold. Even in summer, Devon river water can be 14°C or below. Cold water shock can incapacitate strong swimmers in seconds. Acclimatise slowly and know the gasp reflex.
Rain upstream causes rivers to rise fast — especially on Dartmoor. If water is discoloured, fast-moving or higher than normal, do not enter. Check the weather forecast before setting out.
Always swim with at least one other person. Carry a phone in a waterproof case. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. Consider a brightly-coloured tow float for visibility.
Check tide times before coastal swims. Be aware of rip currents — if caught, swim parallel to shore. Avoid swimming near headlands where tidal races can be powerful. Wear a wetsuit in open water.
Never jump or dive into water you haven't checked. Depth changes after floods, submerged rocks shift. Even at known jumping spots, check conditions each visit. Jumping is always at your own risk.
Cover cuts with waterproof plasters before swimming (Weil's disease risk in fresh water). Avoid swimming 48 hours after heavy rainfall when runoff can affect water quality. Check Surfers Against Sewage for real-time coastal alerts.