Kent, a stunning county in England, presents numerous options for open water swimming enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the serene lakes scattered throughout the county or the picturesque coastline, discovering your ideal spot for the next open water swim won't be a challenge.
To simplify your search, we have compiled a list of the top wild swimming locations in Kent. However, please keep in mind that it is crucial to adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate the hazards associated with open water swimming.
Lake Swimming
St Andrews Lakes
Location: Halling
Price: £7.50-£15
Swim course length: 200m & 600m
Supervised?: Yes
Requirements: Tow float/bag, brightly coloured swim cap, & NOWCA wristband
Induction required?: Yes
St Andrews Lakes is the ideal destination for those seeking a lifeguard-supervised lake with exceptional water quality. This location offers a range of swimming opportunities, including regular swimming sessions, cold water swimming, moon swimming, and coaching workshops. With so many choices available, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Laybourne Lakes
Location: Aylesford
Price: £7
Swim course length: 400m, 550m, 750m, & 1330m
Supervised?: Yes
Requirements: Tow float/dry bag & brightly coloured swim cap
Induction required?: Yes
At Laybourne Lakes, you have the option to swim various distances, allowing you to relish your time in the water for as long as you desire. Whether you seek a leisurely swim or are training for an open water swimming competition, this location caters to all your needs (provided you don't mind sharing the water with the resident ducks).
Haysden Lakes
Location: Tonbridge
Price: £12
Swim course length: 600m & 1000m
Supervised?: Yes
Requirements: Brightly coloured swim cap
Induction required?: Yes
Haysden Lakes welcomes swimmers from May to September during the peak season, providing a stunning swim location with conveniences like changing rooms and restrooms. Similar to other lakes on this list, an induction is mandatory, which comprises an assessment and a 400m swim test. Following the induction, you are free to swim along the 600m or 1000m circuits.
Chipstead Lake
Location: Sevenoaks
Price: £12
Swim course length: 200m, 400m, & 750m
Supervised?: Yes
Requirements: Brightly coloured swim cap
Induction required?: Yes
This swim venue is perfect for beginners or those who feel less confident in open water. They can stay in the shallow and sheltered parts of the lake to practice and enhance their confidence. The lake's clear and excellent quality water makes it a well-liked destination for swimmers of all levels, from novices to experts.
Bewl Water Reservoir
Location: Lamberhurst
Price: £12
Swim course length: 400m & 750m
Requirements: Bright coloured swim cap
Located amidst 800 acres of picturesque nature, Bewl Water Reservoir boasts a serene reservoir lake and a sprawling forest. The venue offers a thrilling opportunity to partake in open water swimming sessions with Triswim, where you can opt for either the 400m or 750m swim circuits, or even try your hand at both.
Sea Swimming
Minnis Bay
Location: Birchington
Supervised?: In peak season
Beach type: Sandy
Blue flag?: Yes
Nestled on the north-eastern coast of Kent lies the captivating Minnis Bay. Adorned with a picturesque sandy beach and the occasional gleam of English sunshine, it remains a favored destination for sea swimming. The peak summer season is especially popular for swimming in the supervised waters, with lifeguards keeping a watchful eye over the bay.
Botany Bay
Location: Broadstairs
Supervised?: In peak season
Beach type: Sandy
Blue flag?: Yes
Botany Bay is situated along the coast from Minnis Bay and is perfectly nestled between Margate and Broadstairs. This hidden gem boasts a stunning 200m long blue flag sandy beach, offering conveniences like a cafe and restroom facilities. Additionally, lifeguards supervise the waters during summer, ensuring a safe and secure swimming experience.
St Margarets Bay
Location: Near Dover
Supervised?: No
Beach type: Shingle
Blue flag?: No
A short distance away from Dover lies St Margarets Bay, fondly referred to as Hellfire Corner. Although the shingle beach is only accessible through a narrow and winding road, the perilous journey is justified by the unparalleled swimming experience here. Once you venture into the English Channel, take a moment to bask in the beauty of the colossal chalk cliffs. On fortunate days, the view extends all the way to France, rendering it an unforgettable experience.
Tankerton Beach
Location: Near Whitstable
Supervised?: In peak season
Beach type: Shingle
Blue flag?: Yes
Tankerton Beach is a renowned blue flag shingle beach and a favored destination for open water swimmers, particularly during the peak summer season. A section of the beach is supervised by a lifeguard, making it the safest area to indulge in a refreshing swim.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
Location: Margate
Supervised?: No
Beach type: Sandy
Blue flag?: No
Immerse yourself in the largest tidal pool in the UK - the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool. Encompassing a vast area of 4 acres, the pool's depth reaches 6ft in some sections, making it an ideal spot for sea swimming with the added protection of a tidal pool.
Mermaid Beach
Location: Folkestone
Supervised?: No
Beach type: Shingle
Blue flag?: No
Venture along the western coast from Dover, and you'll stumble upon Mermaid Beach, situated in Folkestone. On clear days, the shingle beach offers a breathtaking view of the English Channel, overlooking France in the distance. It's essential to exercise caution while swimming here as there is no designated lifeguard on duty.