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Outdoor swimming pools in Dorset
With its perfect mix of coast and countryside, Dorset is the ideal place for a UK getaway. Located in southern England, the Jurassic Coast is famous for its historical rock formations and prehistoric fossils—many of which can still be found today.
As the third most southerly county in the UK, it benefits from warm summers and mild winters and is less affected by winds than Cornwall or Devon, making it one of the best places for outdoor and wild swimming.
Enjoy outdoor swimming in Dorset
You won’t want to miss outdoor swimming in Dorset on your next break.
Whether you’re looking for splash pools, water attractions, or outdoor pools in Dorset, we’ve got you covered with this guide to some of the best places to enjoy outdoor swimming.
Wareham Forest tourist park
Open between 8:30 and 17:30 from late May to early September, this outdoor pool in Dorset is one you won’t want to miss. It is located next to some beautiful trails and nature walks and is just a 25-minute drive from Swanage Bay or a mere 35 minutes from East Fleet Farm.
Find out moreThe best places for wild swimming in Dorset
Whilst swimming pools are a great way to enjoy outdoor swimming in Dorset, wild swimming is the perfect opportunity to soak in your surroundings and connect with nature on your getaway.
Here are some of the best places for wild swimming in Dorset:
The River Frome
The River Frome in Dorset flows for about 35 miles, stretching from Evershot through the high chalk downland north of Dorchester to Poole Harbour, where it enters alongside its sister stream, the Piddle. The river provides some great spots for wild swimming in Dorset, such as Moreton Ford and Wareham Bridge.
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Moreton Ford
A 35-minute drive from Swanage Bay and East Fleet Farm, Moreton Ford is just one of the places you could enjoy wild swimming in Dorset. A small pedestrian bridge spans the ford, making it the perfect spot for family picnics and a paddle on sunny days.
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Wareham Bridge
Wareham Bridge, also located along the River Frome and just 20 minutes from Swanage Bay, is a great spot for a picnic and a wild swim in Dorset. Watch out for passing boats, canoes and ducks if you decide to go for a dip!
White Mill – Sturminster Marshall
This 18th-century corn mill might be retired, but it happily frames the gorgeous landscape where wild swimming is possible in Dorset. Downstream this stretch of the River Stour, you’ll find the White Mill Bridge, which is believed to have stood since the 12th century, making it one of the oldest bridges in Dorset.
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Lake Pier – Poole Harbour
The second-largest natural harbour in the world, Poole Harbour is filled with boats and can get pretty busy, but if you fancy a wild swim here, you can head towards the pier and Rockley Point.
Dancing Ledge – Purbeck
Just 15 minutes from our Swanage Bay View holiday park, Dancing Ledge is one of Dorsets most beautiful places for wild swimming. It is a small pool that’s been naturally carved out of one of the ledges left by the quarrying of Portland stone. It’s not the easiest place to access, with the last 10-12 feet being vertical, but this secluded seawater spot is well worth the journey.
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Chapman’s Pool – Isle of Purbeck
The path down to this secret wild swimming pool in Dorset can be muddy and wet, but if you’re a confident swimmer or snorkeler, Chapman’s Pool is a must-visit. This spot is unsuitable for children, with no facilities, limited signal, and no lifeguards. However, it is a great option if you’re looking for a quieter cove with the occasional sailing boat to admire.
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Cutt Mill
Cutt Mill, another wild swimming pool in Dorset, has a rich history for you to take in as you’re soaking in the river. Just upstream from Sturminster Newton, you’ll find grain has been milled on the site for what’s predicted to be around 2000 years.
Find out moreSplash parks and outdoor pools in Dorset for children
If you’ve had your fill of wild swimming in Dorset and are looking for more child-friendly splash parks and outdoor pools in Dorset, you’re in the right place. Here are just some of our favourites, each under an hour’s drive from our parks in Dorset.
Upton Country Park splash fountains
Just 30 minutes away from Swanage Bay, Upton Country Park splash fountains make for the perfect day out. Enjoy 160 acres of park and woodland, 2.6 kilometres of shoreline and 32 acres of the formal garden at this award-winning Country Park. See the Grade II Listed Georgian Mansion House, spot the wildlife and play in the summer splash fountains between 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm daily.
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Redhill paddling pool
This popular padding pool near Redhill Common Nature Reserve sits within an enclosed playpark, so you can sit back and relax while the little ones make a splash. There’s free parking on the roads nearby, public toilets and a café selling snacks, drinks and ice cream. What more could you want?
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Pier Approach splash fountains
Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, the sprinklers at Pier Approach make for a fantastic (and very wet) day out. Near Bournemouth Pier, there are pay-and-display car parks, public toilets, and plenty of restaurants.
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Hamworthy Park paddling pool
Hamworthy Park has a large shallow paddling pool and play park within a gated area. Set by the water’s edge, you can admire the beach huts and grab an ice cream from the on-site café.
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Greenhill Gardens paddling pool
Just 20 minutes from East Fleet Farm, Greenhill Gardens paddling pool is a shallow paddling pool and sandpit within a fenced area. Positioned adjacent to Weymouth Beach, you’ll not only find a few cafes but also tennis courts and a putting green for you to explore.
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The Borough Gardens
A short walk from Dorchester town centre, the award-winning Borough Gardens is set within an enclosed play park. The splash pad features jets of water for the children to run through. Pay-and-display car parks are nearby, and a kiosk selling light snacks and drinks is on site.
Find out moreOutdoor swimming at Dorset attractions
If you’re a family of bigger kids looking for a more action-packed way to enjoy outdoor swimming in Dorset, look no further than these attractions:
Dorset Adventure Park
Just 20 minutes from Swanage Bay, you’ll find Dorset Adventure Park, located at Corfe Castle. Among 18 acres of woodland, you can push your limits upon two beautiful lakes with the Inflatable Outdoor Water Park or The Mud Trail Obstacle Assault Course!
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Sea Life Adventure Park
Close to East Fleet Farm, Sea Life Adventure Park takes meeting aquatic animals to a new level. After journeying through the coral reef and climbing aboard the Caribbean Cove play area on dry land, you could jump into the Splash Zone, where you’ll find an outdoor pool, water jets and children’s fountains.
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Farmer Palmers
Another Splash Zone to end an exciting day out, head to Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park to get up close and personal with the animals, explore indoor and outdoor play areas, and, of course, make a splash!
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