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Discover Swimming on the Isle of Wight
Take your getaway to another level and reconnect with nature by swimming on the Isle of Wight. With a range of indoor, outdoor and wild swimming spots in the Isle of Wight, there’s a way for the entire family to make a splash.
One of the best UK wild swimming spots
Find the best UK wild swimming spots on the Isle of Wight, where you can jump right into the great outdoors and make the most of your surroundings. Soak up the sunshine, be liberated in the rain or simply enjoy the views wild swimming in the Isle of Wight offers.
Freshwater Bay
One of the best places for wild swimming on the Isle of Wight, Freshwater Bay is a gorgeous beach in the west, just south of Freshwater. The beach is made up of grey flint and chalk pebbles, meaning the sound the waves make as they crash is just one part of the unique wild swimming experience.
At low tide, a rock ledge appears, making it a great spot for rock pooling with the little ones.
However, this Bay is renowned for its bright blue waters and secluded nature. It is surrounded by chalk cliffs that have been exposed to the sea for thousands of years.
Sandown Bay
Another great spot for wild swimming on the Isle of Wight is Sandown Bay, a broad, open Bay that stretches eight and a half miles down the length of the islands southeastern coast. The towns of Shanklin, Lake and Sandown are on the coast, making these the best places to wild swim in the Isle of Wight, taking in the views of the island above you as you paddle in the waves close to the shore.
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Blackgang naturist beach
Not such a family-friendly beach, this south-facing, unofficial naturist beach could be a unique take on your Isle of Wight wild swimming adventures. Used by both locals and visitors, this secluded beach has a steep descent with a rope for assistance, so make sure you’re prepared if you choose to visit Blackgang naturist beach to enjoy a particularly wild swim in the Isle of Wight.
Swim the Wight
If you’re looking for even more adventure, Swim the Wight is a social enterprise on the island that aims to help those who want to swim around the Isle of Wight safely. You can join the group for wild swimming around the Isle of Wight any time of year, several times a week. Supervised sessions allow you the freedom to swim, dip, or float around the island.
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Isle of Wight Swim Safari
Another opportunity to enjoy Isle of Wight wild swimming in a group is the Isle of Wight Swim Safari. Whilst there’s a fee to join, you can see the island’s top sights in a new way with this wild swimming experience.
Find out moreSwims include:
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A swim under the cliffs from Alum Bay to the Needles Lighthouse, where you’ll ‘Thread the Needles’.
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Swimming to Lord Holmes’s Caves underneath Tennyson Down.
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Wild swimming in the Isle of Wight with seals (if they’re around).
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A swim ashore to the beaches of Colwell, Totland, Alum, Scratchell’s or Freshwater Bay.
Tips for wild swimming in the Isle of Wight
Wild swimming in the Isle of Wight can be a great way to relax and admire the landscape. However, here are some of our top tips to stay safe:
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Never swim alone, particularly if you’re new to wild swimming in the Isle of Wight.
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Swim close to the shore.
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Cold water can impact your ability to swim as far as you can in a warm pool (usually by a tenth of the distance).
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Consider the tidal currents.
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Wetsuits are recommended when wild swimming in the Isle of Wight.
Water activities and swimming pools in the Isle of Wight
As wild swimming in the Isle of Wight might not be everyone's cup of tea, we’ve rounded up some of the best water activities and swimming pools for you to enjoy with the entire family.
Waterside Pool
Next to the boating lake and beach in Ryde, Waterside Pool is open all year and offers activities for all ages and abilities. From workout classes to casual swimming, this swimming pool in the Isle of Wight is one of the few in the UK with a retractable roof, making it both an indoor and outdoor pool when the weather allows!
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Isle of Wight Aqua Park
If its a splash you really want, Isle of Wight Aqua Park is the only outdoor water park on the island, making it the wettest and bounciest obstacle course in the Isle of Wight. With over 20 obstacles to overcome, giant slides and more, you will be in your element if you are an adventurer at heart. It is only suitable for confident swimmers, and people usually spend one to two hours here.
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Ventnor Paddling Pool
Second place in the Seaside Heritage Network’s ‘Bucket & Space Top Ten Seaside Experiences 2024’, Ventnor Paddling Pool features a model of the Isle of Wight, surrounded by shallow water for the little ones to play in. Children can charge across the model island, jumping over mountains and feeling on top of the world in this unique setting.
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West Wight Sports Centre
In Freshwater, this Isle of Wight indoor swimming pool is a great place to spend a rainy day with the family. There are plenty of things to do here, including a sports hall, gym, climbing wall, and café. Over 50 adult fitness classes are held each week alongside children’s activities.
Find out moreThere are two pools to choose from—the main pool, which is 25 meters long and 13 meters wide, has a shallow end that’s one meter deep and a deep end that reaches three meters – and a small pool, which is ideal for children and beginners at just 0.8 meters deep.
1Leisure The Heights
Another fitness destination, you’ll find centres in Newport, Sandown and Ryde, where indoor swimming pools in the Isle of Wight are just a part of what you can find here. There are gyms, fitness studios, squash courts, over 100 weekly classes, and four swimming pools to explore.
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Hot tubs in the Isle of Wight
Why not soak up the great outdoors in another way and embark on a hot tub holiday in the Isle of Wight? Not only can you float and take in the scenery, just like you would in a swimming pool in the Isle of Wight, but you can enjoy the privacy of your luxury accommodation and bask in nature in your very own hot tub.
Find out moreSwimming on the Isle of Wight FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about swimming on the Isle of Wight.
What is the Solent Swim in the Isle of Wight?
The Solent Swim in the Isle of Wight is a challenge set out by the West Wight Sports and Community Centre, in which many swimmers set out to complete the Solent Swim. This swim is 1.3 miles long and involves crossing the Solent, starting at Hurst Point and ending at Colwell Bay.
It’s not a race, and swimmers are paired up with another swimmer of similar ability, whilst a kayaker is allocated to travel beside them for safety.
Is wild swimming in the Isle of Wight safe?
Wild swimming on the Isle of Wight is safe, but you should be confident before submerging yourself in the water. Check out the best places to go, and don’t go wild swimming alone.
There are many other tips for keeping safe when wild swimming in the Isle of Wight, so be sure to check them out before diving in.
Does my holiday park in the Isle of Wight have a swimming pool?
Many holiday parks in the Isle of Wight will have a swimming pool that the entire family can enjoy. At Away Resorts, we have plenty of fun ways you can make a splash, such as by relaxing in a hot tub or jumping into the pool at Whitecliff Bay.
What are you waiting for? Book your holiday now to explore swimming in the Isle of Wight!