Wild Swimming Retreats in Cornwall

Tidal pools, waves, secret coves and waterfalls… is there anywhere that trumps Cornwall for a wild swimming holiday? Come on in, the water’s lovely.  

Love swimming? In need of a relaxing break beside the sea? Why not try a wild swimming retreat in Cornwall?

People have flocked to the seaside to reap the health benefits of saltwater dipping since the 16th century. From lowering stress levels and boosting your immune system, to reconnecting you with nature, there’s good reason that wild swimming has swept the nation by storm. And you don’t have to be a seasoned swimmer to don a wetsuit (or not, your choice) and take the plunge in some of the most sublime coves and tidal pools in Cornwall.

Whether you want to fine-tune your stroke, dive into some secret swimming spots with a like-minded crew, or enjoy a little pampering with a sea swim or two, a wild swimming holiday in Cornwall could be just what you’re looking for. So, pack your goggles and towel (I’m all in for wearing a wetsuit, too), and hit the water with one of these wild swimming retreats in Cornwall. 

Sea Swim Cornwall

Wild swimming weekenders, slow swim holidays or one-off swims – Sea Swim Cornwall beckons all levels of swimmers to explore the Cornish coast with them. Whether you want open-water swim coaching, to test your mettle on a longer swim, or a leisurely break with a few sea swims tailored to your ability, these guys have you covered. I’ve joined the pod for a three-day tour of West Cornwall, which included swims from Porthcurno to Logan Rock, along the Helford River, and across Mount’s Bay, on an unforgettable wild swimming adventure. 

Rest assured that your guides have swum, lifeguarded, dived, sailed, paddled, surfed, body surfed, bodyboarded, run and swum (again) every inch of the stunning Cornish coast. And as well as tailoring wild swims to the abilities of the group, each trip is also tailored to the unpredictable Cornish weather.

Sea Swim Cornwall is running a range of wild swims and swimming holidays in Cornwall from May to October 2024. 

Book now >>

The Wild Swimming Co. Cornwall Retreat, Bude

Imagine slipping out of bed to swim on a private beach, swimming through sea caves in a secret cove, and splashing under a magical waterfall. 

The Wild Swimming Co. offers swim retreats across the UK, and local writer Natasha Sones was lucky enough to join their recent swimming holiday based at a 16-bedroom sea-view lodge overlooking a private beach in Bude, North Cornwall. She wrote:

When the Wild Swimming Co offered a Spring Swim Retreat, promising a sea view and a private beach in Bude, I didn’t need any persuading to dive right in. Swimming in Cornish seas, with sunset dining on home-made meals… I was signed up in no time.

Going on a retreat like this means really getting to know the local area with qualified guides. This area has a huge amount of gorgeous, award-winning sandy beaches to explore.

What I love about adventure holidays is you can come on your own or with friends and be surrounded by like-minded people.

With a lovely room, food cooked for me and an action-packed itinerary of gorgeous swims with great people, I felt at absolute peace for the first time in ages. What a perfect weekend!

Natasha Sones

From honing swim strokes in the semi-natural Bude Sea Pool, to a precarious descent to the emerald waters and sea caves of Bossiney Cove, the three-day experience included around 2km of swimming per day, as well as coastal hikes, delicious food and time to unwind beside the sea. With direct beach access, the crew enjoyed sunrise and sunset swims, and a dip in the magical St Nectan’s Glen waterfall. 

Richard and Mel from The Wild Swimming Co chose Bude because: “It’s great having the sea pool available as a weatherproof option, with amazing swims like Bossiney Cove, Boscastle and St Nectan’s Glen available to us, and additional options for jumping in on a private beach just outside the accommodation.”

The next Cornwall Retreat in Bude with the Wild Swimming Co. is 14-16 March 2025. Beginners welcome. 

Book now >> 

The Salt Sisterhood Yoga & Wild Swimming Retreat

Join the Salt Sisterhood on an immersive wild swimming and yoga break on the Roseland Peninsula. In your luxury country house you can fill your lungs with the fresh salty sea air and enjoy soul nourishing swimming and yoga sessions. Delicious, healthy meals are packed with Cornish ingredients, and every minute is packed with mindfulness, meditation and the magic of wild swimming in a variety of locations in South Cornwall. Sit beside the water’s edge, or take the plunge. It’s up to you. 

There are still spaces on the September and October Yoga and Wild Swimming Retreats in Cornwall. 

Book now >>

Morvoren Retreats, Feock and St Mawes

Swim, joy, food, repeat… Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on a wild swimming holiday with Moroven Retreats. Hit the refresh button with glorious swims in hidden coves and creeks, and emerge to the aroma of steaming tea and freshly-baked cakes on the shoreline. Stretch and unwind with yoga and gong baths, fuel up on mouth-watering meals, and unwind with kin who love Cornwall, swimming and nature. A four-night luxury stay includes daily sea swims, gong baths, yoga, guided meditation, coastal walks and wholesome meals. We’re all in for this restorative experience beside the water in St Mawes and Feock. 

The next retreats are 30 September-4 October 2024 in St Mawes, and 5-9 October 2024 in Feock. 

Book now >> 

Swim Weekend in Cornwall, Bedruthan Steps

Girls just wanna have fun, which is why Swim Sisters have laid on this laidback, fun-packed swimming retreat on the clifftop above Mawgan Porth in North Cornwall. In midsummer, where better to rest your head than in a sea-view tipi under the stars? After all, you’re bound to sleep soundly after a day of being mermaid in stunning wild swimming locations and turquoise tidal pools. Unplug, take the plunge and immerse yourself in the wild swimming culture, with dreamy dips, breathwork, coastal hikes, wood-fired saunas and sunset barbecues. 

The next Cornwall Wild Swim Weekends are 5-8 July and 30 August-2 September. 

Book now >> 

Wild Swimming Break, Falmouth 

Invigorate your senses, improve your swimming technique and immerse yourself in the benefits of sea swimming for your mind, body and soul, when you take the plunge on a three-day wild swimming break in Falmouth. Staying in style at St Michaels Resort, you’ve got the glassy waters of Gyllynvase beach footsteps from your bed, which is home of one of Cornwall’s biggest year-round wild swimming communities. Delicious food and yoga sessions are all part of the package, and between sea swimming sessions you can rejuvenate in the oceanside spa and gym, and choose between an additional Hydrothermal spa experience or paddleboarding session. 

The next Wild Swimming Breaks at St Michael’s Resort in Falmouth are 17-20 May and 3-6 October 2024. Get 20% off when you use code WELLNESS20 at checkout. 

Book now >> 

Swim Break, Watergate Bay

Infinity pool, tidal pool or open water? The swim breaks at Watergate Bay Hotel include both wild swimming and indoor swimming, so that you can hone your stroke with tutored pool sessions, video analysis and theory sessions with an expert coach, then take your skills into the cobalt waters on the North Cornish coastline. Sound like your kind of bliss? Coast path walking, swim yoga and breathing techniques are all part of the experience to help you swim better, make the most of your breathtaking location and unwind to the max. 

There are currently two more Swimming Breaks at Watergate Bay scheduled for November and December 2024. 

Book Now >> 

Why Go on a Wild Swimming Retreat in Cornwall? 

• Wild swimming with a group is much safer than going alone, with safety cover and route planning all taken care of. 
• You really get to know the local area with qualified guides. 
• Improve your swimming technique and adapt to swim in open water.
• You meet like-minded swimming buddies. 
• Having an itinerary mapped out means you can just relax and go with the flow. 
• Great food and snacks are served, just when you need it. 

Swim, relax, eat, sleep, retreat, repeat… Let’s go… 

Check out our top wild swimming spots in Cornwall.