Have a dip
Getting in the sea can be both exhilarating and calming. It wakes you up, makes you feel alive and gives you that special feeling of being part of something bigger.
Plymouth Sound is home to a growing community of sea swimmers who head into the water throughout the year. Some swim for fitness, some for the social side and some simply because they love being in the sea. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of places to start your journey.
Before taking a dip, make sure you read our Water Safety Guide. Understanding tides, weather conditions and cold-water safety helps everyone enjoy the water safely and responsibly.
Wild Swimming Areas
Tinside Cove
One of Plymouth’s designated swimming areas, Tinside Cove is marked by yellow bathing water buoys and is popular with everyone from experienced sea swimmers to those taking their first dip. Sitting just below the Hoe, it combines easy access with some of the best views in the National Marine Park.
West Hoe
The waterfront around West Hoe offers several access points to the sea, with small coves, slipways and sheltered spots used regularly by the local swimming community. It’s a great place to explore different entry points and find a location that suits your confidence and the day’s conditions.
Firestone Bay
One of Plymouth’s most popular sea swimming spots, Firestone Bay is a designated bathing water site on the edge of Plymouth Sound. The bay attracts swimmers throughout the year, while the nearby tidal pool offers a shallower place to enjoy the sea.
Rockpools, marine wildlife and views across the Sound make it easy to linger a little longer once you’re out of the water.
Wembury Beach
A little further along the coast, Wembury Beach combines sea swimming with some of the most spectacular scenery in the area. The beach sits within a protected marine environment known for its wildlife, dramatic coastline and famous rockpools.
Take time to enjoy the view, explore the shoreline and appreciate a stretch of coast that feels a world away from the city.
Warm up afterwards
Halogi Sauna –
Royal William Yard
Just a short walk from Firestone Bay, Hálogi offers a wood-fired Finnish sauna alongside cold-water tubs and ice baths. The waterfront setting makes it the perfect place to thaw out after a swim or simply enjoy an hour of relaxation overlooking the Sound.
Wembury Wild Sauna
Hidden away near Wembury, this wood-fired horsebox sauna offers a peaceful spot to slow down, warm up and reconnect with nature. Complete with a cold plunge tank and views of the surrounding countryside, it’s an ideal addition to a coastal day out.
Stay Safe, Stay Salty
The sea deserves respect.
Check conditions before you go, know how you’ll get in and out of the water, and never push beyond your limits. Swimming with others, taking time to acclimatise and understanding local conditions all help make for a better experience.
For essential advice before every swim, visit our Water Safety Guide.
Share your salty dip
Taken the plunge?
Share your photos with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and show us where you’ve been getting salty. From sunrise swims to post-dip sauna sessions, your adventures might inspire someone else to take their first step into the sea.
Looking for another way to connect with the water? Head back to the Salty Scale and discover your next salty step.