Being beside the water and going wild swimming in the sea does wonders for your mental and physical wellness, and particularly during the great British summertime, we take any chance we can to cool down in the sparkling blue waters of the National Marine Park. 

To help you do the same, we’ve pulled together a list of all entry points around the National Marine Park where you can enter the water to experience the thrill of open water swimming and check off swimming in the sea from your summer bucket list.

Tinside Beach

Located below The Terrace Café on Madeira Road PL1 2NY, Tinside Beach is a stone’s throw from Plymouth Hoe. There are 2 pontoons located at different distances from the shoreline, and is one of two designated swimming areas marked by yellow buoys by Plymouth City Council.

Firestone Bay

Firestone Bay and Tranquillity Bay are located behind Royal William Yard, PL1 3QR. This area is the second designated swimming area by Plymouth City Council, and there is a tidal pool which is exposed at high tide, but be aware that the currents can be fierce here. It’s a popular place for people to stand up paddle board and the beach is dog friendly. 

Pier One

Head down the steps just east of Pier One restaurant on Hoe Road PL1 3DE, and you will find some shallow steps to swim off into Plymouth Sound. This is a lovely, often quiet spot compared to Tinside Beach to enter the water for a swim. Whilst this is designated bathing area and popular with swimmers, it is not a marked swimming area, therefore has no swimming marker buoys. Vessels are allowed in this area at speed of up to 10 knots, so be careful and responsible.

Waterfront West 

Walk down the steps to the West of the Waterfront Pub PL1 3DQ to a little cove that is exposed at low tide. The pebble beach is a great place to swim from on the West of the waterfront, but just be aware of the tide times to make sure you don’t get cut off or lose your clothes! Whilst this is designated bathing area and popular with swimmers, it is not a marked swimming area, therefore has no swimming marker buoys. Vessels are allowed in this area at speed of up to 10 knots, so be careful and responsible.

Mount Batten Beach

Mount Batten beach is located on the East of the National Marine Park. Best swum at high tide, this beach is part sand part pebble but great for rock pooling at low tide too. 

Unfortunately these swimming points are only accessible by steps. Access to Tinside Lido, which is filled with seawater from Plymouth Sound and is a 1930 art deco style lido at the heart of Plymouth waterfront, is accessible via a stairlift and has means of assisted access to the pool. Whenever open water swimming, please be responsible and check out our water safety tips to stay safe in the water.