Swim Beneath Corfe Castle at Dorset’s New Open Water Lake

There are open water swimming locations, and then there are places where you can glide through a spring-fed lake with the ruins of Corfe Castle rising above the Purbeck Hills.

Castle Lake Open Water Swimming officially opens at Dorset Adventure Park on Saturday 12 September 2026, creating a rather special new year-round destination for swimmers, cold-water dippers and anyone looking for a restorative escape in the Dorset countryside.

Operated by The Wild Swimming Co., the secluded freshwater lake is surrounded by ancient woodland and offers swimming loops of more than 160 metres. Those who prefer a gentler introduction can simply dip from the pontoon, making the experience suitable for complete beginners as well as more confident swimmers training for their next challenge.

Every session will be professionally managed and supervised by qualified open water lifeguards, with swimmers checked in and out of the lake. Wetsuits are recommended but optional, while tow floats are encouraged.

The experience has been designed to be about much more than clocking up lengths.

Swimmers can book a session in the lakeside wood-fired sauna, warm up with tea or coffee and enjoy homemade cake from the Snack Shack. Dedicated changing rooms, toilets and weather-dependent warm showers will also be available.

It is an appealing combination: an invigorating swim through clear spring-fed water, followed by the warmth of the sauna and an unhurried coffee beside the lake.

Regular swimming sessions will initially take place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, with the first swims available from 7am on the opening day.

The team also plans to introduce sunrise and full moon swims, winter wellness sessions, technique clinics, beginner courses, social swims and seasonal events as the new swimming community develops.

The first session takes place on Saturday 12 September, with spaces limited to keep the experience safe and relaxed.

Dorset Adventure Park, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5JG
Tuesday and Saturday mornings
Instagram: thewildswimmingco

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