Swimming isn’t just about exercise, in Devon it can be about adventure too. With some of the most beautiful outdoor swimming spots in the UK and something for all abilities we have collated a list of our favourite outdoor swimming locations, so grab your swimsuit and your googles and dive in! See below our properties for our top choices for "non sea" outdoor swimming, but of course it is hard to beat the allure of the waves.
- Chagford Swimming Pool
Chagford Swimming Pool is a magical 1930’s lido located on the banks of the River Teign, half a mile outside of Chagford on the Two Moors Way. The soft river water that fills the pool is UV treated with minimal chlorine, and the solar covers maintain the water at a warm 27 degrees, also heating the showers and providing power to the Tea Shed.
- Wild Swimming Sharrah Pool, Dartmoor
Follow the winding river Dart far enough and you’ll come to a deep, glassy pool of crystalline water. Sharrah Pool is an otherworldly spot, flanked by woodland – it looks like a place where water babies and Dartmoor pixies might congregate for a swim. You’ll know you’ve found it when you come across a clearing in the trees and a wider, still part of the river where the water is so clear you can peer down at the bottom.
- Wild Swimming at Spitchwick
What you will find here is a little idyll comprised of a green common, the River Dart idling by carving out little private nooks and crannies to lounge on, or widening to create larger, wild swimming opportunities, and it sits right in the heart of Dartmoor.
- Westward Ho! Rock Seawater Pool
The open water sea pool is a concrete swimming pool and set in a brilliant position within the rock pools near Nassau Court, Westward Ho! This salt water pool was originally built in the Victorian era, with people travelling miles to take a bathe, it was reported to have many health benefits.
- Tinside Lido, Plymouth
Fun in the sun and overlooking Plymouth’s spectacular sea front, Tinside Lido was built in 1935 and is archetypal of the then popular Art Deco style. The beautiful salt water swimming pool is open during the summer months, and is perfect for everyone and is fully accessible to people of all needs. The Lido also boasts a sun terrace and cafe on which to relax and soak up the rays.
- Cullever’s Steps
Set within a natural amphitheatre, you will find a natural plunge pool here, with beautiful views, and large grassy areas for picnics and games. The pool has a granite stone dam that creates the 15m pool.
- Crazy Well Pool
The large pool is situated about 3km south of Princetown, just off the path between Burrator and Whiteworks on the western side of Dartmoor. It is 100m long and covers a surface area of 3,500 square metres. There are several legends surrounding the pool to discover….
Peace, comfort and a warm welcome where we offer the little extras that attract guests back time and time again. 2 miles from Sidmouth seafront. Lovely coastal walks and views from the farm.
Close to Jurassic coast in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Orchard Meadow - individual cottage peacefully situated on a working farm. Large open living space, 3 bedrooms [1 grnd fl) 3 bathrooms
A working farm bordered by the River Tale which captures the magic of the countryside - sheep, cattle, free range chickens and working sheep dogs. An idyllic setting with excellent facilities.
Relax in our heated swimming pool and slip into the tranquillity of rural life. Spacious comfortable cottage with indoor and outdoor play areas. Quiet but accessible location for Exeter and the M5.
Newly converted barn conversions in Mid-Devon. 20 minutes from the M5 and mainline railway. Peaceful farm stay with wildlife walks on equestrian farm. Hot tub and courtyard. Luxury fittings.
Four comfortable fully equipped cottages. Peaceful setting in beautiful South Hams valley on historic 80-acre working sheep farm. Ideal location for a relaxing holiday
Secluded 2 bedroom cottage surrounded by countryside with outstanding views over Exmoor. Abundant wildlife. Close to the coast. Garden, play area. Woodburner. Dogs & horses welcomed. Short breaks.
Escape and enjoy the pleasures of the countryside. Delightful cottages nestled on a farm. Friendly animals, ride the pony. Watch the cows milked. Sandy beaches Woolacombe & Croyde. Walk to local pub.
Five spacious real log cabins, beautiful views across Exmoor, fully equipped kitchen, central heating with log burner, safe enclosed garden. Working dairy farm with sheep, pigs and poultry.
Idyllic setting in the Exmoor foothills. Traditional 300 acre family farm. Cottages furnished and equipped to a high standard, offering rural charm, cosy woodburners (free logs), enclosed gardens.
On the peaceful Spreacombe Estate, 3.5 miles from Woolacombe Beach we have 6 family run cottages and a converted barn meeting room. Dog friendly (except Clematis), Child friendly, ideal for walking.
Self catering comfortable accommodation in peaceful rural setting. 3 spacious barn conversions with unique charm. High standard & well equipped. On farm, large Oak trees. AONB. 15 mins Jurassic Coast.
Camping – Escape, away from it all, to this beautiful farm, with woodland, pasture and a pond where you can camp exclusively on your own enjoying total solitude & escapism. Each pitch has own bathroom
Modern spacious rooms with luxury bathrooms. All with direct access to our court yard, we have plenty of space for outdoor dining. All set in a secluded valley a short drive from the coast.
Escape to this beautiful, award winning Medieval Longhouse (beams & log fires) tucked away on a Jacob sheep farm on Tarka Trail near Exmoor, with walks from the doorstep, quality en-suite rooms & WiFi
Stay in our cosy static caravan, set in its own garden on our family farm. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this lovely rural location, just 4 miles from Lyme Regis with sandy beach's and fossil hunting.
Stay in our granite cottages. Climb the hill, you'll love the view. Relax by our heated pool or cycle the beautiful Wray valley trail to Moretonhampstead. Great places to eat in town.
Traditional single storey cottage on a small farm with calves, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese and ponies. The 2 bedroom cottage boasts a wonderful inglenook fireplace complete with logburner. A Gem!
A cream tea greets your arrival at Forda Farm B&B. Close to the Devon and Cornwall border, you are in the perfect place to explore both counties. Enjoy your stay on a family run working livestock farm
A traditionally converted barn on working dairy farm,heart of the Blackdown Hills,peaceful setting, ideal walking, overlooking the Otter Valley,easy reach Sidmouth/ Lyme Regis,York Inn and shop 1 mile
17th C converted Barn 2 ensuite bedrooms, & a traditional thatched 2 bedroom cottage sleeps 5 in heart of the beautiful Mid Devon countryside. Lots of walks, pubs, relax & unwind on this family farm
Set in a peaceful, tranquil rural area of North-West Devon, between Bude and Okehampton, but easily accessible from major road routes into Devon and Cornwall. Sleeps up to 4 guests of all ages.
Wing of traditional 17th century farmhouse. Working beef & sheep farm close to beaches, moors, coastal path and town of Barnstaple. Master double with en-suite & tv, one twin, one double and family
Stunning location on the North Devon Coast, escape to this beautiful award winning cottage, Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe on our doorstep! Games room, garden, Couples & families welcome.
Award winning cottages set in unspoilt countryside overlooking the sea - minutes from the golden sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Saunton & Croyde and a short walk from Lee Bay and the Grampus village pub
The well appointed wing of the farmhouse is completely self contained and has panoramic views of Bigbury Bay. Bigbury on Sea is a fantastic location for family beach holidays.
Gatcombe is a family run working dairy farm 5 minutes drive from World Heritage Coastline. Fully equipped, spacious, comfortable rooms, guest lounge and dining room.
Delightful cottages on working Dairy farm, explore the area for fantastic coastline, wonderful moorland, visitor attractions, local foods and many family events. Children love the calf feeding.
Stunning Manor & charming Country Cottages, on the edge of Dartmoor. Sleeps 2- 24 ideal for families of all ages/sizes. Play area/barn, wifi, woodfires, animal feeding, acres of space, farmshop+ pub.
Smallicombe Farm is set in an idyllic location of 70 acres of pasture and ancient woodland and offers excellent self-catering holiday cottage accommodation on a real working farm in Devon
Looking for simple pleasure’s life, where you can relax and recharge your batteries, then visit us at Lower Pinn flint farmhouse 2 miles west coastal resort Sidmouth on Jurassic coast.
Dating back to the 1600's 'Beech House' with its slate floors and inglenooks is the perfect destination for family holidays, get to-gethers and all those special celebrations.
Four charming apartments in our converted farm barns. Set in the heart of Devon within our working farm, our luxury apartments, sleeping between one and four people are cosy and quiet.
Ground floor apartment will own entry and parking. Superking/twin bed, cooking facilities, TV, settee and ensuite with shower and bath. Free Wi-Fi. Wheelchair accessible. Breakfast Platter available.
A spacious farmhouse and a cosy retreat for two. Set in peaceful surroundings with stunning views, lovely walks and lots of wildlife to see. Ideally situated for visiting the coast, Exmoor, Dartmoor
The Grange with own 34 ft swimming pool heated all year and The Deer Den with hot tub are tucked away up a long private driveway on our 260-acre award-winning farm in Devon, bursting with rural charm.
Great for peaceful retreats or family holidays, The Hay House is the only holiday cottage on our nature-friendly farm. Beautiful views & walks from your door. 15 minutes to beach at Sidmouth. Sleeps 4
Set in the East Devon hills close to the Jurrasic Coast, we welcome guests to our working dairy farm. Our cottages have spacious living areas, Geothermal underfloor heating, woodburners.
Self catering cottages in the heart of South Devon with lots of animals and excellent child friendly facilities including indoor pool, toddler soft play, walk-in rabbit area & tennis court.
Take a dip in our heated swimming pool, play tennis, explore the stunning countryside. Children & dog friendly cottages in stunning countryside with easy access to Beer, Lyme Regis, Sidmouth and more!