The Wild Swimming Festival

🗓️ Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st July 2024

Swanage is once again hosting The Wild Swimming Festival, with swimmers from across the UK coming to take part.

The festival offers participants a range of both fun and competitive swims, including the Jurassic Swim Challenge, along with a whole host of entertainment at its hub in Prince Albert Gardens.

There’ll be something to suit every type of sea swimmer, from beginner to experienced – take part in a racing challenge or join a small group, guided swim at a range of fantastic locations in Swanage Bay and along the nearby Jurassic Coast.

The Wild Swimming Festival 2024 includes:

  • Swim races
  • Guided swims & hike-and-swims
  • Live music
  • Local food & drink
  • Talks from experts in water safety (free when booked with a challenge or guided swim)

Saturday 20th July

4km Jurassic Swim Challenge

  • Course – Monkey Beach – Town Quay – Banjo Pier – Sheps Hollow and back
  • Start time – 12.30pm
  • Cost – £59

2km Jurassic Swim Challenge

  • Course – Monkey Beach – Town Quay – Banjo Pier – Burlington Chine and back
  • Start time – 1pm
  • Cost – £49

Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st July

Take part in a guided swim or walk-and-swim combination at a range of iconic Jurassic Coast locations across the weekend.

All guided swims are hosted by open-water coaches and lifeguards.

A minimum age of 12 applies.

Swanage Piers Explorer

Enjoy views above & below the water around Swanage’s old and new piers.

  • Saturday start time – 3pm
  • Sunday start times – 11am & 12pm
  • Cost – £29

Durlston Bay Explorer

Guided hike and swim from the festival hub at Prince Albert Gardens to a secluded spot within Durlston Bay.

  • Saturday start time – 4.30pm
  • Sunday start times – 8.30am, 1pm & 3pm
  • Cost – £29

Old Harry Rocks Explorer

Take a boat trip from Swanage across to Old Harry Rocks to explore the famous chalk stacks.

A wetsuit and footwear are essential for this swim.

  • Saturday start times– 3pm & 4pm
  • Sunday start times – 8.30am, 9am, 9.30am & 11.30am
  • Cost – £59

Dancing Ledge Explorer

Enjoy a powerboat trip to Dancing Ledge and explore its tidal pool.

  • Saturday start time – 3pm
  • Cost – £59

Find full festival information, along with a range of other wild swimming events and retreats, online: www.thewildswimming.co.uk/events/thewildswimmingfestival2024

Jurassic Basecamp

Warm up or cool down before and after swims at The Wild Swimming Festival’s base at Prince Albert Gardens where, along with live music, a bar, coffee truck and artisanal pizza from local Coastal Crust, there’ll be:

  • Sea salt sauna
  • Jurassic hot tubs
  • On-site medic
  • Free bag-drop and swimmer check-in

Tickets

There are limited tickets available for this event, which is expected to be popular, so booking in advance is advised.

Tickets, timings and accommodation can be booked, and merchandise purchased, on The Wild Swimming Co.s’ website: www.thewildswimming.co.uk/copy-of-booking-page

Get involved

If you think you could bring your festival entertainment skills to add to the atmosphere for the weekend, the team are keen for more people to get involved:

  • Phone – 01929 253131
  • Email – office@thewildswimming.co.uk