Best Wild Swim Spots in St. Bees

Due to St.Bees’ coastal location, many wild swimmers visit the village to take a dip in the Irish Sea! This is ideal for open water swimmers who love the ocean, but if you prefer a warmer, enclosed dip in a lake, Wastwater, Bassenthwaite and Loweswater are less than an hour away too! Be aware, although Ennerdale Water is close by, it is a reservoir and swimming is forbidden. 

  • St. Bees Beach

St Bees Bay extends in a long sweep below the dramatic headland of St.Bees Head and provides a mile long stretch of sand providing easy access into the Irish Sea. The sand is accessible most of the day except for 2 or 3 hours on either side of high tide, when only the shingle is clear of the water.  When the beach is at low tide, a vast expanse of red sand studded with rock pools is visible. At the foot of the golf course cliffs, there is a magnificent shingle bank composed of dozens of rock varieties sloping down to the sand. The beach is gentle sloping and generally free from dangerous currents making it a beautiful wild swimming spot. However, swimming near the rocks of the South Head should be avoided. 

  • Whitehaven Beach 

Hop on the train from St Bees village to Whitehaven town and explore the small pebble and sand beach to north of Whitehaven Marina. The beach is small in size but a great wild swimming spot due to the walls of the harbour providing shelter around the sands and water, meaning the section of sea is free from dangerous current. However, still be aware to swim within your abilities at this beach, as there are no lifeguards here.

  • Wastwater

Around a 45 minutes drive from St Bees in the idyllic and remote Wasdale Valley sits the deepest lake in the Lake District; Wastwater. This quiet spot is popular amongst wild swimmers due to its wild location and calm waters. Powered craft are not permitted on the water making this a relaxing swim overlooked by Great Gable at the head of the lake and surrounded by a backdrop of imposing fells including Lingmell and Scafell Pike.  The lake measures around 3 miles long providing plenty of space for an idyllic open water swim as well as being a perfect place for a relaxing dip with a number of spots to sit on the shoreline. 

The lake is accessible via a remote road through the valley with parking along the side.

  • Bassenthwaite Lake 

A 45 minutes drive from St.Bees will take you to the stunning surroundings of Bassenthwaite. The lake is around 4 miles long and 70ft deep, providing plenty of open space for long, challenging swims as well as simple, chilled out dips. Bassenthwaite is a quiet place, making it ideal for a peaceful swim and is shallower than other lakes in the area making it slightly warmer. Ospreys nest near the lake and can be spotted flying over during your swim! Parking is available on nearby laybys on the A66 road.

  • Loweswater

One of the lesser-known Lake District lakes, Loweswater is situated around 40 minutes drive from St.Bees nestled in a wooded valley in the Vale of Lorton. 

Loweswater is ideal for a quiet, private swim surrounded by the fells and woodland. No powered craft or any water sports are allowed on this lake, making it a secluded spot. A well-maintained footpath surrounds the lake offering a range of accessible spots and beachy areas to enter the water, although parking nearby the lake is limited.