Posted:
What Is Wild Swimming (And Why It’s So Popular in Kent)
Wild swimming means swimming outdoors in natural bodies of water, like the sea, lakes, rivers, or tidal pools, rather than in a chlorinated pool. It’s about freedom, adventure, and connection with the environment. And it’s booming across the UK, thanks to growing awareness of the mental and physical benefits of cold water immersion, as well as the rising popularity of outdoor lifestyles and wellness travel.
In Kent, wild swimming mostly means sea swimming; whether in tidal pools like Margate’s Walpole Bay or along the open coast at beaches like St Margaret’s Bay or Botany Bay. The county’s coastline is surprisingly varied, offering everything from quiet estuaries to family-friendly sandy beaches and deep, clear tidal pools.
Why Kent Is a Wild Swimming Paradise
Kent might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of wild swimming in the UK, but it should be. With over 350 miles of coastline, the county offers some of the most accessible, diverse, and scenic sea swimming spots in the South East. From vast tidal pools and secret coves to lifeguarded beaches and shingle shores under towering chalk cliffs, wild swimming in Kent offers something for every level of swimmer.
Thanks to increasing interest in cold water therapy, outdoor fitness, and eco-tourism, wild swimming in Kent has become a bucket-list activity. Whether you’re new to sea swimming, looking for Instagrammable tidal pools, or seeking quiet student-friendly beaches near Canterbury, this guide is your complete entry point to coastal adventure.
Top Wild Swimming Locations Along the Kent Coast
There are lots of locations for wild swimming in Kent. From lakes and rivers to beaches and tidal pool. We’ve handpicked our top coastal spots for safe, scenic, and unforgettable sea swims. You can view and compare all of the beaches in Kent to find one that you like.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate
One of the UK’s largest and most iconic tidal pools, Walpole Bay offers a safe, social, and scenic wild swim. Built in 1937, it holds over 3 million gallons of seawater and spans more than 4 acres. It’s the go-to location for year-round cold-water dippers and ideal for beginners, families, and anyone keen to try sea swimming without open-water currents. Plus, Margate’s growing wellness scene, including a nearby wood-fired sauna (The People Care Planet Care Community Sauna), makes this a favourite for mind-body recovery.
Best for: Beginners, groups, cold-water dips, tidal pool enthusiasts. This spot is popular because it’s vast, enclosed by concrete walls for safety, and allows swimmers to build confidence before trying open sea swimming.
Lifeguards: None – pool relies on its enclosure for safety
Getting there: Direct trains from London or Canterbury to Margate. The tidal pool is just a 15-minute walk from the station.
Margate Main Sands Tidal Pool
Often overlooked, the smaller tidal pool on Margate Main Sands sits between the beach and the stone pier. Though compact, it offers an excellent opportunity for a gentle dip in calm, sea-filtered water, especially during high tide. It’s often less busy than Walpole Bay and ideal for casual swimmers, families, or a spontaneous post-sunbathing splash.
Best for: Beachgoers, kids, spontaneous swims. This pool is ideal for people who want the benefits of sea water without venturing far from the central beach.
Getting there: Steps away from Margate station and the town centre.
St Margaret’s Bay, White Cliffs Country
Tucked beneath Kent’s dramatic white cliffs near Dover, St Margaret’s Bay offers a wild swim with cinematic scenery. Though it’s a shingle beach, the water is beautifully clear, and it’s a quieter spot ideal for solo swimmers or peaceful mornings. Be mindful of tides, and avoid swimming too close to cliff edges.
Best for: Solitude, scenic swims, adventurous spirits. This beach is popular among experienced swimmers and photographers due to its dramatic setting.
Getting there: Accessible via bus or car. Limited parking, but usually quiet outside of summer weekends.
Joss Bay & Botany Bay, Broadstairs
These neighbouring beaches offer sheltered sandy coves, perfect for summer wild swims with family or friends. With chalk stacks, clear shallows, and RNLI lifeguards on duty in peak summer months, these are among the safest sea swims in Kent.
Best for: Family swims, student day trips, photography. Their lifeguarded status and sandy shores make them ideal for beginners and relaxed days out.
Getting there: Direct buses from Margate or Broadstairs. Easily reachable by bike from nearby towns. Driving is more accessible than public transport.
Tankerton Beach, Whitstable
A popular cold-water swimming destination, Tankerton is a well-loved Blue Flag beach with sloping pebbles, colourful beach huts, and excellent water quality. Whitstable’s town beach is popular for post-swim oysters and coffee, making it the perfect blend of wild swim and town break.
Best for: Cold water therapy, sociable swims, food lovers. The area combines swim culture with great amenities, making it perfect for those wanting a full day experience.
Getting there: Regular trains from Canterbury and London. Short walk to the beach from Whitstable station.
Folkestone Mermaid Beach & The Warren
Folkestone’s coastline offers underrated sea swim spots with Channel views. Mermaid Beach is calm and welcoming for swimmers, while The Warren is more rugged, natural, and ideal for confident wild swimmers looking for a wilder edge.
Best for: Channel swims, hidden coves, sunset dips. These beaches appeal to more seasoned swimmers and those seeking new adventures.
Getting there: Direct trains to Folkestone Central. Short walk to Mermaid Beach.
Pegwell Bay & Sandwich Bay
An estuarine bay perfect for quiet walks and bracing swims, Pegwell is surrounded by nature reserves and offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. Not ideal for deep swimming, but perfect for paddling, wading, and immersion-style wild swims.
Best for: Birdwatching, quiet swims, tidal flats.
Getting there: Getting to Pegwell is tricky and parking is not accessible. Driving to Sandwich Bay is straightforward but there is a toll charge to access this private beach.
Find Your Local Wild Swimming Groups & Meetups in Kent
For the truly adventurous, Kent is the starting point of one of the most iconic wild swims in the world: the English Channel swim. The shortest crossing, from Shakespeare Beach in Dover to Cap Gris-Nez in France, is roughly 21 miles of open sea, tides, and temperature changes.
Every year, swimmers from around the globe come to Kent to train and attempt the crossing, usually between June and September. The Channel Swimming Association (CSA) and the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation (CSPF) regulate and document official attempts.
While it’s not for beginners, training along Kent’s coast, including swims in St Margaret’s Bay, Dover Harbour, and Folkestone, gives a front-row view of one of the world’s most legendary endurance swims.
Find Your Local Wild Swimming Groups & Meetups in Kent
Wild swimming might feel like a solo pursuit, but Kent has a growing community of friendly, supportive swimmers who meet regularly along the coast. Whether you’re a beginner looking for encouragement or a seasoned cold-water swimmer chasing your next challenge, there’s likely a group near you.
Many wild swimmers in Kent organise through Facebook groups and local WhatsApp communities. Some great places to start include:
- Dover Darlings (Facebook)
- Folkestone Sea Swimmers (Facebook)
- Hythe Sea Swimmers (Facebook)
- Salty Synchro in Ramsgate (Facebook)
- Walpole Bay Swimmers in Margate (Facebook)
- Mental Health Swims in Margate (Instagram)
- Queer Swim in Margate (Instagram)
- Walpole Bay Dippers in Margate (Instagram)
- Walpole Bay Social Swims in Margate (Facebook)
- Rising Tide Margate (Facebook)
- SJP Coaching in Margate (website)
- Thanet Open Water Swim Coach (Facebook)
- Bluetits in Birchington (Facebook)
- Bubbletits Bluetits in Whitstable (Facebook)
- Sandwich Bay Swimmers (Facebook)
- Kent Sea Swimmers at various locations (Facebook and Twitter/ X)
These communities often welcome newcomers, post safety updates, and share seasonal swim schedules. A quick search for “wild swimming group” in your local area on Facebook, Instagram, Google, etc. usually turns up results.
Wild Swimming Etiquette & Safety Tips
Respect others: Give space to fellow swimmers, paddleboarders, and beachgoers. Tidal pools often attract families and early-morning swimmers – stay courteous.
Leave no trace: Always take your rubbish home. If you use natural soaps, ensure they’re biodegradable.
Swim sober: Alcohol impairs judgment and body temperature regulation – never swim under the influence.
Stay visible: Wear bright caps or use tow floats, especially if you’re outside a tidal pool.
Be tide aware: Tides in Kent can shift quickly – check apps or signs before entering the water.
Acclimatise slowly: Especially in cold weather, enter gradually and never dive straight in.
Conclusion: Dive In & Discover Kent’s Wild Coast
Wild swimming in Kent is more than just a summer trend; it’s a growing movement of people reconnecting with nature, community, and personal wellbeing. With its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and accessibility, Kent’s coast is the perfect place to start or deepen your sea swimming journey.
Whether you’re a cold-water pro, a curious student, or someone just looking for new things to do in Kent, there’s a tidal pool, sandy shore, or secret cove waiting for you.
So grab your float, check the tide and take the plunge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim year-round in Kent?
Yes – but winter requires caution, proper gear, and awareness of cold-water shock. Many locals swim year-round in tidal pools and shallows. Some locations, such as Margate, have swimmers flocking to the sea on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Where are the safest wild swims in Kent?
Locations with lifeguards, safe water quality, and tidal pools will be safer. Check each beach individually to obtain important information.
Are Kent beaches suitable for student day trips?
Yes – many are accessible from Canterbury via direct trains or buses. Many beaches in Broadstairs and Margate are student-friendly and budget-conscious. Check each beach individually to obtain important information.
Are there showers or changing facilities?
Some beaches, like Margate Main Sands have public toilets and summer facilities like showers. Most wild swimmers use portable robes or change by the car.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Not always – summer swims can be done in regular swimwear. For winter or long dips, a wetsuit and gloves are strongly recommended.
A Quick Note & Disclaimer
This guide is for general informational purposes only. Always check local conditions, tide times, and your own fitness level before entering the sea. Wild swimming carries risks, including cold water shock, tides, and hidden hazards, and participation is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Sandgeek accepts no liability for any injury, incident, or outcome resulting from wild swimming or information provided here.
While we’ve highlighted some of our favourite wild swimming spots along the Kent coast, they’re just the tip of the (very swimmable) iceberg. There are dozens more bays, beaches, and tidal zones across the county that offer great opportunities for sea swimming, paddling, or quiet immersions.
You can explore our full directory of beaches to discover more hidden gems and coastal escapes.
Sandgeek 