South Devon’s top swimming spots
Looking for the best spots to go for an invigorating swim or refreshing dip this summer? South Devon has plenty of options from outdoor swimming pools with sea views to fun-packed water parks and some of nature’s best wild swimming locations. Here’s South Devon’s best swimming spots to check out this summer.
Be aware: indoor and outdoor swimming pools may need to be booked in advance, so please check before you dive in.
Outdoor swimming pools in South Devon
Nothing says ‘summer holiday’ more than a dip in an outdoor pool. And the good news is there are plenty of heated and sea water pools to pick from in South Devon.
Please check the individual pool websites for session information and booking arrangements.
Here’s where to find these outdoor pools:
Dartmouth Outdoor Pool
Dartmouth has a 25m outdoor pool that is heated to a balmy 28 degrees. It has changing rooms, showers and a small shop where you can pick up a post swim snack and drink. The pool is next to Dartmouth Academy. Bookings can be made through the Facebook page.
Shoalstone Pool
Fancy a dip with a sea view? Shoalstone Pool is a 53 metre sea water swimming pool on the front at Brixham. It was a popular South Devon swim spot with the Victorians and today it is run by a team of volunteers. There are showers, changing rooms and sun loungers for hire.
Chudleigh Swimming Pool
Chudleigh Swimming Pool is 20m long and is heated to between 28 and 29 degrees. It’s perfect for families with a shallow end 1m deep and deep end 1.4m. The pool is located on the site of Chudleigh Community Primary School, near Newton Abbot.
Kingsteignton Swimming Pool
This volunteer-run heated pool in Newton Abbot is 25m long. As well as the main pool there’s a toddler area, showers, poolside seating and refreshments. Kingsteignton Swimming Pool is on Meadowcroft Drive.
Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool
Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool is a 25m heated outdoor pool with a 3m toddler pool. Both are heated to a pleasing 28 degrees. You can find this volunteer run facility on the corner of the recreation ground off Newton Road.
Buckfastleigh Open Air Pool
This is a heated outdoor pool on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. It dates back to Victorian times when the pool was gifted to the town by the Hamlyn family who owned wool mills in the area. Buckfastleigh Open Air Pool is located in Victoria Park.
Mount Wise swimming pools
The Mount Wise swimming pools are a complex of three outdoor swimming pools – a 25m main pool, a fun pool with fountains, stepping stones, a whirlpool and a bubble pool, as well as a small pool for children to paddle in. These outdoor pools on James Street in Plymouth are all free to visit.
Tinside Lido
This is Devon’s most iconic sea water pool and overlooks Plymouth harbour. Tinside Lido is art-deco style and Grade II listed. As well as the pool there are water features, a sun deck and a cafe. Find the lido on Plymouth Hoe.
Wild swimming in South Devon
If you’re a fan of wild swimming then there are plenty of beautiful beaches around Dartmouth where you can dip a toe. You’ll find life guards and a swimming platform at Blackpool Sands in the summer months.
For a river swim then you can enter the water from the slipway at Warfleet Creek in Dartmouth or head further up the River Dart for wild swimming.
Find more free things to do in Dartmouth.
Water parks in South Devon
If you’re on holiday in South Devon with kids, an exhilarating alternative to the beach is Splashdown Quaywest in Paignton. It’s the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark with eight flumes ranging from black holes and high speed, drop slides to tube rides. There’s also a splash pad and submarine play area for under fives.
Book your visit to Splashdown Quaywest.
Indoor swimming pools in South Devon
Of course, outdoor swimming isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for an indoor pool here’s a selection of our favourites for lane swimming:
- Dartmouth Leisure Centre
- Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton
- Quayside Leisure Centre in Kingsbridge.
If you’re looking for indoor pools with a bit more fun for kids, check out the Waves Leisure Pool at the English Riviera Centre in Torquay and Finlake Falls in Newton Abbot.
Stay in Devon
Whether you’re looking for a Devon cottage with a sea view or somewhere to stay in town to enjoy a post swim sundowners, we have plenty of holiday accommodation around Dartmouth.
