Mel is TWSCo's full time swim guide, Mel is a qualified Beach Lifeguard, Open Water Swim Coach and has achieved the National Water Safety Management Programme

Mel is currently studying towards her Diploma in Cold Water Therapy, as well being a nutritionist, personal trainer and operating a successful Swim School

Favourite swim- Bossiney Cove, Cornwall

Favourite retreat - Spring in Cornwall

Favourite cake - Lemon drizzle

Who are the swim guides? - Becky

Becky began work with TWSCo. as a hospitality assistant before completing her Beach Lifeguard and Open Water Lifeguard qualification in 2023.

Favourite swim- Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

Favourite retreat - Studland, Dorset

Favourite cake - Millionaire's shortbread

Who are the swim guides? - Rich

Rich is a Beach Lifeguard, Open Water Lifeguard and Open Water Swim Coach and has achieved the National Water Safety Management Programme. Amongst this, Rich also delivers the whole suite of lifeguard and water safety awards for The Royal Lifesaving Society as a National Trainer Assessor.

Rich is also RNLI lifeboat crew and operations manager of Land & Wave, a busy outdoor centre in Dorset.

Favourite swim- Any of Snowdonia's waterfalls

Favourite retreat - The North Wales Swim Retreat

Favourite cake - Carrot Cake

Breakfast
A hot breakfast such as filled baps or pancakes, alongside homemade granola and fruit
Lunch
A warming lunch included
Dinner
A homemade dinner each night from Chef Mel
All swims & activities
All swims included, plus any additional activities on the itinerary such as hikes and talks.
Accommodation
A good night's sleep
Table wine
A glass of red or white with your evening meal
Teas & Coffees
Hot drinks from the tea room
Cake, Cake and more cake
Cake is vital, homemade cake after every swim, of course

The Dorm space | Our most popular choice

Share a dormitory room with 2 or 3 like minded people, ideal for solo travellers or friends alike. We'll put you all in contact via WhatsApp before the trip so as you can say hello. Inclusive of meals, all swims/ events and table wine.

£499

Deposit:£50

Past Trip

Twin Room

Share a twin/ bunk for you and a friend or loved one @ £499 each inclusive of meals, all swims/ events and table wine. Suitable for all who can 200m continuously.

£499

Deposit:£50

Past Trip

Four Bed Bedroom for Four

Share a larger room for up to four in a double and bunk for £449 each inclusive of meals, all swims/ events and table wine. Larger groups possible with large discounts. Suitable for all who can swim 200m continuously

£449

Deposit:£50

Past Trip

TWSCo. Swim Cap

£5

Order a branded TWSCo. swim cap in advance, either sky blue or orange. Collect on retreat

Day 1
Day 1
Delightful Dorset awaits
We meet at our accommodation for 1pm with homemade cake and a hot drink, before heading down to Studland Bay nature reserve (for sea horses!) to complete a swim clinic, come to this session armed with what you'd like to improve, such as new stroke, body position, breathing or efficiency.

We'll also have a sea salt sauna on the seafront for warming and dipping, a great experience!

Dinner with table wine will be followed by a sunset dip in our secret location.
Read more
Day 2
Day 2
Wake me up buttercup
Early birds will be wowed by an outstanding sunrise dip with warm croissants.

Later a hearty breakfast will be followed by an iconic swim to either Old Harry Rocks or Durdle Door (based on conditions). A powerboat will whisk us back to shore in style before glorious homemade cake.

Warming soup and bread follows this outstanding swim.

An optional afternoon hike around the UK's only Super National Nature Reserve takes in Dorset mythology and amazing wildlife (this may involve a country pub).

A homemade dinner will be followed by our infamous Tame the Tides talk by Royal Lifesaving Society National Trainer Assessor Rich.
Read more
Day 3
Day 3
A spellbounding end
Wake up to a hearty breakfast before a drive out to Swanage's Old Pier, set off from a local's spot and take on the Three Piers Challenge, this TWSCo. favourite takes in an atmospheric old pier, a victorian pier and the town quay.

Oh, and more homemade cake, of course.

Carriages 1pm
Read more

Day 1

Delightful Dorset awaits

We meet at our accommodation for 1pm with homemade cake and a hot drink, before heading down to Studland Bay nature reserve (for sea horses!) to complete a swim clinic, come to this session armed with what you'd like to improve, such as new stroke, body position, breathing or efficiency.

We'll also have a sea salt sauna on the seafront for warming and dipping, a great experience!

Dinner with table wine will be followed by a sunset dip in our secret location.

The Wild Swimming Co. Ltd

24 reviews

Incredible swimming holidays and events at iconic locations around the UK. Fabulous food, wonderful wines and accommodation come as standard alongside inclusive, breath taking swims and kind humans on our holidays. Our unique holidays focus on bringing new people to the best secret and most iconic swim spots from Cornwall, Devon & Dorset to North Wales and the Lake District, in exclusive, simple yet stunning accommodation with every detail taken care of. ✔ STA Open Water Swim Coaches ✔ Iconic Locations ✔ Lifeguard Led

Absolutely amazing time, I cannot recommend enough! If you are unsure about booking, you definitely should. I was quite apprehensive about going at first but was looked after so well by Rich, Mel, Becky, Donald, Dave and Hector; it was nice switching off my brain and being looked after from beginning to end, the only thing I had to consider was what swimming costume to wear! The food was fantastic and the swims absolutely breath-taking; felt safe throughout and if I was unsure about anything I could speak to any of the staff about any queries. Met so many wonderful people and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I enjoyed it so much that as soon as I was home I've booked my next one already.

By Ellen K for The Snowdon Retreat on Oct 30, 2024

A great weekend - the swims were well organised & meant we could push ourselves if we wanted to or take a leisurely pace if we preferred. Sunrise and sunset dips were amazing. Mel, Rich and the team were fantastic. The walk with Dorset mythology wasn’t quite as described but it was fun and nice to stretch our legs. Overall a lovely opportunity to spend a few days with like-minded people plus we’ve come home with a group of local wild swimmers to meet up with again.

By Natalie C for The Adventure Swimmer Retreat on Oct 02, 2024

My weekend retreat was a great holiday full of fun and and adventure. I felt very well.looked after, with great food, super itinerary of different swimming and dipping opportunities and challenges. Great information and guidance on swimming safety, open water swimming conditions and a great talk on tides and sea conditions. Absolutely the best staff and lifeguards continually looking after our safety. I really appreciate the hardwork and commitment of Richard, Mel, Becky and other lifeguards making my weekend so wonderful. Your support has increased my confidence and love of open water swimming. Pauline jones

By Pauline J for The Summer in Dorset Retreat on Aug 28, 2024

We had a wonderful swim retreat weekend in beautiful Dorset celebrating Fiona’s 60th birthday. The swims were the absolute highlight made possible by thoughtful planning, amazing local knowledge and the safety protocols in place. Thank you to the amazing team who looked after us so well, Rich, Mel, Becky, Elle and Hector. Sandyholme House was a great location, the catering absolutely hit the spot especially the post swim cakes. You were all so hospitable and nothing was too much trouble. Thank you for a memorable weekend.

By Kristina N for The Summer in Dorset Retreat on Aug 28, 2024

Thanks so much to Rich, Mel, Elle & Hector for a truly memorable weekend. I loved every minute. The swims were epic and the team do everything they can to make sure that everyone (whatever their swim level) has a wonderful experience. The team are so friendly and patient- answering all our questions to alleviate any worries and thinking of all the details to ensure a smooth experience. The food was great- particularly the handmade pizzas, their knowledge and experience was 5 star. I’d highly recommend their retreats to anyone who enjoys swimming and beautiful natural environments. It was a perfect way to forget the daily demands of a busy life.

By Michelle L for The Summer in Dorset Retreat on Aug 20, 2024

Show More Reviews

More Photos

More Photos

The Summer in Dorset Retreat

The Summer in Dorset Retreat

About this trip

The Summer in Dorset Retreat | Studland & Durdle Door

What’s included

Available Packages

Available options

Itinerary

Your Organizer

Reviews

Photo Gallery