About this trip
Castle to Castle Challenge | New Forest National Park
6 - 8 June 2025
"The three-day swim from Castle to Castle, County to County"
Take on an epic three-day challenge to swim from Highcliffe Castle in Dorset to Hurst Castle in Hampshire, with the tides supporting your journey.
Accommodation Options:
- Hurst View: Bring your own camper or tent for a true outdoor adventure.
- Seascape Lodge: Stay in a beautiful private house with a large garden, complete with a daily breakfast hamper.
- Book your own Book your own accommodation somewhere between Hurst Castle and Highcliffe Castle
Route Options:
Not ready for the full distance? We’ll plan optional shorter routes each day, approximately 1km or 2km, to suit your preference.
Full Challenge Details:
- Total distance: Approximately 12km
- Daily swims: 3-4km
- Flexible swim times to align with favourable tides and winds.
How it works
- You will be in a WhatsApp group with all of our participants
- The day before the swim, we'll tell you where to park your car, depending on your desired distance (1km, 2km, 4km). You can then walk, taxi or lift share to the start point for that day.
- Shore crew will mark the relevant distances and provide care and directions when you leave the water.
- Lifeguards and boats will keep you on track whilst in the water.
- Cake at the finish point!
Requirements:
This challenge is suitable for anyone who can confidently swim 1km.
Meet the Swim Guides:
Mel
Mel is TWSCo’s full-time swim guide and a qualified Beach Lifeguard, Open Water Swim Coach, and National Water Safety Management Programme graduate. She’s currently studying for her Diploma in Cold Water Therapy while working as a nutritionist, personal trainer, and swim school operator.
- Favourite swim: Bossiney Cove, Cornwall
- Favourite retreat: Spring in Cornwall
- Favourite cake: Lemon drizzle
Becky
Becky joined TWSCo as a hospitality assistant and became a qualified Beach and Open Water Lifeguard in 2023.
- Favourite swim: Old Harry Rocks, Dorset
- Favourite retreat: Studland, Dorset
- Favourite cake: Millionaire’s shortbread
Rich
Rich is a Beach Lifeguard, Open Water Swim Coach, and National Water Safety Management Programme graduate. He’s also an RNLI lifeboat crew member and a National Trainer Assessor for The Royal Lifesaving Society, delivering water safety training across the UK.
- Favourite swim: Any of Snowdonia’s waterfalls
- Favourite retreat: North Wales Swim Retreat
- Favourite cake: Carrot cake
What’s included
- BreakfastSeascape Lodge stays include a breakfast hamper
- AccommodationChoose your preferred accommodation
- All swims & activitiesAll swims included, plus any additional activities on the itinerary such as pool sessions and walks.
- Cake, cake and more cakeCake is vital, homemade cake after every swim, of course
- Beach LifeguardsWe employ beach lifeguards and swim coaches. Can we improve your stroke?
Available Packages
This option allows you to book your own local accommodation. Please note that for this option, you must have access to a car and to WhatsApp.
Very limited spaces
3 days - Castle to Castle - Adult only
Hurst View: Camping Option
Bring your own tent or camper and enjoy access to the site’s facilities. Perfect for those seeking a more rustic adventure.
Price per person (2 nights only). Non-swimming camp mates are welcome—just add them in the ‘Add-Ons’ section at the bottom of the page.
Seascape Lodge: Double Room Stay
Enjoy a well-furnished double bedroom at the stunning Seascape Lodge. With its large dining room, fully equipped kitchen, and spacious garden, it’s the perfect place to relax in style (see gallery).
Start each morning with a delightful breakfast hamper, fuelling you for the day ahead.
1 person | 2 nights only £549 per person.
Seascape Lodge: Double Room Stay
Enjoy a well-furnished double bedroom at the stunning Seascape Lodge. With its large dining room, fully equipped kitchen, and spacious garden, it’s the perfect place to relax in style (see gallery).
Start each morning with a delightful breakfast hamper, fuelling you for the day ahead.
2 persons | 2 nights only @ £429 per person.
Seascape Lodge: Shared Room Stay
Relax in a beautifully furnished room at Seascape Lodge, featuring two double beds—perfect for groups. With its spacious dining room, fully equipped kitchen, and large garden, unwind in comfort and style (see gallery).
Each morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast hamper to prepare for your adventure-filled day.
4 persons | 2 nights only @ £349 per person.
Available Add-Ons
If you're camping at Hurst View in your own tent/ camper, add a non swimming ADULT camp mate here
If you're camping at Hurst View in your own tent/ camper, add a non swimming CHILD camp mate here
Itinerary
Day 1: Milford Haven to Milford on Sea
Depending on the wind and tide direction, our first day begins with an afternoon walk from Milford Haven to Hurst Castle (time TBC). From there, we’ll enter the water to swim along the beautiful New Forest coastline, guided by our experienced lifeguard team.
Vehicles will be parked strategically to ensure an easy return after the swim.
We’ll wrap up the day with some delicious homemade cake on the beach.
Dinner Options:
Self-cater at your accommodation, or let us help you book a table at one of the area’s best restaurants.