Castle to Castle Challenge | New Forest

New Forest District, UK

TW
37 reviews
Jun 6 - 8, 2025
Group size: 1 - 99
Castle to Castle Challenge | New Forest
New Forest District, UK

37 reviews

Jun 6 - 8, 2025
Group size: 1 - 99

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

  • Breakfast
    Seascape Lodge stays include a breakfast hamper
  • Accommodation
    Choose your preferred accommodation
  • All swims & activities
    All swims included, plus any additional activities on the itinerary such as pool sessions and walks.
  • Cake, cake and more cake
    Cake is vital, homemade cake after every swim, of course
  • Beach Lifeguards
    We employ beach lifeguards and swim coaches. Can we improve your stroke?

Available Packages

Swim only option

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

£179
Camping option | Bring your own
Deposit:£50

 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.

£299
Deposit:£50
Luxury Private House | Double Room for 1
Deposit:£50

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 £599 per person.

£599
Deposit:£50
Luxury Private House | Double Room for 2
Deposit:£50
Only 2 left

 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.

£429
Deposit:£50
Luxury Private House | 2 x Double Beds
Deposit:£50
4 left

 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 @ £379 per person.

£379
Deposit:£50

Available options

Camping option | Bring your own | +Adult
£34

If you're camping at Hurst View in your own tent/ camper, add a non swimming ADULT camp mate here

Camping option | Bring your own | +Child
£16

 If you're camping at Hurst View in your own tent/ camper, add a non swimming CHILD camp mate here 



Itinerary

Day 1
Hurst Castle to Milford on Sea

 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.

Your Organizer


TW
The Wild Swimming Co. Ltd
37 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

Reviews

I had a glorious morning in Studland for the Winter Solstice with The Wild Swimming Co. Slightly late due to me missing the ferry, Mel stayed to make sure I could park ok. Then I was able to get straight in the sea and then warm up in the amazing sauna which is right on the beach. Mel and Rich were with us in the sea to make sure we were safe everytime. Even if they had just come out! After having a cold dip then a warm up for over an hour we got changed and were treated to hot coffee and amazing homemade cake. It was a wonderful experience despite the sun not really making an appearance. It’s a fab opportunity to meet like minded people or go with friends in a safe environment. I will definitely be doing it again and highly recommend The Wild Swimming Co. Thanks Mel and Rich xx
By Pauline B for Winter Solstice Dip & Sauna | Studland, Dorset on Jan 22, 2025
Had a really great time. Rich was a fantastic host.
By Jo C for Winter Solstice Dip & Sauna | Studland, Dorset on Jan 06, 2025
A fabulous event - Rich was welcoming, the weather was calm, sunset was stunning, sea was bracing, sauna was fantastic - it couldn't have been better.
By Alison T for Winter Solstice Dip & Sauna | Studland, Dorset on Dec 28, 2024
A wet weekend in Wales, literally! Not my first retreat with the team, so I knew to expect a comfy bed, good food and fabulous support on a number of varied swims, undeterred by the weather. Scrambling down to waterfalls and plunge pools and a choppy swim across the lake - well managed, with everyone able to meet their goals safely. After all the rain the hurly burly of the Watkins path falls was a little out of my comfort zone initially, but I don’t think I’ll forget the rush of swooshing from one pool to the eddy in the next in a hurry. Ha! Mel and Rich always go out of their way to make sure everyone’s happy, and I’m not sure how they manage it, but it was somehow always dry when we’re getting changed!
By Kate B for The Snowdonia Retreat on Dec 10, 2024
A really memorable and special trip - thank you!
By Katie F for The Snowdonia Retreat on Dec 04, 2024
Show More Reviews