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'
An epic 3 day challenge to swim from Highcliffe Castle in Dorset to Hurst Castle in Hampshire, tidal assisted. Choose your accommodation;
Hurst View: Bring your own camper or tent.
Seascape Lodge: Beautiful private house with large garden (Daily breakfast hamper provided).
The full distance not your thing? We can plan you an optional shorter route each day (approximately 1km or 2km).
What is the full distance? Approximately 11km, expect to swim 3 -4km per day.
You must be available to swim at any point in each of the three in order to swim with a supportive tide and wind.
Suitable for anyone who can swim 1km confidently.
Who are the swim guides? - Mel
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
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
Bring your own tent or camper to Hurst View, with access to the site's facilities. Price per person. 2 Nights only | Add non- swimming camp mates in 'add ons' at bottom of page
Stay in a well furnished double bedroom at spectacular Seascape Lodge, with it's large dining room, kitchen and spacious garden, you can simply relax in style (see gallery).
Receive your breakfast hamper each morning to prepare you for the day.
2 persons | 2 nights only @ £400 per person
Stay in a well furnished bedroom at Seascape Lodge, this room has 2 x double beds, with it's large dining room, kitchen and spacious garden, you can simply relax in style (see gallery).
Receive your breakfast hamper each morning to prepare you for the day.
4 persons | 2 nights only @ £350 per person
Available options
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
Depending on wind/ tide direction
On Day 1 afternoon (time TBC) we'll set off on foot from Milford Haven to Hurst Castle, before entering the water and swimming along the glorious New Forest coastline to Milford on Sea with our lifeguard team. We'll park vehicles in a manner to allow a return to the start.
This lovely swim will finish with some homemade cake on the beach.
Dinner plans? Self cater or we'll help you book the best restaurants in the area.