The sea around the UK’s coast in the Autumn still remembers the long, warm summer days, and until the first frost arrives, it has many possibilities. All too often, people get to mid-September and, with the darker nights and cooler days, start to shy away from visiting the coast.
The daylight hours can still be warm, the beaches empty, and so with a good wetsuit, the surf and wind can be great!
Not sure about going into the water? Then don’t worry, as Autumn is a great time to get stuck into some rock pooling, or why not just enjoy a stroll along the coast path and investigate some of the beaches in the smaller coves and bays?
Autumn also sees those beaches that had summer dog restrictions open up to allowing dogs and thus giving many more options for a dog-friendly visit, check out our list of dog friendly beaches for some ideas.
Whilst many travel to the southernmost parts of the British Isles in search of warm water, such as Cornwall, don’t forget that we have many other opportunities. Why not try the Pembrokeshire, Devon and Kent coasts, but with a little more ambition, why not head further North to the east coasts of Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire?
Autumn Sea Swimming Tips
Here are concise tips for swimming in the UK sea during autumn:
- Acclimatise Slowly: Enter the water gradually to reduce the risk of cold water shock, and never jump straight in.
- Use a Wetsuit: Water is chillier in autumn; a wetsuit helps retain body heat, especially for longer swims.
- Check Conditions: Always check the weather, tide times, and local warnings before you swim. Strong winds or rough seas can be dangerous.
- Don’t Swim Alone: Swim with a buddy or have someone watching from shore for extra safety.
- Stay Close to Shore: Avoid venturing too far out, especially on unfamiliar beaches and in cold water.
- Protect Extremities: Wear neoprene gloves, socks, and a swim cap to keep hands, feet, and head warm.
- Have Warm Clothes Ready: Bring plenty of dry, warm layers to change into immediately after your swim.
- Know Your Limits: Cut the swim short if you start to feel cold or numb. Short dips are best as temperatures drop.
- Be Aware of Rip Currents: Learn to spot and avoid rips; if caught, swim parallel to the shore to escape.
- Respect the Season: The sea is warmest in early autumn but cools quickly, so start with shorter swims as temperatures fall.
Stay safe and enjoy the unique thrill of autumn sea swimming!
Top 6 Autumn Coast Spots
Any beach on Coast Radar is a possibility, but this is our top 6 list of beaches to visit this Autumn.
- Kent – Joss Bay Beach
- Cornwall – Watergate Bay
- Wales – Rhossili Bay and the Gower
- Pembrokeshire – Freshwater West beach
- North Yorkshire – Saltburn beach
- Norfolk – Cromer
Why not leave us a Facebook comment or photo on Instagram on your favourite beach for an out-of-season Autumn visit?
Places to Stay
If you want something more than a day trip, then the Autumn months outside of school half-term offer some great hotel or self-catering prices. Often, you can get a beachfront cottage for half the cost of a peak summer month.
Why not have a quick search for accommodation on booking.com?