Castle to Castle Challenge | New Forest National Park

5 - 7 June 2026

"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

 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.

 Day 2: Sunrise and Milford to Barton Swim

Depending on wind and tide direction, early risers can marvel at a breath taking New Forest sunrise over the Isle of Wight’s iconic chalk cliffs.

Our swim journey continues as we glide from Milford on Sea to Barton on Sea, passing a picturesque stretch of traditional beach huts, sandstone cliffs, secluded beaches, and curious onlookers along the way.

We’ll finish this scenic swim at one of the area’s excellent cafés, followed, of course, by more of our signature homemade cake.

As the evening sets in, we’ll exclusively hire a heated outdoor pool for a gentle stretch session, ensuring you’re refreshed and ready for the final leg of this incredible adventure.

 Day 3: Crossing Borders – Hampshire to Dorset

Depending on wind and tide conditions, the final leg of our adventure takes you across borders, swimming from leafy Hampshire into delightful Dorset. Along the way, you’ll pass renowned surf spots, stretches of golden sand, and a stunning forest backdrop.

Your journey concludes below the majestic Highcliffe Castle, where you’ll celebrate with more delicious homemade cake. To mark the achievement of your personal challenge, you’ll also receive a Tame the Tides sew-on badge as a memento of this unforgettable experience.