Supervised sessions only3 miLisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs
Lisvane
Designated, supervised open-water swimming sessions operate at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs by pre-booked access.
Places to swim near Cardiff
16 natural swimming spots within about 60 miles of Cardiff, sorted by straight-line distance. Open each spot for the season, booking rules and directions.
16 spots listed14 sea and rock pools1 lake1 waterfall pool2 need a booking in season
16 spots in the Cardiff area
Supervised sessions only3 mi
Designated bathing water7 miJackson's Bay
Barry Island, Barry
Jackson's Bay is a designated bathing water at Barry Island with good recent water quality classification.
Designated bathing water8 miWhitmore Bay
Barry Island, Barry
Whitmore Bay is a designated bathing water at Barry Island with good recent water quality classification.
Designated bathing water8 miThe Knap
Pebble Beach, Barry
The Knap is a designated coastal bathing water beside Pebble Beach and Marine Lake.
Yes, seasonal bathing19 miDunraven Bay
Southerndown, Southerndown
Dunraven Bay is a designated bathing beach with excellent water quality classification.
Yes, seasonal bathing22 mi
Yes, seasonal bathing24 mi
Swimming reported27 miSgwd Gwladys
Waterfall Country, Pontneddfechan
Sgwd Gwladys is a 7-metre waterfall on the Afon Pyrddin near Pontneddfechan, with a deep plunge pool.
Public sea swimming35 miSwansea Bay
Uplands
Swansea Bay is a designated bathing water with Good water quality classification for 2025.
Public sea swimming35 miBracelet Bay
Mumbles
Bracelet Bay and Limeslade Bay are designated bathing waters with 2025 classifications of Excellent and Good.
Public sea swimming36 miLangland Bay
Mumbles
Langland Bay is a designated bathing water with Excellent water quality classification for 2025.
Public sea swimming37 miCaswell Bay Beach
Manselfield
Caswell Bay is a designated sea bathing water with seasonal lifeguard patrols and nearby beach facilities.
Public sea swimming42 mi
Public sea swimming44 miPort Eynon Beach
Horton
Port Eynon Bay is a designated sea bathing water with seasonal lifeguard patrols.
Swimming possible49 miBlue Pool
Llangennith Sands, Burry Holms
Blue Pool is a natural, tidally filled pool near Burry Holms.
Public bathing area59 miPendine Sands
Pendine, Llansadwrnen
Pendine Sands is a designated bathing beach with a bathing area between two slipways.