The world finally seems to be settling back into it’s natural rhythm. If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that health and happiness are at the top of our priority list. With this in mind, it’s time to take the plunge and book that trip you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you’re craving cold water immersion and delicious food or want to improve your surfing and indulge in a weekend of swell searching and secret spots, there are plenty of retreats and camps across the south west of England offering just that. Grasp the opportunity to escape without the hassle of flying by simply heading down to Devon and Cornwall for a week or weekend of water-based activities. 

Below you’ll find a list of our favourite surf and swim retreats in the south west. Enjoy! 

Swim retreats in Devon and Cornwall

The Salt Sisterhood is a retreat for women, situated on the south coast of Cornwall. Lauren, the founder, launched the retreats in 2018 after being inspired by a book by marine biologist Wallace J. Nicholls called Blue Mind, written about the remarkable effects of water on our health and well being. The 5-night retreat is hosted in an oceanside house with it’s own private beach, and consists of multiple swims accompanied by a qualified lifeguard, coastal exploration and tasty meals each day.

Run, swim and stretch with Wild Coast Escapes in south Devon. The 8 person strong team behind the business consists of an open-water and health and wellbeing coach, a trail running guide and a professional chef, amongst other various people with refined skillsets and knowledge. The retreat is aimed at people of all abilities and encourages you to switch up your normal routines for something a little more memorable. Think pavement sprints to cliff tops runs and from pool lengths to open sea swims. 

Thera-sea’s rewilding retreats are based off-grid on the banks of the river Fal, in a location only accessible by boat or via a long hike through the surrounding woodland. Thera-Sea founder Katy Griffiths is a qualified clinical mental health nurse and has shaped her retreats to “focus on bringing wellness back to basics through the six pillars of lifestyle medicine - physical activity, relaxation, purpose, sleep hygiene, nutrition, and healthy relationships.” Through wild swimming, ocean sports, cold-water therapy and education, Katy and Thera-Sea invite men and women alike to reconnect with the natural environment and grow through self development workshops in the wilderness. 

 Thera-sea

Surf camps in the south west 

Surf Sistas, born in Cornwall, host a number of retreats and weekends. They are a girls-only club offering 4-day beginner surf courses, longboard and shortboard clinics and white to green intermediate surf courses. You’ll also find them on their Ibiza Swim Retreat, and in France, Java, Costa Rica, Bali and Morocco! 

Women and Waves run surf and bodyboard camps all year round. Their Newquay and Croyde weekends for beginners and progressive abilities include surf lessons, stand-up paddleboarding and wild swimming with experienced instructors, plus organised dinners out, discounts on accommodation and video surf analysis throughout the weekend. 

Women + Waves

Surf South West offer affordable weekend retreats in north Devon, near Croyde. It’s a small camp, with spaces limited to 10 people, meaning surf lessons can be tailored to everyone's individual level. The main selling point is the ‘feel-good factor’ of their retreats. Learn to surf, make new friends, experience coastal living and have a great time. Simple. 

Renowned surf school and trip hosts Ticket to Ride offer a ‘surf and stay’ package in Perranporth, Cornwall. You’ll shack up at the local B&b with friends and family and your stay is combined with morning surf lessons and afternoon kit hire. Plus, your accommodation shares residence with the surf school. 

 Ticket to Ride

Life’s too short to not fill it with things that you love. Learn to surf, dive into the ocean, run along the clifftops and relax amongst nature. We guarantee your mind, body and soul will thank you for it. See you in Cornwall.