Nearest train station: Lewes/Cooksbridge
Barcombe Mills, situated about 5 miles north of East Sussex county town Lewes, is a beautiful spot for wild swimming, offering a 5km swimming stretch along the River Ouse featuring fresh, deep water.
The area in and around Barcombe Mills offers plenty for visitors to enjoy in the form of nearby walks, boating and cycle routes, and serves as a peaceful nature reserve to explore local wildlife with countless riverbanks, bridges and weirs.
There is a picnic area nearby around the focal point of the Anchor Inn pub, and if you keep heading north up the River Ouse beyond Other Elsie’s Bridge you’ll find more secluded spots for swimming. Just take care of possible boats and trout fishers!
How to Get to Barcombe Mills for Swimming
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this location by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
As we recommend heading slightly upstream from the main picnic area, we suggest using Other Elsie’s Bridge as a benchmark.
Enter the postcode BN8 5BS into your sat nav. This will take you Other Elsie’s Bridge, and will suggest that you park up at the Anchor Inn. The pub offers limited parking for patrons only though you may be able to find a spot along Anchor Lane nearby. Walk north upstream past the pub until you find Other Elsie’s Bridge.
Otherwise, there is a car park south of this adjacent to the village of Barcombe Mills. The postcode here is BN8 5BX. From here, you can continue north as mentioned or indeed follow the River Ouse south, which will present more secluded swimming spots along the way too.
Take the A26 towards Uckfield and then take the B2192 towards Fletching, before turning left onto the B2192 towards Barcombe. After 1.5 miles you will arrive at Barcombe Mills.
By public transport
Despite ongoing local campaigns to reopen the defunct Barcombe Mills Railway station, the nearest train station to Barcombe Mills is Lewes. There are buses that run to Barcombe Mills, namely the 121, 122, 124 which run from here.
If you’re coming from Brighton, you can also get the 29 Regency Route between Brighton and Tunbridge Wells which runs through Barcombe Lane on the A26. It’s roughly a 30 minute walk to the area from this bus stop.
By bike
Cycling in Barcombe Mills is a great way to explore the area by following the banks along the River Ouse. You can either follow the river up or downstream to discover quieter swimming spots, and the area offers a gentle cycling experience with river banks and country lanes.
More adventurous cyclists can venture further into the nearby South Downs National Park, which offers plenty of routes, including the South Downs Way.
What else is nearby Barcombe Mills?
The East Sussex county town of Lewes is worth a visit with its castle and quaint streets full of independent shops and cosy pubs. Further upstream is also Barcombe Reservoir, which offers more walking routes and birdwatching opportunities.
If you’re looking to continue your River Ouse swimming journey, then check out our recommended spot by the village of Hamsey, just a couple of miles south.
You’re also a stone’s throw from the South Downs National Park and all that has to offer in terms of hikes, cycle routes and more.