Nearest train station: Chester
Located a few miles south of Chester and in the quiet village of Eccleston, the section of the River Dee offers clean water and easily-accessible beaches adjacent to a conveniently-located car park right by the banks.
There can be a strong current at times and there is a nearby boat club (so be on the lookout for traffic!) though all in all this peaceful spot in the western Cheshire is a great wild swimming location.
There are various access points in the form of beaches located nearby the parking spot (linked to in the above location).
How to Get to the River Dee at Eccleston
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this particular spot of the River Dee in Cheshire by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode CH4 9JE into your sat nav, which will take you to Eccleston Ferry Parking. From here, you’ll be right in front of the River Dee with a footpath offering easy access to beaches depending on whether you walk north or south.
The village of Eccleston, just 3 miles south of Chester, is located off the A483 on the way south to Wrexham.
By public transport
The nearest train station to Eccleston is Chester. There isn’t a bus or other means of public that takes you directly to Eccleston, so we suggest hiring a taxi from the station or reaching it by bike.
By bike
You can follow this section of the River Dee with a pleasant bike ride coming out of Chester if you’re starting in that direction. Heading south over the River Dee outside of central Chester, you’ll then head through the area of Handbridge before arriving at Eccleston after about 15 minutes.
Chester and the surrounding area is nicely set up for bike rides. Check out the River Dee Round cycle route and see what other wild swimming spots along the River Dee you can find along the way!
What else is nearby the River Dee at Eccleston?
Heading further south along the River Dee will eventually bring you to the impressive Aldford Iron Bridge – there are plenty of wild swimming opportunities along the river as you continue along its banks.
North is of course the historic city of Chester, which has plenty to do including traversing the pretty canals of the River Dee.