Nearest train station: Lewes/Cooksbridge
This section of the River Ouse in Sussex (not to be confused with the River Great Ouse!) runs through the popular market town of Lewes and down into the South Downs National Park before reaching the English Channel at Newhaven.
Those visiting Lewes will quickly notice the impressive river running through it, though it isn’t swimmable in the town itself owing to its strong tidal currents.
Instead, head on over to the Lewes-adjacent village of Hamsey, which offers a secluded swimming spot on the River Ouse that offers up a quieter and less-trodden alternative to the nearby Barcombe Mills. This section of the River Ouse is swimmable if swam upstream.
Located a couple of miles north of Lewes, the river can be entered via weirs on either side of the water nearby the Old Hamsey Church.
How to Get to the River Ouse at Hamsey, Lewes
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this lovely spot on the River Ouse by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode BN8 5TB into your sat nav, which will take you to the Old Hamsey Church. From here, the River Ouse can be accessed via a stream just a few metres to the east of the church.
Hamsey is accessed just off the A275 north of Lewes, if you take the turning along The Drove from the neighbouring village of Offham.
By public transport
Arriving into Lewes, which is served on the East Coastway Line, there aren’t any direct public transport routes into Hamsey, however you can walk directly from the station along the banks of the Ouse (around 40 minutes) towards the village before you find a suitable swimming spot.
The alternative route is arriving by train into the lesser-served station of Cooksbridge, and walking 30 minutes to Hamsey itself.
By bike
With the area in and around Lewes backing into the South Downs National Park, there are so many cycle routes that you can enjoy in and around the River Ouse or indeed into the hills themselves.
Accessing Hamsey is relatively easy by road, with the area being very popular for cyclists tackling the routes along the South Downs.
Heading south from Lewes, why not follow the Egrets Way route which hugs the River Ouse southward before ending up in the port town of Newhaven.
What else is nearby the River Ouse at Hamsey?
We’ve already touched on Barcombe Mills, which is set up very well for wild swimming and is only 5 minutes upstream from Hamsey.
Lewes is a cracking town to explore, full of independent shops and pubs, while the looming South Downs National Park offers plenty of walking and cycling routes.
Why not combine your visit with a bike ride south along the South Downs Way, adjacent to the River Ouse and see what you can find in terms of swimming spots!