SANDY BAY, MIDHURST A favourite haunt of wild swimmers, this idyllic site, just a stone’s throw from Cowdray Castle, offers secluded bathing in the River Rother.

Relatively shallow waters – estimated to be no more than 5ft at maximum depth – and a gentle incline down the river bank make it a good place for families, who are often to be found picnicking on the sandy bank that borders the river.

Visitors should walk down the Causeway, head through the gates of Rother Bridge, turn left and follow the road until they reach the grass path that slopes down to the beach.

BARCOMBE MILLS, NEAR LEWES According to The Outdoor Swimming Society, this pretty stretch of the River Ouse is an excellent place for an outdoor swim – as long as one behaves responsibly and is mindful of fishermen.

Bordered by grassy banks and open meadows, it offers a tranquil atmosphere and good water quality (would-be swimmers are advised to check the Ouse and Adur Valley River Project website for up-to-date information on the water).

If you don’t fancy swimming, boats can be hired from the Anchor Inn for a serene paddle through the meandering waterway.

THE PELLS, LEWES Yes, it can be surprisingly cold but there’s no disputing that the country’s oldest freshwater public pool is refreshing.

Forty-six metres long and fed by a spring, The Pells has been welcoming swimmers of all ages for more than 150 years and, after being saved from closure a decade ago, has undergone a string of refurbishments and improvements.

The terrace and tree-lined lawn are popular for picnics and sunbathing, while children can play in the paddling pool or on the rafts.

The last swim of the year takes place in mid-September.

www.pellspool.org.uk CUCKMERE HAVEN The bay between Seaford Head and the cliffs of the Seven Sisters can only be accessed on foot and, as such, has a wonderful air of seclusion. On a hot day, it’s usually less crowded here than on nearby beaches.

In the water, the view is framed by the sheer chalk face of Haven Brow, while experienced swimmers can see all the Seven Sisters around 200 metres from the shore.

Make sure to visit within a few hours of high tide (find local tide times online) because around low tide the sea retreats over pebbles and rocks, making swimming near-impossible.

Afterwards, reward your efforts with a drink at the Golden Galleon pub at Exceat, or tea at the National Trust visitor centre tearooms.

ARUNDEL LIDO, QUEEN STREET While many lidos have disappeared in recent years, Arundel’s – built in 1960 – was saved from the same fate by the support of the community. When Arun District Council shut it in 1999, the Arundel and Downland Community Leisure Trust was formed and took over the management of the lido three years later. The charity has since restored and refurbished the heated 25m pool and children’s paddling area to its original glory. Make the most of it now – it’s only open until September. Visit www.arundel-lido.com