New research has named Portland Harbour the best place for wild swimming in the UK.

Looking at the water quality, average sea temperature, popularity, and wind speed, outdoor experts at Go Outdoors have named the best places to go wild swimming in the UK. 

Their study also looked at the best places to paddleboarding, surf and kayak as well as the best water sports attraction in the UK. 

Portland Harbour tops the list as the best spot for wild swimming in Britain with an impressive score of 9.94 out of 10.

Known for its natural beauty and breathtaking views of the marina, Portland Harbour is a popular destination for open-water swimmers. 

With an average of 1,665 hours of glorious sunshine during the year, there is also excellent water quality, offering a refreshing swim in clear waters and a picturesque setting. 

The study also revealed surfing as the UK's most popular water sport activity.

CEO of the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, Jon Tweedle says that the research confirms that Portland Harbour offers 'some of the best facilities' for water sport enthusiasts in the country.

He said: "Although wild swimming is not an activity we carry out at the National Sailing Academy - unless you include the occasional capsize - this study confirms what water sports enthusiasts have long known; that Portland Harbour and the surrounding area offers some of the best facilities and environment available, regardless of the water activity you chose to enjoy. 

"The Academy and its on-site partners offer a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy the water through Sailing, Windsurfing, Kite Foiling and Wing Foiling, and with so many spots around the harbour suitable for safe wild-swimming it’s no surprise that we see so many people choosing to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of these sports and activities."

A second Dorset location also made the top 10 list, with Ringstead Bay coming in at number five.

The bay to the east of Weymouth at the village of Ringstead scored an impressive 9.39 out of 10  with 1,640 hours of sunshine during the year and also boasts excellent water quality.