I’ve always been drawn to water, I grew up by the sea and love to swim. I joined Vobster in October last year, intrigued by cold water swimming but also to continue to swim outdoors through winter. I took their Cold Water Swimming course with Richard Smith which was really insightful and equipped me with safety knowledge. I’ve now been going for a year and love it. The water’s so fresh and clean and the depth gives it a dark black colour yet still translucent in the shallows. I mostly swim with a friend but all sessions are lifeguarded so I feel safe swimming alone too.
So I thought I’d gather a list of sites where you can swim outdoors, that are close to Bath. These are all managed sites, some require membership or pay as you go, some are free.
This is the second in the Swim Series, the first was 12 Free Places to Splash & Paddle and I have more planned, so water lovers keep an eye out for the next one.
Incredible image by Clevedon swimmer @matt_stinsonsbs
Clevedon Marine Lake
Clevedon Marine Lake is a tidal pool on the Somerset coast. It gets filled with seawater from the Bristol Channel every spring tide. It’s free and a safe place to play, swim and boat and an important part of Clevedon’s community. Clevedon Marine Lake is owned by North Somerset Council and run by a charity called Marlens who raises money to keep it in good, clean, safe order.
Their FAQs page is full of helpful details including where to get in.
Visiting Info Clevedon Marine Lake is open access almost every day of the year. No need to book, however it’s good to check the calendar before you visit in case there’s an event on.
Location map & Parking. Park in the Salthouse Fields pay and display car park BS21 7TU. There are six disabled parking bays.
Facilities. There are no changing facilities at the lake, there’s a cold water shower in the community boat store on the upper promenade above the children’s splash pool.
This great shot is by @salliannemillward
Cromhall Quarry
Cromhall Quarry is a triangular flooded limestone quarry covering 4 hectares with a maximum depth of 17m. It’s a beautiful spot for swimming but is also used for scuba diving and paddle boarding. Swimmers have a marked course and you must wear a tow float if you’re not wearing a wetsuit. This popular site was saved from closure recently much to the relief of their regular swimmers.
Booking page At the moment the site is open for swimming on Thursday evenings & the weekends & costs £6.
Location Map & Parking Plenty of free parking
Facilities. Changing tent, benches & refreshments available for post swim tea.
Photo taken by @notthatkindofcanon
Farleigh Hungerford District Swimming Club
Farleigh Hungerford District Swimming Club is a 70m stretch of deep water, with shallows above the weir and steps provide access into the water which is about 1.25m deep with a gravel bed. Founded in 1933, it’s believed to be the oldest river swimming club in the country, the original “wild swimming club”. This is a community club run by and for the members with over 5,000 members and is a wonderful spot surrounded by nature.
Booking page Open from 1st May to 30th SeptemberAdult membership costs from £12, family of up to 6 £25
Location Map & Parking. Parking available in field signposted.
Facilities. Changing screens, toilets, a picnic and sunbathing field.
The Glove Dippers, Holt
The Glove Dippers open-water swimming lake is located in a quiet private field behind Glove Factory Studios in Holt Village, Wiltshire. At a length of 100m and a maximum depth of around 2m, it offers a peaceful alternative to rivers and streams, particularly in the winter months.
Glove Dippers are a lively and friendly bunch of keen wild swimmers. Many have been swimming at the lake since it opened. All are passionate about the many physical and mental health benefits gained from open water swimming.
Booking page Annual membership is £100 or £80 for residents. The fee includes unlimited year-round swimming during daylight hours.
Location map & Parking. Parking is free in the Glove Factory Studios car park.
Facilites. Free onsite parking, Shephards Hut to change & a cold water shower. There a great cafe beside the field The Wild Herb Kitchen overlooking the lake.
This stunning photo was taken by @annelouiseperez
Henleaze Lake Swimming Club
Henleaze Swimming Club is a members swimming club since 1919, with a huge 1950s diving tower, changing rooms and grassy banks. It’s a former quarry surrounded by lawns and beautiful trees. The Lake is about four hundred metres long and between thirty and sixty metres wide.
Their objective is to promote the health of the inhabitants of Bristol and the surrounding area by providing facilities for open water swimming for healthy exercise.
Booking & Membership Information
Location Map & Parking. Visitors are asked to park a few streets away & walk for consideration of local residents.
Facilities. Changing rooms & sauna
@lake.32 thank you for this amazing photo!
Lake 32
Lake 32 is a clear freshwater lake located within the beautiful Cotswold Water Park. The 44 acre, naturally fed lake is surrounded by woodland and wildlife and offers the perfect spot to peacefully enjoy the outdoors and unwind. Their site was inspired by the founding director’s love of the outdoors, and the desire to share it with others.
As well as swimming there’s a variety of paddle sports, land based activities and events and courses.
Their FAQ page has all the info
Booking page Membership or pay as you go options.
Location map & Parking. Free parking on site or nearby field.
Facilites. Heated changing rooms & showers, Lake 32 Cafe for food & drinks.
Vobster Quay
Vobster Quay Open Water Swimming and Diving Centre. This is where I swim and absolutely love it. This is a glorious site to swim at. The deep water is dark, cool and refreshing. You often swim alongside wildlife or can watch it on the banks or in the air. Everyone’s really friendly and I’ve felt a sense of belonging every time I’ve been.
Vobster Quay Swimming Facebook page for information on events & courses and a helpful Cold Water Swimming Guide.
Booking page Vobster is a members only site and Annual membership is £45 or £30 off peak. Membership provides you a discounted entry fee of £5.75 per swim, and discount on food and drink and some retail items. You can also invite one guest.
Location map & Parking. Plenty of free onsite parking.
Facilites. Changing rooms, shop, cafe van with food & refreshments, fire pit & picnic area.
Open Water, Wild Swimming & Outdoor Swimming Pools in & around Bath
