Cold water swimming near Bristol and Bath
Love it or hate it, cold water swimming is really, really good for you. It’s the ultimate mood lifter, great for the body and most importantly, awesome fun!
Fortunately, there are many places to enjoy cold water swimming; especially where I live near Bristol and Bath.
These are all great places to find local wild swim communities and to swim safely in clean water.
For wild swimming adventures in Somerset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Bath and beyond, my book ’28 Wild Swimming Walks Bristol & Bath’ is available to order now.
Like wild swimming, cold water swimming involves dipping into a local river or lake, or it may be swimming in a man-made lido. Either way, as the name suggests, the water is cold and this is the charm.
Cold Water Swimming near Bristol and Bath
Here we explore the 6 best places to go cold water swimming near Bristol and Bath (within 1 hour drive from Bristol/Bath). These places are great to visit for a cold water dip or wild swim all year round. Some are paid for, others are free but these are more ‘venues’ as opposed to free wild swimming which you can find here… top 5 wild swimming spots near Bristol and Bath.
**Check out our upcoming wild swimming event at Barefoot & Bower on July 8th
1. Vobster Quay, Somerset
- Cold water swimming
- Year-round
- Members (& guests) only
Vobster Quay is a brilliant place for cold water swimming. There is a marked swim route with different ‘exit points’ allowing you to be flexible in how far you want to swim.
I’ve always been slightly sceptical about the concept of paying to swim in open water but the benefits can really be enjoyed here. It’s never over-crowded as numbers are managed via membership and a strict booking system. In return for a £45 annual membership (plus £5 each time you swim), you can swim all year round in beautifully clear, cool waters. There are lifeguards on duty, a café serving food and hot drinks, plus heated changing rooms and showers (luxury!)
The barbed wire fence surrounding the quay is always off-putting when entering but inside is a tranquil place of beauty. I’ve swum alongside grazing deer on the water’s edge, and had a grebe diving beside me. The occasional bubble explosion from the divers below may be a little unnerving at first but you quickly get used to it!
2. Court Farm Lakes, Gloucestershire
- Cold water swimming
- Year round
- BYO paddleboarding
Jo and Nix have built a really friendly wild swim community at Court Farm Lakes.
There’s plenty to choose from … book onto to one of the open water sessions, moonlit swims, naked swims, yoga swims… whatever takes your fancy! Your dog can even come along too.
There’s a cafe too to pause for a cuppa after your swim.
3. West Country Water Park, Bristol
- Cold water swimming
- Pay-as-you-go
- Year-round
- Sauna
I’m a new convert to West Country Water Park. Easy access swimming year-round, with a great community and lovely little cafe onsite.
The best feature here is the infinity sauna (with lake views) and jumping platform. This means you can dive in to the cool water, then swiftly retreat to warm up in the sauna. Dreamy.
4. Barefoot and Bower, Gloucestershire
- Cold water and wild swimming
- All year round
- Social Swims
- Sauna
- NOWCA members only
What’s not to love about Barefoot and Bower? This is magical wild swimming at it’s best…
There are two spring-fed lakes buried deep in ancient woodland. The water is cool and fresh and the jetty makes access easy. It’s a beautiful sight and the perfect way to retreat into nature.
The lakes are open 7am -7 pm everyday to Nowca members. There are also a few manned sessions, the most popular being ‘The Sunday Social Swim’. Simply turn up, pay £8 and have a dip in either of the lakes and then enjoy a complimentary hot drink and biccy with the local swim tribe.
We’ll be hosting an event at Barefoot & Bower on July 8th… see more here.
5. Clevedon Marine Lake
- Cold water swimming
- Free access but please donate an entry fee
- All year round (except for organised closures)
This tidal marine lake seems to have a bad reputation. Many people worry about cleanliness and potential illness from the water. Personally, I’ve been many times and always enjoyed a fantastic cold-water swim.
Clevedon Marine Lake is a tidal infinity pool filled with seawater, built on the shores of Bristol Estuary. The views are incredible. Given how limited we are for sea-swimming here in Somerset, this is a fantastic compromise as the salty water and sea views feel like the real thing.
It can be busy at peak times so worth venturing to the lake early morning or in the evening… I’d highly recommend enjoying the sunset whilst swimming.
SUP possible too.
It’s a brisk change out of your swimming gear on the side of the lake but only a short walk to the car park behind. Take a thermos of tea and enjoy the views out to sea from the rocks after your cold water swim.
6. River Frome, Farleigh Hungerford, Somerset
- Cold water and wild swimming
- Annual membership (£12 per adult, £25 for a family)
- Access May – September
Farleigh Hungerford is the last British river swimming club in the UK and it’s very popular. Since my kids were young, this has been our favourite place for a cold water swim on a sunny day.
Parking is easy in the entrance field, then it’s a hop, skip and jump through to the beautifully manicured lawns – perfect for a picnic and a sun bathe.
The club is adjacent to the old weir which creates a shallow stretch where children can paddle. Tip toe further out and the river is beautifully deep with a great length to swim under the shade of the trees. There is wildlife aplenty and you’ll likely be joined by a number of dragonflies as you go. There’s a diving board for the brave and even a tree to leap from further upstream.
With plenty of space spread across a number of fields and a long stretch of river, this is a fantastic place for wild, cold water swimming.
When the club is closed, there are numerous other spots along the Frome that you can find to jump in for a winter swim.
Stowford Manor Farm campsite is in the neighbouring fields which is both a great campsite and serves a cracking cream tea. Dreamy days.
Listen to this fantastic podcast about the benefits of wild swimming
*cold water and wild swimming carry certain risks. Please read safety guides before swimming and stay safe
Looking to find your own secret wild swimming spots? Find hidden natural pools, beautiful rivers and epic coastal swims… Check it out here.
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