Outdoor Swimming In and Around Bristol
A comprehensive guide to all the best wild swimming spots in and around Bristol. Get those keks off and jump in!
Farleigh & District Swimming Club Farleigh boasts the only river swimming club left in the country. The water is fresh, with a deep area above the weir for lovely swimming. There are toilets and changing rooms available. There is also a large car park with easy access to swimming. All swimmers must be members but rates are very low (£1.50). 45mins from central Bristol
Claverton Weir Long curving weir with cascade by grassy meadows for picnics. It is very popular in the summer though. There's a small carpark or cycle in from Bath. Free but swimmers are allowed here by courtesy of a local farmer - make his generosity easier by taking any visible litter with you when you go home. 40mins from central Bristol.
PLEASE NOTE: be extra careful and sensible when you are crossing the railway line to reach the swimming site. DO NOT drag dinghies or any other equipment across the railway line - please wait until you are across to inflate your gear.
Wookey Farm, near Wells. Lovely low key campsite with campfires and swimming in the River Axe.
Lido at Portishead Heated outdoor lido which has been open 50years but was given a huge makeover in 2009. 30mins from central Bristol. Opens mid April to September, all week until 7pm £5 per person
Greenbank Pool Heated outdoor pool. 1hr from Bristol. Open May to September
Henleaze Swimming Club The Lake is open to members and their guests only. Quite a few EC CLUB members are also Henleaze Swimming Club members and therefore can each can bring a maximum of two guests to the Lake. Swimming membership is currently full. Please revisit the website for details of joining the waiting list/weekday membership.
Clevedon Tidal Pool Beautifully set 200m saltwater pool by the sea. Landside is shallow and pathways unfortunately sometimes have glass smashed on them- flip flops therefore essential to get around near the water. Water quality is what you would expect from the Bristol Channel - ok. If you go to top left looking out to sea there is a little concrete area to get ready and to leave a water bottle. Usual seaside town ammenities nearby- toilets, cafe and pub. Park on road next to play park
Kensington Meadows, near Bath. Access from Morrisons Supermarket carpark or from Ringswell Gardens. Part of the River Avon, flat and pathed site. A lovely river next to the nature reserve.
Lacock Abbey Shallower areas just below the Abbey, watch out for the small rapids further down. Also a rope swing from one of the trees. Access across the meadow
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