Wild Leisure at Cleveland Lakes
Open Water Swimming and Paddleboarding
Dive into the crystal clear waters of Waterhay Lake in the heart of the Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve, a haven for well-being, health and community.
Every session you book helps fund our mission to preserve and enhance the Cotswold Lakes for wildlife and people.
Reopen following temporary closure
We’re delighted to announce that Cleveland Lakes is now back open for swimming.
Following the all-clear from both the Environment Agency and independent laboratory water testing, we’re pleased to confirm that the water has been assessed as safe for swimming in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidance.
Thank you to everyone for your patience, understanding and support while we worked closely with the Environment Agency, carried out ongoing monitoring and waited until we were completely satisfied it was safe to reopen. Your safety will always be our number one priority.
Please share the good news so as many swimmers as possible know that Cleveland Lakes is open again. Every share helps us spread the good news and welcome more people back to the water.
We can’t wait to see you again soon!
Book below or turn up during our opening hours and we’ll be happy to help you get everything sorted on site.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
Bookable open water swim sessions at Cleveland Lakes
Swimmers can swim either a clearly marked 150m or 500m course, or if you would prefer a more relaxing wild ‘dip’, there is plenty of space off the course to enjoy the wonderful lake, and its stunning surroundings.
Booking slots are divided into half hour arrival times and you can swim from your booked time of arrival until the session closing time 1 hour after the final booking slot.
Swims are available to both NOWCA members and non-members. The cost is £7 for NOWCA members and £8.50 for non-members looking to trial the venue for the first time.
Find out more about the benefits of being a NOWCA member.
July swim times
- Mondays 16.00-19.30
- Wednesdays 7.00-11.00 and 16.00-19.30
- Saturdays
- 25th July 8.00-14.00
Additional dates will be confirmed soon.
How to find us
Address: Rixon Gate, Ashton Keynes, Swindon SN6 6QW
When travelling to the site, please use the following What3Words address, then follow the signs to the parking area
Facilities
- Designated swim and paddle zones
- Slipway and pontoon
- Lifeguard sessions
- Toilets & ample parking
- Refreshments
Safety First
- Swimmers: Non-wetsuited swimmers must wear a tow float. All swimmers must wear a brightly coloured swim hat
- Paddleboarders: Leash and buoyancy aid required
- Under-16s: Must be accompanied by an adult
- Please follow staff guidance and respect wildlife
Please note that, at this time, due to wildlife sensitivities, dogs are not permitted on this part of the site.
Regular slots will be released as the season progresses – the more of you that come, the more slots we can release, and we can utilise the full length of the 1.6km lake. Please remember that Wild Leisure is part of Cotswold Lakes Trust (registered charity 1120518) and all the profits will go towards funding our mission to enhance and preserve the Cotswold Lakes for wildlife and people.
There is so much more to come but in the meantime if you require any further information, please contact Will Trippett on 07597 100625 or email Will.Trippett@cotswoldlakestrust.org
Events and Community
A number of open-water events will be announced soon including exciting opportunities that make full use of the lake’s 1.6km length. Expect community swims, charity events and competitive races. Join the mailing list.
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If you have a question, email Will Trippett, our Development Manager
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