We love Bristol in the sunshine, but as the weather gets warmer you might be wondering where to go to cool off when the heat of the city gets too much. Luckily, Bristol is surrounded by beautiful wild swimming spots – places where you can swim outdoors, in rivers and lakes – so if you’re interested in making a splash this summer, check out our list of five gorgeous wild swimming spots in and around Bristol.
Henleaze Swimming Club
Did you know that only a mile from the Downs there’s an open-air swimming lake, just on the edge of Henleaze? The freshwater lake is in a disused quarry, and it’s a very scenic spot, surrounded by high rock walls, pretty woodland and grassy areas for sunbathing. The lake is only open to members, so you must apply before you can go along.
Bristol Open Water
This swimming lake is only for the serious swimmers among you. Bristol Open Water provides a training ground for triathletes – it boasts a 600-metre swimming course, a running track and a cycle route, so you can work on your times for your next race!
Cotswold Country Park and Beach
This child-friendly swimming lake has everything you need to enjoy a family day out on a sunny day. As well as the lake (which is staffed with lifeguards in the most popular months), there is also a sandy beach, water activities such as pedalos and rowing boats, and a cafe, ice cream kiosk and barbecues for hire. Perfect for a day by the water!
Kensington Meadows
Escape the bustle of the city by taking a dip in the River Avon, in this quiet wooded area in the heart of Bath. This isn’t a privately owned wild swimming spot, so you won’t find lifeguards here, and you should keep an eye out for boats and other water vehicles. But according to regular swimmers, this is an ideal place for a relaxing dip.
Warleigh Weir, Claverton
Warleigh Weir is situated near Claverton, beyond Bath, but it’s certainly worth the trip from Bristol. The weir provides access to a large, deep area for swimming, and it’s right next to a big open field that’s great for sunbathing. Again, this part of the river isn’t manned with lifeguards, so it’s best kept for responsible adult swimmers only.
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Swimming photo by Andreas Gücklhorn on Unsplash
Lake photo by Tyson Dudley on Unsplash
