6 min readMake the most of warmer days and cool off at these alfresco swimming spots, from Bristol Harbourside to open air lidos, marine lakes and more.
Jump to: Outdoor swimming pools - Open water swimming - Splash parks
Outdoor pools
Bristol Lido
Tucked away down a quiet street in Clifton, this Victorian lido has all the modern luxuries you could want. Not only is the pool heated year-round, there is also an outdoor jacuzzi as well as a steam room and sauna. Give yourself an extra special pampering day by booking one of their massages or swim and dine packages, which you can enjoy at the award-winning poolside Lido restaurant.
Image - Bristol Lido
Weston Marine Lake
Replenished daily with sea water, the Marine Lake in Weston-super-Mare has its own sandy beach and permanently offers sea-water bathing even when the tide is out. It's also within easy reach of several beaches in and around Weston.
Image - Weston Marine Lake
Portishead Open Air Pool
This 33-metre open air pool on the North Somerset coast has a fun retro feel and great views of the Bristol Channel from its seating area. The pool is heated by green energy during its open season from April - October, and hosts a range of events throughout the summer, from pool classes to film screenings! Swim sessions start at £5 for adults and families, and children under three years of age get in for free.
Image - Portishead Open Air Pool
Clevedon Marine Lake
Open almost every day of the year, the marine lake is the perfect spot for swimming, paddleboarding or canoeing with a great view of the coat. There's no need to book, and there are regular events hosted in the lake, including swimming lessons and SUP Yoga.
Image - Clevedon Marine Lake
Open water swimming
Bristol Harbour swimming
Book onto one of the weekly swimming sessions in Bristol Harbour, running every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 10am (June to October) in front of The Cottage Inn on Baltic Wharf. Swimming takes place in a cordoned-off area of the harbour, and the water is tested weekly to make sure it meets bathing water standards.
Image - Bristol Harbour Swimming
The Wave
Not only can you book a surfing or body boarding lesson at this inland surfing lake to the north of Bristol, you can also book in for open water swimming or bring little ones along for the Play in the Bay sessions, where no surfing is allowed. If you want to take a dip more than once during your visit, book a stay at The Camp at The Wave to enjoy even more time at this special place.
Image - The Wave
Henleaze Lake
Situated in a former quarry, this lake in the North Bristol suburb of Henleaze, this swimming spot is surrounded on all sides by grass and trees, making it a peaceful and scenic place to go open water swimming. You'll need to be member of Henleaze Swimming Club or a guest of a member to access the lake.
West Country Water Park
Just eight miles outside Bristol, this large swimming lake is open almost 365 days a year (opening hours vary depending on the season). Night swims are also available at selected times of year. The open water swimming lengths vary throughout the year; in summer, the loop is around 500m, and in winter, reduced to 100m. Children have to be at least six years old to swim in the lake, and aged nine or older to swim on their own. All swimmers must wear a brightly coloured swim cap and either a wetsuit or tow float.
Image - West Country Water Park
Splash parks
Millennium Square
Located on Bristol's Harbourside next to We The Curious, the water features in Millennium Square are a popular paddling spot for families in summer, where you'll also find seasonal events and activities such as fairground rides, games and food stalls.
Image - Millennium Square
St Andrews Park Lido
This pretty park just off Gloucester Road has a large open air paddling pool which is open from the first May bank holiday to September, perfect for toddlers and young children. The park also has a playground with swings, a slide and climbing frame.
Image - Swimming pool in St Andrews Park
Cribbs Causeway Summer Water Garden
This free-to-visit splash park outside The Mall at Cribbs Causeway has plenty to keep kids entertained, from shallow water streams and a giant bubble machine to a wooden pirate ship for climbing on!
Image - Summer Water Garden at Cribbs Causeway
Brean Splash Water Park
Head to the award-winning waterpark for plenty of fun features both inside and out, from water slides and flumes to fountains and splash areas. Brean Splash Waterpark is located within Brean Leisure Park in Somerset, so you can also check out the nearby attractions of Brean Theme Park and Brean Play.
- Make the most of Brean's attractions by staying on site at Holiday Resort Unity
Image - Brean Splash Water Park
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
Take the family along to tackle the giant 50m slip ‘n’ slide, take a dip in the paddling pool, have fun in the water play area or join a foam party! These activities are all part of Avon Valley's Summertopia events over the summer holidays, which is in addition to their usual activities such as Mini Jeep Safari, miniature railway, quad bikes, animal encounters and more.
Image - Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
WWT Slimbridge
Little ones will love splashing in puddles, bouncing on lily pad trampolines and crawling through the log tunnel at Slimbridge's splash park, which also has climbing trees and a basket swing. Welly Boot Land is open year-round, so make sure to pack a swimsuit or puddlesuit when you visit!
Image - Welly Boot Land at WWT Slimbridge
Water Adventure Play Park, Weston-Super-Mare
Weston's splash pad water park is open from 9:30 - 5pm every day from April to September. There is a charge of £3 per child, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs are allowed into the park. The splash park is also surrounded by a range of wooden play equipment and swings, and there is also a cafe on site for refreshments.
Image - Water Adventure & Play Park
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