FAQs
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Do I need to book before I visit?
Yes, all activities at Whitmore Lakes must be booked online before you arrive. (If you have difficulty booking online please contact us by phone).
Do I need to complete a waiver?
Yes, everyone taking part in an activity must complete a waiver before visiting. A responsible adult or guardian aged 18+ must complete a waiver for every child.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Please check in before heading to your activity. For water-based activities, check in at Whitmore Lakes reception. For wellness classes and activities at Whitmore Hall, please check in at Whitmore Hall.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, there is free on-site parking available. During busy times, our staff may direct swimmers to our overspill car park during. There is an approx ten minute walk to reception from this car park.
Can I drive to the paddleboarding or water sports lake?
Once you have checked in at reception, you may be directed to drive closer to the paddleboarding or water sports lake.
What should I bring?
Please bring suitable swimwear, a towel, warm layers for after your session, suitable footwear, a drink and a tow float is recommended (and MUST be worn if swimming solo or during winter months) Whitmore Lakes is an outdoor setting, so please dress for the weather and natural ground conditions. No nudity, inappropriate or revealing swimwear.
Are there changing facilities?
Yes, there are small changing areas available on site, but there are no shower facilities. We recommend arriving ready to enter the water where possible, with warm layers, a towel and suitable footwear for after your session.
What do I do with my belongings?
There are no lockers on site, so we recommend only bringing what you need for your visit. Belongings can be left on the pegs in the changing area or where you have based yourself lakeside, but all items are left at your own risk. Please do not bring valuables where possible.
Is Whitmore Lakes lifeguarded?
No, Whitmore Lakes is an un-lifeguarded open water venue. All water activities are undertaken at your own risk.
I’m new to open water swimming. What should I book first?
We recommend booking an Introduction to Open Water or Open Water Safety Course with our on-site coach, Ian from Kuotos Swim. These sessions are designed to help you understand the water, build confidence and feel safer before your first swim.
Can I just turn up and pay on the day?
No, all activities must be booked online in advance. (If you have difficulty booking online please contact us by phone).
Why do I need to book online?
Online booking helps us manage numbers, safety, waivers, lake access and activity availability. Members are recommended to book, but at busy times they can attend, check in at reception and enjoy the use of our other lakes.
Are tickets refundable?
Pre-booked tickets are normally non-refundable and non-transferable, unless Whitmore Lakes cancels or confirms otherwise.
What happens if Whitmore Lakes cancels an activity?
Activities may be cancelled or restricted due to weather, water quality, safety, maintenance or operational reasons. If this happens, Whitmore Lakes will advise you of the available options.
What happens if I arrive late?
Day passes allow you to come at anytime and stay for as long you want during operational hours. If you have booked an activity with a specific start time, please allow enough time to park, check in and get ready. Late arrival may affect your ability to take part in your booked session.
Can I access the lakes without a booking?
No, access to the lakes and activity areas is only permitted with a valid online booking, membership booking or spectator ticket. ALL VISITORS MUST CHECK IN ON ARRIVAL before heading to the lakes.
Who can swim at Whitmore Lakes?
Swimmers must be confident in open water and able to swim at least 50 metres unaided. Children aged 11+ years with adult supervision.
Can children swim?
Children aged 11 and over may swim if they are competent swimmers, able to swim at least 50m unaided, and they must be accompanied by a responsible adult in the water at all times.
Can children under 11 swim?
No. Children under 11 cannot swim, and children of any age who are not taking part in a booked, age-appropriate activity are not permitted to spectate around the lakes.
Do I need a tow float?
Tow floats are compulsory for solo swimmers and during the winter months. They are strongly recommended at all other times for visibility and safety.
How do I find out the water temperature?
The daily water temperature is advertised at reception and regularly shared on our social media channels. Please remember that air temperature and water temperature can feel very different, so always come prepared, especially during the colder months.
Can I dive or jump into the lake?
No, diving and jumping are not permitted.
Where do I enter and exit the water?
You must only enter and exit the water at designated entry and exit points.
Can I swim if I am pregnant or have a medical condition?
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have a medical condition, please seek medical advice before swimming or taking part in any activity. Sauna use is not permitted during pregnancy.
Is the water tested?
Water quality is tested regularly, although natural open water conditions can change due to weather and environmental factors.
You can view our water sampling results here:
Can I bring my own paddleboard?
Yes, you can bring your own board, or hire one from Whitmore Lakes, subject to availability and booking.
Do I need to wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket?
Yes, all water sports participants must wear a suitable buoyancy aid or life jacket.
Can children take part in paddleboarding or water sports?
Yes, children aged 8 and over may take part in paddleboarding and water sports, with the correct adult supervision in place.
What supervision is needed for children aged 8 to 13?
Children aged 8 to 13 must be accompanied on the water by a responsible adult.
What supervision is needed for children aged 14 to 17?
Children aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied to site by a responsible adult, who must remain at Whitmore Lakes throughout the session.
Do children need a life jacket or buoyancy aid?
Yes, all children taking part in paddleboarding or watersports must wear a suitable buoyancy aid or life jacket at all times.
Can I paddleboard anywhere on the lakes?
No, you must stay within the permitted water sports area and follow staff guidance.
Are motorised water sports allowed?
No, motorised water sports are not permitted on any lake at Whitmore Lakes.
Who can use the sauna?
The sauna is available to adults aged 16 years and over. Guests aged 16 to 17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 and over.
The sauna is not suitable for pregnant women. If you have a heart condition, high or low blood pressure, diabetes or any other medical condition, please seek advice from your GP or another qualified healthcare professional before using the sauna.
Do I need to book the sauna?
Yes, sauna sessions must be booked online in advance. Please note you need to book a swimming session initially, then add a sauna to the session.
Can children use the sauna?
No, children are not permitted to use the saunas.
What should I bring for the sauna?
Please bring swimwear, drinking water, a towel to sit on, suitable footwear and warm layers for after your session.
How long can I stay in the sauna?
You should not stay in the sauna for more than 15 minutes at a time. Leave immediately if you feel dizzy, faint, sick, lightheaded or uncomfortable.
Can I cold dip after the sauna?
Yes, where your booking allows, but cold dipping is undertaken at your own risk. Take your time, listen to your body and follow all safety guidance.
Can I drink alcohol before or during sauna use?
No, alcohol must not be consumed before or during sauna use. Alcohol is not permitted on site.
Can I eat in the sauna?
No, food is not permitted inside the sauna.
Are children and families welcome?
Yes, children and families are welcome at Whitmore Lakes, but we kindly ask all visitors to respect the peaceful setting, wildlife, staff and other guests. Please take note of the age restrictions which are 11+ for swimming, and 8+ for paddleboarding and water sports. Please note children of any age (including babies and toddlers) who are not taking part in a booked, age-appropriate activity are not permitted to spectate around the lakes.
Who is responsible for children on site?
Parents, guardians and responsible adults remain responsible for the children in their care at all times.
How many children can one adult supervise?
Each responsible adult may supervise a maximum of three children.
Can children play games around the lakes?
Ball games, running, rough play, pushing, diving, jumping and splashing games are not permitted in or around the lakes.
Can children enter the water on their own?
No, children must only enter and exit the water at designated points and only when their supervising adult is present.
Can children spectate?
Children are not able to attend as spectators around the lakes, so every child accessing the lake areas must have a valid activity booking and meet the relevant age requirements.
Can children attend safety classes?
Yes, we encourage families and children to attend Kuotos Swim open water sessions or child-specific water survival classes to build confidence and water safety awareness. Age restrictions and swimming ability rules apply.
What should children know if they get into difficulty in the water?
Please remind children of the Float to Live message: stay calm, float on your back, control your breathing and call for help.
What happens if someone gets into difficulty?
Emergency buoys are located around the lakes and an emergency contact number is available on site.
Are there lifeguards?
No, Whitmore Lakes is un-lifeguarded. Visitors must take responsibility for their own safety and follow all rules and staff guidance.
Can I swim alone?
Solo swimming is allowed only where permitted by the booking/session rules, and tow floats are compulsory for solo swimmers.
What should I do if I feel unwell?
Do not enter the water, use the sauna or take part in any activity if you feel unwell, unsafe or unsure. If you begin to feel unwell during an activity, stop immediately and seek help.
What are there rules around alcohol and drugs?
Yes, alcohol and drugs are not permitted around the lakes or activity areas. Anyone under the influence will not be allowed to take part and may be asked to leave.
Can I bring glass bottles?
For safety reasons, no glassware, including bottles, glasses and containers, is not permitted around the lakes, saunas, changing areas or pontoons.
Can I smoke or vape?
Whitmore Lakes is smoke-free and vape-free except in designated smoking area.
Can I play music?
No, music is not permitted. Please help us keep Whitmore Lakes calm and peaceful for everyone.
Can I take photos or videos?
Personal photography is allowed where it does not affect the privacy, safety or enjoyment of others. Please do not photograph or film other visitors or children without consent. Photography and filming are not permitted in changing areas.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted around the lakes or activity areas unless otherwise agreed by Whitmore Lakes. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome at The Cake Shack, subject to The Cake Shack’s own rules.
How do memberships work?
Whitmore Lakes memberships are designed for regular swimmers who want to make open water swimming part of their routine.
How do members book a swim?
Members should enter their membership code at checkout to validate their included swim or membership benefit.
Do memberships include sauna use?
Membership access and benefits depend on the membership type selected at the time of purchase. Please check your chosen membership details before booking.
Are memberships transferable?
No, memberships are personal to the named member and cannot be shared, transferred or resold. Staff may ask for photo ID at reception as part of the check-in process.
Can I freeze my membership?
Membership freeze options may be available depending on your membership terms. Please contact Whitmore Lakes for guidance.
Do I need a Whitmore Lakes booking to visit The Cake Shack?
No, you do not need a Whitmore Lakes activity booking to enjoy The Cake Shack.
Is The Cake Shack part of Whitmore Lakes?
The Cake Shack is independently operated from Whitmore Lakes, with its own opening hours, booking arrangements and policies.
What does The Cake Shack serve?
The Cake Shack serves breakfasts, lunches, homemade cakes, bakes and hot and cold drinks.
Are dogs allowed at The Cake Shack?
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome, subject to The Cake Shack’s own rules.
Can carers attend?
Carers may attend where appropriate, but recognised carer ID or supporting documentation may be required. They will be required to book a ticket online.
What proof of carer status is accepted?
Accepted examples may include a Carer’s Allowance award letter, Local Authority Carers Card, Carers UK Membership Card, Blue Badge, DLA/PIP/ADP/CDP award letter, NHS professional letter, CEA Card or similar proof.
I have accessibility needs. What should I do?
Whitmore Lakes is an outdoor natural site, so paths may be uneven, muddy or slippery. Please contact the team before booking for further access information in relation to your visit, and we will do our best to provide guidance specific to your accessibility needs.
Can I make a group booking?
Yes, group bookings (10+ people) are welcome at Whitmore Lakes, subject to availability and the type of activity you would like to book.
What activities are suitable for groups?
Groups can enquire about open water swimming, paddleboarding, water sports, sauna sessions, wellness activities, corporate activity days and private hire options.
Do group bookings need to be made in advance?
Yes, all group bookings must be arranged in advance so the team can check availability, capacity, supervision requirements and any activity-specific guidance.
Who is responsible for a group booking?
The person making the booking will act as the lead booker and is responsible for sharing the relevant information, rules and safety guidance with everyone attending.
Does everyone in the group need to complete a waiver?
Yes, every person taking part in an activity must complete a waiver before attending. For children, a responsible adult or guardian must complete the waiver.
Can we privately hire part of Whitmore Lakes?
Private hire may be available for selected activities, events, corporate groups or organised sessions. Please contact the Whitmore Lakes team to discuss your requirements.
Can businesses book corporate activity days?
Yes, corporate activity days can be arranged and may include activities such as open water swimming, paddleboarding, wellness experiences or sessions with Kuotos Swim.
Can we book a private swimming or water safety session?
Yes, private and group sessions may be available through Kuotos Swim, including open water safety, introduction to open water, supported swims and coaching sessions.
Can group bookings include children?
Yes, children can be included where the activity is suitable and all age, ability and supervision rules are followed.
Can we arrange food or refreshments?
The Cake Shack is independently operated and may be able to support group visits, subject to its own opening hours, booking arrangements and policies. Please contact The Cake Shack directly for food, drink or table enquiries.
How do I enquire about a group booking or private hire?
Please get in touch with the Whitmore Lakes team with your preferred date, group size, activity choice and any specific requirements, and they will help you explore the best options.