Venue Rules and Map
Our rules are designed to keep everyone safe and ensure all visitors have an enjoyable experience.
Quick rules at a glance
Book online before you visit
and complete your waiver in advance.
Check in at reception
before heading to your lake, sauna, class or activity.
Whitmore Lakes is un-lifeguarded
so all water activities are undertaken at your own risk.
Only enter and exit the water at designated points
and never dive or jump into the lakes.
Tow floats are compulsory
for solo swimmers and during the winter months.
Children must meet age and supervision rules
with responsible adults present where required.
No alcohol, nudity, drugs, glass, music, smoking or vaping
around the lakes and activity areas.
Respect the lakes, wildlife, staff and other visitors
so everyone can enjoy a safe, calm and welcoming experience.
Whitmore Lakes Site Rules
These rules are in place to help keep Whitmore Lakes safe, calm and enjoyable for everyone.
Booking and Entry
All visits must be booked online in advance. (If you have difficulty booking online please contact us by phone)
All visitors taking part in an activity must complete a waiver before arrival. A responsible adult or guardian aged 18+ must complete a waiver for every child up to 18.
Entry is only permitted with a valid booking, ticket, membership or agreed access.
All visitors must check in before starting their activity.
Water activity visitors must check in at Whitmore Lakes reception.
Class and wellness visitors must check in at Whitmore Hall.
Proof of booking, membership or eligibility including photo and age ID may be requested on arrival.
Whitmore Lakes reserves the right to refuse entry or ask visitors to leave if rules are not followed.
General Site Rules
Please respect the peaceful nature of the site at all times.
No nudity, inappropriate or revealing swimwear.
No ball games, in or out of the water.
No diving or jumping into the lakes or from platforms.
No smoking or vaping except in designated areas.
No alcohol or illicit drugs.
No glassware, including bottles, glasses or containers.
No music.
Please take litter home or use the bins provided.
Disposable BBQs are not permitted.
Please respect wildlife, plants, trees, natural habitats and the surrounding environment.
Do not damage, disturb or remove any wildlife, flora or fauna.
Please keep walkways, jetties, access points and entry areas clear.
Visitors must follow all signage and staff instructions.
Dogs are not permitted around the lakes or activity areas unless otherwise agreed by Whitmore Lakes.
Open Water Swimming Rules
Whitmore Lakes is an un-lifeguarded open water venue.
Swimming is undertaken at your own risk.
Swimmers must be confident in the water and able to swim 50 metres unaided.
Swimmers must enter and exit the lake only at designated points.
No diving or jumping into the lakes.
Tow floats are compulsory for solo swimmers.
Tow floats are compulsory during the winter months.
Tow floats are strongly recommended at all other times.
Bright swim caps are recommended for visibility.
We recommend all swimmers use reef safe sun lotion (it is available to purchase from reception)
Swimmers must not enter the water if unwell, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or otherwise unable to swim safely.
Swimmers should consider water temperature, weather conditions and their own ability before entering the lake.
Whitmore Lakes may restrict or close lake access due to weather, water quality, safety, environmental or operational reasons.
Children and Young People
Competent swimmers aged 11 and over may swim when accompanied in the water by a responsible adult (18+).
The responsible adult must remain present and in the water at all times.
Each adult may supervise a maximum of three children.
Children must remain close (within sight of) to their supervising adult at all times.
Under 18s are not permitted to swim during winter months, unless otherwise stated for a specific organised session.
For watersports (paddleboarding), the minimum age is 8 years old.
Children aged 8 to 13 taking part in watersports must be accompanied on the water by a responsible adult.
Children aged 14 to 17 taking part in watersports must be accompanied to the site by an adult who remains on site. (lakeside?)
Each adult may supervise a maximum of three children.
Watersports and Paddleboarding Rules
All watersports sessions must be booked online in advance. (If you have difficulty booking online please contact us by phone)
All participants must check in before heading to the watersports lake.
Visitors may bring their own paddleboard or hire one, subject to availability and booking.
All watersports participants must wear a suitable buoyancy aid or life jacket.
Children must follow the age and supervision rules.
All participants must follow staff instructions and stay within permitted areas.
Visitors must not use equipment in a way that risks injury to themselves, other visitors or wildlife.
Whitmore Lakes may close or restrict watersports due to weather, water conditions, safety or operational reasons.
Sauna Rules
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.
Only visitors with a valid sauna ticket may use the sauna.
Please do not exceed the advertised sauna capacity.
No nudity, inappropriate or revealing swimwear.
Jewellery should be removed before entering the sauna.
Swimwear should not contain metal parts that may heat up.
Visitors should bring a towel to sit on inside the sauna.
Do not spend more than 15 minutes in the sauna at one time.
Leave the sauna immediately if you feel dizzy, faint, sick, lightheaded or uncomfortable.
Move slowly and carefully when entering and leaving the sauna.
Surfaces may be hot, wet or slippery.
Do not touch the stove or open the stove door.
Only trained staff may operate the stove.
Only use the sauna water provided on the hot rocks, and only as instructed.
Do not throw water onto the stones.
Do not hang towels or clothes inside the sauna.
Do not eat inside the sauna or immediately before use.
Do not drink alcohol before or during sauna use.
Please bring enough drinking water.
Cold dipping after sauna use is undertaken at your own risk.
It is recommended that visitors rest and allow the body to rebalance after sauna use.
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.
Health and Medical Safety
Visitors are responsible for making sure they are fit and well enough to take part.
Anyone with a medical condition should seek medical advice before taking part.
Anyone who may be pregnant should seek medical advice before swimming or attending classes.
Sauna use is not permitted during pregnancy.
Do not take part in any activity if you are unwell, injured, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or unsure whether it is safe for you.
Visitors take part in activities at their own risk unless injury or loss is caused by Whitmore Lakes’ negligence.
Photography and Filming
Personal photography is permitted where it does not affect the privacy, safety or enjoyment of others.
Do not photograph or film anyone without their consent.
Photography and filming are not permitted in changing areas.
Staff may ask visitors to stop filming or photographing if there is a privacy, safeguarding or safety concern.
Parking and Access
Free on-site parking is available.
Please park only in designated areas.
Visitors must check in before heading to their activity area.
Once checked in, watersports visitors may be directed to drive to the relevant lake.
Please take care when walking or driving around the site. There is a strict 5pm speed limit in place.
Outdoor surfaces may be uneven, muddy or slippery.
Cake Shack
The Cake Shack is independently operated from Whitmore Lakes.
It has its own opening hours, booking arrangements and policies.
You do not need a Whitmore Lakes activity booking to visit The Cake Shack.
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome at The Cake Shack, subject to The Cake Shack’s own rules.
Dogs are not permitted around the lakes or activity areas unless otherwise agreed by Whitmore Lakes.
Is this your first visit to Whitmore Lakes?
Visiting us for the first time? Simply book your session online, complete your waiver before you arrive, and sign in at reception when you get here. If you have any questions or would like a tour of the facilities, our friendly, trained team will be happy to help you get started.
Location and Directions
Whitmore Lakes,
Three Mile Lane,
Whitmore,
ST5 5HN
Situated in North Staffordshire, equidistant from the bustling cities of Manchester and Birmingham, we are conveniently located just under 3 miles from Junction 15 of the M6 motorway.
Email: info@whitmorelakes.co.uk
Phone: 01782 420720
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Monday09:00 – 19:00
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Tuesday09:00 – 19:00
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Wednesday09:00 – 19:00
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Thursday09:00 – 19:00
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Friday09:00 – 19:00
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Saturday09:00 – 19:00
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Sunday09:00 – 19:00