Wild Swimming
Plunge into wild swimming at Whitmore Lakes and feel the calm, freedom and tranquility of nature all around you.
Wild Swimming
Wild swimming at Whitmore Lakes offers a refreshing way to clear your mind, move your body and reconnect with nature in peaceful surroundings.
Swim & Sauna
Swim and sauna sessions combine refreshing open water dips with the soothing warmth of a wood-fired sauna, helping you relax, recharge and feel restored.
Book your Swimming Day Pass and add a sauna when booking.
Become a Member
Enjoy more time in the water with a Whitmore Lakes membership. Choose the Whitmore Lakes membership and price that suits how often you swim, and make open water swimming part of your routine.
Our facilities and opening times
- Parking
- Bike racks
- Toilets
- Refreshments – Cake Shack
- Accessible hard surface pathways to lakes
- Clear signage
- Safety buoys
- Swim wear and accessories shop
Lake Opening Times
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Monday07:30 – 15:00
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Tuesday12:00 – 19:00
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Wednesday07:30 – 15:00
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Thursday12.00 – 19:00
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Friday12.00 – 19:00
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Saturday08:30 – 16:00
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Sunday08:30 – 16:00
Sauna Opening Times
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Monday09:00 – 15:00
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Tuesday12:00 – 19:00
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Wednesday09:00 – 15:00
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Thursday12.00 – 19:00
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Friday12.00 – 19:00
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Saturday09:00 – 16:00
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Sunday09:00 – 16:00
Please note that Heron Lakes saunas are only open on Saturday and Sunday. Swan Lake Saunas are open everyday.
A sanctuary for mind, body and soul
Whitmore Lakes is a peaceful retreat where nature and wellness come together. Our secluded lakes provide a tranquil setting for wild swimming, water sports, or competitive training.
You can experience the power of contrast therapy in any one of our saunas, or immerse yourself in full-day wellness retreats, restorative yoga, soothing sound baths, and breathwork classes – all designed to nurture both body and mind. Whether you seek stillness or gentle movement, this is a place to unwind, reconnect, and restore your well-being.
Our lakes
Swan Lake
Swan Lake
Cygnet Lake
Cygnet Lake
Osprey Lake
Osprey Lake
Dragonfly Lake
Dragonfly Lake - Members only
Kingfisher Lake
Kingfisher Lake
Heron Lake
Heron Lake
Otter Lake
Otter Lake
Oystercatcher Lake
Oystercatcher Lake
Teal Lake - coming soon
Teal Lake - coming soon
New to Open Water Swimming?
New to open water swimming or ready to rebuild your cold-water confidence? Our dedicated swim coach partner, Kuotos Swim, offers gentle, expert-led sessions to help you feel safe, supported and more at ease in the water. We recommend starting with an Introduction to Cold Water Swimming session and reading our First Visit guide before you arrive, so you can enjoy your first dip feeling calm and prepared.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Wild Swimming
Open water swimming is a powerful practice for both body and mind, offering a natural and immersive way to enhance well-being.
Physically, the cool water stimulates circulation, boosts the immune system, and reduces inflammation, helping to ease muscle tension and joint pain. The gentle resistance of the water provides a low-impact, full-body workout, improving strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health.
Beyond the physical benefits, open water swimming is deeply restorative for mental health. Immersing in nature’s stillness calms the nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
The cold water triggers the release of endorphins, enhancing mood and promoting a sense of clarity and resilience. With each swim, the mind slows, the body relaxes, and a deep connection to the present moment is restored, making open water swimming a truly transformative experience
Swim Coaching with Kuotos Swim
Our dedicated swim coach, Ian from Kuotos Swim, helps swimmers build confidence, improve technique and feel safer in open water.
Whether you are taking your first steps into open water or training for your next challenge, Ian brings calm, expert guidance to every session. With a background in swimming, personal training and triathlon coaching, he helps people feel safer, stronger and more confident through tailored courses, supported swims, event preparation and group experiences.
Open Water
Introduction to Open Water Swimming
Perfect for beginners, Ian’s Introduction to Open Water Swimming combines expert guidance with a supervised open-water dip. Learn how to enjoy the benefits safely, build confidence, and connect with other new swimmers.
Wellbeing classes
At Whitmore Hall
Restore balance with wellness experiences at Whitmore Hall, including sound baths, meditation, breathwork, Qigong and women-only sessions, all designed to help you relax, recharge and reconnect.
Events
Seasonal events at Whitmore
Celebrate the seasons at Whitmore Lakes with a calendar of special events throughout the year. From festive dips and solstice swims to unique lakeside experiences, there’s always something to look forward to.