Open water swimming in the Cotswold Lakes
Open water swimming in the Cotswold Lakes (also known as Cotswold Water Park) has become increasingly popular in recent years, with swimmers travelling to the lakes to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of swimming outdoors. From the calming feeling of being surrounded by nature to the refreshing challenge of cooler water, more people than ever are swapping swimming pools for lakes, rivers and the sea.
With warmer weather arriving and long sunny days ahead, many visitors to the Cotswolds start searching for the best places to swim outdoors safely. Fortunately, there are several supervised open water swimming locations within Cotswold Lakes that are suitable for both experienced swimmers and beginners.
Whether you’re training for a triathlon, trying wild swimming for the first time or simply looking for a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors, there are a range of swimming lakes across the Water Park to choose from.
If you’re planning a longer stay in the area, you can also read more about the location of Daisy Chain, our lakeside holiday home, and everything available nearby here.
Is Open Water Swimming Allowed in Cotswold Water Park?
Yes. Open water swimming is permitted in designated locations across the Cotswold Lakes (Cotswold Water Park). These locations have lifeguards on hand and designated courses to enable open water swimming to be enjoyed safely.
The lakes within the Water Park are privately managed and many are used for watersports, fishing or wildlife conservation, and it’s important to only use official swimming venues where safety measures and lifeguard supervision are in place.
What Equipment Do You Need for Open Water Swimming?
Most open water swimming venues in the Cotswold Lakes require swimmers to wear a brightly coloured swim hat so that they can be easily seen by lifeguards and other lake users. Many venues also require tow floats, which help improve visibility and provide emergency buoyancy if you need a short rest during your swim.
Depending on the water temperature and time of year, you may choose to wear a wetsuit. During colder months, some swimmers also use neoprene gloves and socks for extra warmth. If you’re swimming during spring or autumn, bringing warm layers and a changing robe can make the experience much more comfortable afterwards. Many swimmers also pack goggles, a dry bag, crocs or water shoes, a warm drink for after their swim and a dry robe for changing and warming up afterwards.
Please note that during the coldest parts of the year, some venues may reduce swimming sessions or close temporarily. It’s always worth checking the venue’s website before travelling. Some locations, including Lake 32 and Cleveland Lakes, also publish water temperatures on their websites.
Best Places for Open Water Swimming in Cotswold Lakes
Lake 32: Best for Beginners and Structured Training
Lake 32 is one of the most established open water swimming venues in Cotswold Water Park and offers a range of marked swimming distances including 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m and 750m loops.
Sessions last for one hour and can be booked up to seven days in advance. Swimmers are required to wear tow floats for visibility and safety.
For those new to outdoor swimming, Lake 32 also offers beginner induction sessions. These include a safety briefing, question and answer session with experienced staff, and a supported introductory swim, making it an excellent choice for first-time open water swimmers.
The venue is particularly popular with triathletes and swimmers looking for a safe and well-organised environment to build confidence in open water. To find out more and book a session visit the Lake 32 website
Lake 86: Best for Intermediate Swimmers
Lake 86 offers pay-as-you-go open water swimming sessions for swimmers who are confident swimming at least 400m unaided – roughly equivalent to 16 lengths of a standard swimming pool.
Swimmers must be aged 18 or over and are required to wear either a brightly coloured swim hat or a tow float.
The lake provides a slightly more independent swimming experience while still offering supervised sessions, making it a good option for regular open water swimmers looking for medium-distance swims in the Cotswolds. To find out more and to book a session visit the Lake 86 website.
Cleveland Lakes: Swimming Surrounded by Nature
One of the newer open water swimming venues in Cotswold Water Park, Cleveland Lakes offers a unique experience within a beautiful nature reserve setting.
Wild Leisure at Cleveland Lakes regularly announces upcoming swimming sessions, with supervised swims taking place on the 1.6km lake. Unlike some venues that offer timed 1 hour sessions, sessions here are not limited to a specific time, allowing swimmers greater flexibility.
All swimmers are required to wear brightly coloured swim hats, while non-wetsuit swimmers must also use a tow float.
For many swimmers, the peaceful surroundings and wildlife make this one of the most scenic open water swimming spots in the Cotswolds. To find out more visit the Cleveland Lakes website.
The Real Outdoor Xperience at Lake 12: Shorter Swimming Loops
Swimming is one of the many outdoor activities available at The Real Outdoor Xperience at Lake 12.
The venue offers open water swimming sessions on Wednesday and Friday evenings, as well as Saturday mornings, with a 200m loop available for swimmers. Swimmers must be aged 16 or over, and tow floats can be hired as part of the booking if needed. The shorter loop makes this venue a great option for those building confidence in open water or returning to swimming after a break.
There are lots of other activities available at the Real Outdoor Xperience both on and off the water, as well as a lakeside cafe. Find out more on the Real Outdoor Xperience website.
Cotswold Country Park and Beach: Best for Families
For families wanting a more relaxed introduction to swimming outdoors, Cotswold Country Park and Beach is one of the best places to visit in the Water Park. Home to the UK’s largest inland beach, the venue offers designated swimming areas alongside a wide range of family activities including pedalos, mini golf and the popular AquaVenture inflatable obstacle course.
The shallow beach area makes it particularly appealing for families with younger children wanting to paddle and enjoy the water safely. On warm sunny days, the beach becomes extremely popular and sessions often sell out, so booking in advance on the Cotswold Country Park and Beach website is highly recommended.
Families planning a longer stay in the area may also enjoy finding out more about what makes our lakeside holiday home so family friendly.
Tips for First-Time Open Water Swimmers
If you’re new to open water swimming, it’s important to build confidence gradually and prioritise safety.
Here are a few beginner-friendly tips:
- Start during warmer months when water temperatures are higher
- Only use supervised venues with lifeguards
- Wear a brightly coloured swim hat and tow float
- Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust
- Begin with shorter distances
- Never swim alone
- Listen to your body and exit the water if you feel too cold
One of the biggest differences between indoor and outdoor swimming is cold water shock. Even on warm days, lake temperatures can feel surprisingly cool, so taking your time when entering the water is important.
Many first-time swimmers find that after a few sessions they begin to enjoy not only the exercise, but also the sense of calm and connection to nature that outdoor swimming brings.
Where to Stay for Open Water Swimming in the Cotswolds
For those planning an active break or wellness-focused holiday, staying within Cotswold Water Park makes it easy to enjoy a range of water based activities including swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding and sailing.
At Daisy Chain, guests can stay right beside the lakes and experience the peaceful atmosphere that makes the Cotswold Lakes so special. After a swim, there’s nothing better than warming up with a coffee overlooking the water, relaxing in the spa or spending time with family and friends beside the lakes.
Guests staying at Daisy Chain have complementary use of the reed lined eco pool at the Spa (pictured at the top of this page) as well as heated indoor and outdoor pools if cold water swimming is not your thing!
You can find out more about the story behind Daisy Chain on the Meet the Owners page or explore more about the area on our Where Are We? guide.
For families celebrating a special occasion, you may also enjoy reading about Celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries at Daisy Chain.