As the temperature rises this summer, cool down at one of the best local outdoor swimming venues, as recommended by Andrea Cowan
OUTDOOR POOLS
If you fancy gazing at the blue skies whilst doing lengths of back stroke look no further than these outdoor pools.
Portishead Open Air Pool
Situated on the seafront, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Bristol Channel whilst swimming your lengths at this 33m outdoor pool. Community-run, it offers a whole host of events including Twilight Swims, Full Moon Swims and even a film night.
There is also a toddler pool, a tuck shop and the poolside Café Lido, a new community café offering hot drinks, cakes and snacks for an energy re-boot.
portisheadopenairpool.org.uk
Shepton Mallet lido
This is a truly urban pool, complete with a backdrop of Showerings Cider Mill.
In addition to the 25m main pool, there is also a smaller children’s pool and splash area, complete with a series of fountains and water jets. A grass area is ideal for sunbathing as well as some decking with picnic benches to enjoy the refreshments and ice creams that are available from the onsite Anna’s Café.
fusion-lifestyle.com
Greenbank Pool
This busy local pool was donated to Street in 1937 by wealthy resident, Alice Greenbank. There is a 30m main pool and a children’s pool, complete with mini slide, and a splash area with fountains and jets.
The perfect way to spend a sunny day with plenty of space to chill out around the pool with some welcome shade from trees. Bring a picnic or visit the shop for treats and nibbles.
greenbankpool.co.uk
Bristol Lido
Bristol Lido, nestled in Clifton, is a beautifully restored Victorian swimming pool, dating back to 1850.
Once you’ve enjoyed your dip in the 24m swimming pool, you can take advantage of the spa, sauna and hot tub, have a quick bite to eat at the Poolside Bar, or perhaps book into the mediterranean style restaurant.
It is open to members from 7am to 10pm. Non-members need to pre book a two-hour slot.
lidobristol.com
Wivey Pool
This community-owned pool is in the heart of Wiveliscombe. A popular destination for locals there is a full programme of activities, from aqua aerobics to a budding Wivey Water Polo team. There are Dimpsy Dips each month to coincide with full moons, taking the name from an old South West word to describe the mellow yellow light of dusk.
New for 2024 is a small onsite shop selling snacks and drinks.
wiveypool.org
Tintinhull
The pool, located near Yeovil, has been serving local residents since the 1930s. It is run as part of a charity and managed entirely by volunteers who open up the pool and collect the fee. It is worth checking the calendar before turning up as the pool is only open a couple of times a day depending on the availability of volunteers.
It can also be rented out privately by the hour.
tintinhull.online/leisure-amenities/
MARINE LAKES
Weston Marine Lake
This infinity lake, on Weston-Super-Mare beachfront, is over 200 metres long and dates back to the 1920s. The bowl-shaped lake was created to ensure easy and safe swimming whether high or low tide.
There are no lifeguards so it is suggested that you take a swim buddy with you. It is free of charge but donations are gratefully received to help with the running costs, managed by the Mudlarks community group.
westonmarinelake.co.uk
Clevedon Marine lake
Clevedon Marine Lake is a tidal pool that fills with seawater on the shores of the Bristol Estuary. It is maintained by volunteers and run by the charity, Marlens, which raises money to keep it in good order. It is open all year around, except for a week in October and March when the lake is drained. If you are planning a visit, the Live Lake Cam on the website is a useful start.
clevedonmarinelake.co.uk
RIVER SITES
Two rivers in Somerset have been officially designated as swimming locations which means they will benefit from regular water quality monitoring.
River Frome
The Farleigh and District Swimming Club near Frome was established in 1933 and is believed to be the original British river swimming club. It is a community club run by, and for, the members and is situated adjacent to an old weir which provides a shallow stretch for paddling, before reaching almost 100m of fresh deep waters for swimming. A meadow for picnics and sunbathing makes this an ideal summer day out.
farleighswimming.co.uk
River Tone
French Weir, on the River Tone in Taunton, has been a popular bathing spot since 1813. It is situated within the small community French Weir Park, complete with a café and plenty of watersports on offer through the Centre for Outdoor Activity & Community Hub.
If you prefer swimming with others, The Bathing Station is a group of individuals who love open water swimming all year round. You can find them on Facebook
Warleigh Weir
The curving weir set against the backdrop of Somerset countryside at Warleigh Weir near Claverton offers the ideal spot for a picture perfect swim.It’s best to get here early or near the end of the day as this is a popular spot. You can also visit Claverton Pumping Station, which uses the power of the River Avon to drive a waterwheel. It is open on the second Saturday and second Tuesday of each month (April-October) claverton.org.
River Parrett
The grass riverbank of Cocklemoor comes alive with picnic blankets each summer as fans of the River Parrett head to Langport to enjoy the many access points to the river. Situated on the Levels, the river is prone to flooding in the winter but sees a hive of activity in the warmer months as people take to the water for a swim, paddleboard exploration or even have a boat trip on the Duchess of Cocklemoor. duchessofcocklemoor.co.uk
