The Lake · Wild Swimming
Cold water. Clear head.
Lifeguarded wild swims in a spring‑fed lake, set in 120 acres of Cambridgeshire parkland. Thirty minutes from Cambridge, a world away.
Swim wild, swim safe
The lake that resets you.
Enter the clear, spring‑fed water from the beach or the jetty steps, with nothing but birdsong and parkland around you. A qualified lifeguard watches over every session, tow floats are ready to borrow, and the fire pit is waiting on the shore afterwards.
New to cold water? Start with a Saturday Introduction to Cold Water session, or simply come along to a Wild Swim and take it at your own pace.
Ways to swim
Choose your dip.
Sessions run year‑round. Every swim includes a lifeguard and a tow float to borrow.
60 minutes
Wild Swim
A lifeguarded hour in the lake, whatever the season. Dip, float or swim laps between the buoys. Add the sauna for £15 more.
90 minutes
Swim & Sauna
Cold lake, hot lakeside sauna, repeat. The full reset, and the session most of our swimmers choose.
Saturdays · 2pm
Intro to Cold Water
Learn to enter, breathe and warm up safely with lifeguard Anna. Recommended before your first winter dip.
Swim more, pay less
Passes & membership.
Book
Pick your swim.
Choose a date below and book in a couple of taps. Members, log in to see your rate. Questions? Email lake@waresleyparkestate.co.uk.
Make it a Swim & Sauna.
Ninety minutes: cold lake, hot sauna, fire pit. £30, or £25 for members.
Getting to the lake: follow the signs to the main car park, then take the gravel track on your left below the vineyard. Five minutes later your lifeguard will meet you at the water. Passes and membership can be used at checkout.
Once a month
Swim under the full moon.
Our Full Moon Swims are the lake at its most magical, with the fire lit and the water turned silver. Choose a swim, or make it a Swim & Sauna.
Full moon datesWhy cold water
One swim away from a better mood.
Regular cold‑water swimming is linked to better circulation, faster recovery and a calmer, clearer mind. Here is what our swimmers notice most.
Cold immersion gets the blood moving and, over time, trains your body to warm itself more efficiently.
Cold water eases inflammation and muscle soreness, which is why athletes swear by it after training.
Learning to breathe through the cold builds a steadiness that follows you out of the lake.
The endorphin rush, the nature, the people on the jetty afterwards: most swimmers leave lighter than they arrived.
Your lifeguards
Meet the team on the jetty.
Every session is watched over by a qualified open‑water lifeguard. Most of them are wild swimmers first, lifeguards second, so ask them anything.
Leads the lake team. A lifelong swimmer with a soft spot for river swims at Felmersham, and a firm believer in the restorative power of water.
River swimmer of five years. Leads the Saturday Introduction to Cold Water and our sound baths.
Open‑water coach, swimming teacher and lido lover. Also leads children's yoga on the estate.
Started in winter to challenge himself and was instantly hooked. "You are only one swim away from a great mood."
Pool lifeguard, swimming teacher and RLSS trainer‑assessor, now teaching the next lifeguards.
Works in mental health and loves the space and calm of the lake as much as the chat on the jetty.
Fell for wild swimming two years ago and qualified so she could welcome first‑timers to her happy place.
Swimming here since the day the lake opened, three winters and counting.
Open‑water lifeguard who loves making every swimmer feel welcome, safe and confident.
From indoor pools to the freezing lake, and never wants to go back.
Former competitive pool swimmer, now new to open water. "The lake is incredible and welcoming for all levels."
Good to know
Before you get in.
The practical bits, answered. Anything else, email lake@waresleyparkestate.co.uk.
Is the lake clean?
Yes. The lake was designed in the 1700s and is naturally spring‑fed from the surrounding hills. We regularly test the water to make sure it is suitable for swimming.
Is there a lifeguard?
Always. A trained open‑water lifeguard, also trained in first aid, is on duty for every session.
How deep is it?
It varies. The shoreline slopes gently from the beach area for an easy entry, and at its deepest it is between 1.8 and 2 metres. Tow floats are required and free to borrow.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Basic swimming skills are all you need. Stay close to the shore if in doubt, ask the lifeguard for advice, and consider our Introduction to Cold Water session first.
What should I wear?
Whatever feels comfortable, swimsuit or wetsuit. Water shoes or socks help on the lake floor. Bring a towel and warm clothes for afterwards.
Are there changing facilities?
Not yet, but they are coming. Most swimmers change under a dry robe, or in the Tipi when it is free. There is a portaloo by the lake, and more toilets at Bean Theory, a ten‑minute walk up the hill.
What if the weather is bad?
Sessions run in the rain. In thunderstorms or gale‑force winds we may cancel for safety.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, no dogs at the lake, to keep the water and wildlife undisturbed.
Can I cancel?
We have a 24‑hour cancellation policy for all lake activities. Cancellations within 24 hours of the start time are non‑refundable.
Do you offer passes or membership?
Yes. The 10‑Swim Pass (£125) works out at £12.50 a swim and is valid for Wild Swim sessions only; the 5 × Swim & Sauna Pass is £120. Both are available at checkout. Lake Members swim from £10, see membership.
After the swim
Warm up, Waresley style.
A few favourites from the estate shop for the warm‑up afterwards. Free UK delivery over £100.
From our hives
Waresley honey.
Gathered from hives across the estate. A spoonful in a hot drink after your dip.
From Bean Theory
Bean Theory coffee.
Our house blend, roasted in small batches in Cambridgeshire. For the first cup after a cold swim.
From the spa
After the cold.
Skincare and home fragrance from our spa shelves, for skin that has just met the lake.
“First time trying wild swimming, and I'm hooked! Waresley's lake offered a safe and gorgeous environment to dive into this adventure. The staff were also super helpful with tips for beginners.”A Waresley swimmer