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.
Swim from the beach or jetty steps in clean, spring‑fed water, with only birdsong and parkland around you. A qualified lifeguard watches every session, and the fire pit is waiting on the shore.
Ways to swim
Choose your dip.
Year‑round, always lifeguarded.
60 minutes
Wild Swim
An hour in the lake. Dip, float or swim laps between the buoys.
90 minutes
Swim & Sauna
Cold lake, hot lakeside sauna, repeat. Our most popular session.
Saturdays · 2pm
Intro to Cold Water
Learn to enter, breathe and warm up safely, with lifeguard Anna.
Swim more, pay less
Become a member.
Book
Pick your swim.
Pick a date below and book in a couple of taps; members sign in at checkout for their 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. Members: sign in at checkout for your rate.
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.
What our swimmers notice most.
Gets the blood moving and trains your body to warm itself.
Eases inflammation and sore muscles after exercise.
Breathing through the cold builds a steadiness you take home.
Endorphins, nature and good company on the jetty.
Your lifeguards
Meet the team on the jetty.
Qualified open‑water lifeguards, and wild swimmers first. 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?
Yes, there are two changing tents by the lake, though most swimmers change under a dry robe. 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?
We no longer sell swim passes. If you swim regularly, Lake Membership is the better deal: members swim from £10 a session. 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.
“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