The Lake · Swim & Sauna
Hot. Cold. Repeat.
Ninety minutes of cold lake and hot lakeside sauna, watched over by a lifeguard, with the fire pit on the shore between rounds. The Nordic cycle, Cambridgeshire style.
The lakeside sauna
Heat with a view of the water.
Perched on the shore of the lake, our sauna looks out across the water in every direction. Its curved cedar form lets the steam rise and drift from ceiling to floor, wrapping the whole space in deep, restorative heat.
Step out, walk down to the lake, get in. Then back to the heat. Each round the cold gets easier and the calm gets deeper.
What's included
Everything for the full reset.
A trained open‑water lifeguard on duty for the whole session, with tow floats to borrow.
Ninety minutes of access to our cedar sauna on the shore, with the lake through the window.
A place on the shore to sit, warm up and come back to earth between rounds.
Parkland, birdsong and a spring‑fed lake that has been here since the 1700s.
How a session works
Swim. Sweat. Sit by the fire.
There is no right way to do it. Most people go round two or three times and finish at the fire.
01 · The lake
Get in.
Ease off the beach into clean, spring‑fed water. A minute or two is plenty to begin with; the lifeguard is right there.
02 · The sauna
Warm through.
Into the cedar heat with the lake through the window. Breathe, and feel the cold leave.
03 · The fire
Come back to earth.
Repeat as you like, then sit by the fire pit on the shore. Most people leave lighter than they arrived.
Come back often
Passes & membership.
Book
Pick your session.
Choose a date below and book in a couple of taps. Sessions are 90 minutes and include the swim and the sauna. Members, log in to see your rate. Questions? Email lake@waresleyparkestate.co.uk.
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. Prefer the lake on its own? Book a swim‑only session.
Once a month
Swim under the full moon.
Our Full Moon Swim & Sauna nights are the lake at its most magical: the fire lit, the sauna glowing, the water turned silver.
Full moon datesThe Nordic cycle
Why hot and cold together.
Moving between the heat of the sauna and the cold of the lake, the Nordic cycle, is one of the oldest wellness rituals there is. Here is what our regulars notice.
Heat then cold gets the blood moving, supporting your heart, your immune system and your energy.
The deep relaxation after a sauna and a plunge makes for better sleep and quicker recovery.
Moving between extremes teaches your body and mind to adapt, settle and reset.
Endorphins up, cortisol down, and the stillness of the sauna on top. A full‑body meditation.
Your lifeguards
Watched over, every session.
A qualified open‑water lifeguard is on duty for every Swim & Sauna session. Most of them are wild swimmers first, so ask them anything. Meet the team.
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.
How old do you need to be?
Sauna sessions are for ages 16 and over, and 16 and 17 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Swim‑only sessions are 14+.
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. You can also simply dip and let the sauna do the rest.
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 5 × Swim & Sauna Pass is £120 (£24 a session) and is available at checkout. Lake Members pay £25 a session and 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 and the heat.
“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