The river flows from the villages of Chew Magna to Keynsham and meanders just south of Bristol. There are multiple swimming spots but Swimguard recommends the one in Penford. It's adjacent to the charming Rising Sun pub and provides stunning views of the arched viaduct, a graceful stone bridge, and a gentle trickling waterfall. The swimming spot caters to both children, with shallower areas for play, and adults, with deeper sections for swimming.placeholder image
The river flows from the villages of Chew Magna to Keynsham and meanders just south of Bristol. There are multiple swimming spots but Swimguard recommends the one in Penford. It's adjacent to the charming Rising Sun pub and provides stunning views of the arched viaduct, a graceful stone bridge, and a gentle trickling waterfall. The swimming spot caters to both children, with shallower areas for play, and adults, with deeper sections for swimming. | River Chew by Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The best places to go wild swimming near Bristol according to Swimguard including West Country Water Park

By Adriana Amor
Published 19th Jul 2024, 15:22 GMT

Bristol has seen some high summer temperatures in the past few days, making it the perfect time for a refreshing swim.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the fortune to have access to a pool in their back garden, and are forced to look elsewhere for places to swim.

Wild or outdoor swimming is a popular alternative and Safeguard has revealed many spots near Bristol.

While it can be incredibly fun, wild swimming can also be dangerous even for strong swimmers. Make sure you read up on the latest wild swimming advice before taking a dip.

Scroll through to learn about the eight best destinations near Bristol for wild swimming according to Safeguard.

Farleigh and District Swimming Club in Farleigh Hungerford was established in 1933 and is regarded as one of the oldest and few remaining swimming clubs in the UK. The club holds exclusive access to a section of the River Frome, reserved solely for its members, with annual membership costing £12 for unlimited river access. There is also the option to pay per visit at a rate of £2 per swim. The section of water provides a blend of shallow and deep areas and offers an inviting setting for both leisurely swimmers and families seeking a spot to wade or take a refreshing dip. There are also convenient amenities like changing rooms and toilets available for members.

5. Farleigh and District Swimming Club

Farleigh and District Swimming Club in Farleigh Hungerford was established in 1933 and is regarded as one of the oldest and few remaining swimming clubs in the UK. The club holds exclusive access to a section of the River Frome, reserved solely for its members, with annual membership costing £12 for unlimited river access. There is also the option to pay per visit at a rate of £2 per swim. The section of water provides a blend of shallow and deep areas and offers an inviting setting for both leisurely swimmers and families seeking a spot to wade or take a refreshing dip. There are also convenient amenities like changing rooms and toilets available for members. | Elizabeth Denbury via Google Maps

The Glove Dippers is a 100-meter long, 2-meter deep lake on the premises behind Glove Factory Studios in Holt, which is tailored for experienced swimmers. There is a changing hut, a cold water shower and lockers in the premises. Membership is mandatory to use the premises. Typically, annual membership costs £70 (£60 for Holt residents), but during the peak summer season, prices may increase to £100 (£80 for Holt residents).

6. The Glove Dippers

The Glove Dippers is a 100-meter long, 2-meter deep lake on the premises behind Glove Factory Studios in Holt, which is tailored for experienced swimmers. There is a changing hut, a cold water shower and lockers in the premises. Membership is mandatory to use the premises. Typically, annual membership costs £70 (£60 for Holt residents), but during the peak summer season, prices may increase to £100 (£80 for Holt residents). | Glove Factory Studios via Google Maps

Warleigh or Claverton Weir in Bath is an idyllic location offering shallow zones where children can splash around and deeper areas above the weir for swimming, making it an ideal destination for a family outing during scorching summer days. Nonetheless, when the weather gets warmer, this spot tends to attract a significant influx of visitors, as families seek respite from the heat amidst the refreshing outdoors and the serene presence of the neighbouring field adorned with amiable cows.

7. Warleigh/Claverton Weir

Warleigh or Claverton Weir in Bath is an idyllic location offering shallow zones where children can splash around and deeper areas above the weir for swimming, making it an ideal destination for a family outing during scorching summer days. Nonetheless, when the weather gets warmer, this spot tends to attract a significant influx of visitors, as families seek respite from the heat amidst the refreshing outdoors and the serene presence of the neighbouring field adorned with amiable cows. | James Cole via Google Maps

West Country Water Park is an expansive 11-acre lake boasting pristine waters, essential amenities, and an ideal environment for exhilarating wild swimming. It has changing rooms, toilets, hot showers, and lifeguards trained by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS). The venue has a 500m loop to swim in the summer and costs £5 for and off-peak swim and £8 for a high-peak swim.

8. West Country Water Park

West Country Water Park is an expansive 11-acre lake boasting pristine waters, essential amenities, and an ideal environment for exhilarating wild swimming. It has changing rooms, toilets, hot showers, and lifeguards trained by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS). The venue has a 500m loop to swim in the summer and costs £5 for and off-peak swim and £8 for a high-peak swim. | West Country Water Park via Google Maps

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