This summer has been an absolute stonker so far! With the good weather set to continue I thought it would be helpful to share a few local spots where you can cool off with a dip and a swim. I’ve chosen organised venues that either have life guards on duty or supervised swim sessions as I feel it’s so important to enjoy any time spent in the water safely. Some of the open water venues require membership or a small charge to use their facilities. Let’s dive in!
Ashdown Forest Leisure, Nutley
This site has only very recently added Open Water Swimming to its range of water sport activities. Tucked away in a rural location just outside of Nutley it’s the perfect place to give outdoor swimming a try. Booking through their website is essential. Sessions currently run a couple of times through the week and twice at the weekend at a cost of £10 for adults and £8 for under 16’s.
Pells Pool, Lewes
The oldest freshwater open air swimming pool in the United Kingdom is our very own Pells Pool in Lewes. They offer a range of swim sessions through the week and weekend including family swims, lane swimming and gentle swims. Entry to the pool is £4.50 for adults and £1.50 for under 16’s with under 5’s going for free. Visitors need to book ahead online. Costs are general entry fees and must be paid whether swimming or not. Sessions in the holidays and during good weather spells book up quickly so make sure you’re on the ball.
Bewl Water, Lamberhurst
TriSwim host regular open water swim events at Bewl for all ability levels. Sessions follow a 400m or 750m course in shallow water. Juniors are welcome and there are heated changing rooms and a café on site. Sessions currently run every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday which are bookable online at £12 per person.
Weirwood Reservoir, Forest Row
Run by Popup Open Water Swims Weirwood Reservoir allows swimming on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday’s. You need to pay an annual membership of £20 after which swims cost £7 a go. They break for a few weeks over August but run again from the end of the month. Wetsuits are required.
Part of a national Mental Health Swims network Pevensey Mental Health Swims meet regularly for supported sea swims. Hosted by Helen, the events are free but require you to book ahead to allow the team to make sure then provide the best guidace for each swim. Sessions start with beach based breath work and cold water guidance before heading to the sea en masse.
The only Grade II listed lido in the country, Saltdean is a stunning art deco pool which has been lovingly restored thanks to the local community. The pool is open for lane swimming, exercise classes and family fun sessions including fun and floats. Prices start at just £5 for off peak swims or £9 for a half day visit.
Hever Castle, Edenbridge
TriSwim have just announced that they will be resuming their open water swim sessions based at the lake next to Hever Castle. They are yet to announce when they’ll be running their sessions so keep an eye on social media for updates.
