Inflatables at the ready! Pool Bridge Farm – the best place for wild swimming near York, and one of our favourite places with kids and without – now has a large, dedicated family lake and it’s brilliant. Here’s what you need to know if you’d like to try it.
The Q Lake is the only lake at Pool Bridge Farm that’s for families and paddleboarders. It’s larger than the other three put together, with plenty of space in the water and room around the edge to picnic. The lake depth varies from 12ft at its deepest to places where you can stand, making it accessible for children of varying ages and abilities.
To get in and out of the lake, you’ll need to use one of the jetties or ramps to preserve the wildflowers around the edge and avoid steep drops. Jumping in is only allowed from the end of jetties where it is deep enough to be safe, and it’s a good idea to warm up first rather than jump straight in as soon as you arrive.
The Q Lake is the only lake for inflatables (under 1.5m), so if you’ve brought your flamingo lilo, then this is where you need to head. We always take our inflatables as they definitely make it more fun and mean we’ll stay for longer. No paddle boards, boats, or anything with oars or large inflatables are allowed on the swimming side of this lake, and no inflatables or swimmers in the paddleboarding half!
Wild swimming with kids
As fun as it looks, open-water swimming is for strong swimmers only, regardless of age. It’s more tiring than being in a pool; this isn’t the place to take risks with children who aren’t confident in the water yet. Non-swimming tickets are available, so non-swimmers can still enjoy the beauty of Pool Bridge – see if you can spot a kingfisher or heron!
Adults at Pool Bridge Farm
Although it’s lovely to visit Pool Bridge as a family, it’s even nicer (sorry, kids) to enjoy a more relaxed adults-only experience. Why not head along for a relaxing swim in the beautiful Monet Lake and admire the lilypads? Or treat yourself and some friends to a sauna for the ultimate full-body hot/cold recharge. It’s so good. Book your sauna place online.
The facilities
This isn’t your local leisure centre, so don’t expect hairdryers or rows of warm showers. The simplicity and beauty of Pool Bridge is why we love it, but go prepared! Changing facilities are simple, and many people opt to just get changed at the side of the lake so they can get straight into the water. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic, but there’s a great cafe too (opening hours/days vary; book a table to avoid the queues). We love their homecooked food and delicious coffee – the perfect reward for all that splashing about.
Good to know
Tickets must be booked online before you travel. During the summer, it can get busy, so it pays to be organised and book ahead. There’s plenty of parking and it’s free (and one of the prettiest places to park your car around York!). Read more about what we think of Pool Bridge Farm here.
Pool Bridge Farm, Wheldrake Lane, York YO19 4SQ – poolbridge.co.uk
