There’s a somewhere in York that’s got everyone talking, but it’s not a shiny new tourist attraction, fancy restaurant or quirky shop. Quite the opposite. The place on everyone’s lips is Pool Bridge Farm, a family-run wild swimming spot and campsite in Wheldrake, just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. We headed along to dip our toes in the water and fell under its spell instantly. Here’s what you need to know before you visit.
Getting to Pool Bridge Farm
It couldn’t be much easier to get to Pool Bridge Farm from York city centre by car. It’s an easy drive along the A19, past York Designer Outlet, and it’s well-signed from the main road leading into Wheldrake. There’s plenty of free parking in what must be one of the most picturesque places to park your car in York!
Facilities
As first-time visitors, we weren’t sure where to go or what to do, as signage is fairly minimal, but we quickly worked it out (well, we followed someone who looked as though they knew what they were doing). Facilities are being upgraded all the time, from the loos to the changing rooms, but we can’t help but love the large barn where you can change if you don’t fancy changing by the side of the water. There’s a lovely cafe, too, serving homecooked food. It can get very busy, so it’s worth booking a table if you know you want to eat after your swim.
The swimming lakes
There are four swimming lakes at Pool Bridge Farm, and they’re all stunning. Here’s what to expect from each of them:
Q Lake – The newest addition, Q Lake, is a spacious family-friendly lake perfect for swimmers of all ages. Its varying depths, from shallow areas suitable for children to deeper sections for confident swimmers, make it versatile for families. Designated jetties and ramps ensure safe access, although you’ll probably find that your kids just want to jump straight in. It’s the only lake where inflatables (under 1.5m) and paddleboards are permitted. Remember to book a 2-hour slot for paddleboarding in advance.
Horseshoe Lake – A favourite among regular swimmers, Horseshoe Lake boasts a 300m circuit, making it popular for exercise and training. Its serene environment offers a peaceful swim amidst nature.
M Lake – Shaped like the letter ‘M’, this lake offers a 500m perimeter swim, perfect for adults wanting a longer session. It’s also home to gorgeous wood-fired saunas, providing a perfect hot-cold therapy experience that we’d really recommend (the sleep after a sauna is unlike any other, and a brilliant way to reenergise yourself). You’re welcome to swim in M even if you’re not using the sauna – just use a different entry point. Saunas must be booked in advance and they’re popular, so plan ahead.
Monet Lake – A serene, adults-only oasis, Monet Lake lives up to its artistic namesake. Its teal waters, framed by lush greenery, shimmer in the sunlight as neon blue dragonflies dance above the surface. Sound poetic? It is! Birds sing from the treetops and the beautiful waterlilies are picture perfect. If you’re looking for a peaceful swim without children, this is the place.
Getting into the water
So far, it was all going swimmingly. But for the full experience, we had to brave the water. We changed on the grass (we’ve got changing robes, which we’d recommend if you’re going to spend a lot of time at the beach or lake) and then walked down the steps into the water. To our delight – and surprise – it was much warmer than we’d expected, probably because we were at the tail end of a bit of a heatwave. Two or three strokes in and we were relaxed and enjoying ourselves, soaking up the nature around us and feeling really lucky. We did a leisurely lap of the lake, stopping to take in a flying display by two kingfishers! Such a treat.
Wild swimming with kids
Now we’ve checked out – and fallen in love with – Pool Bridge Farm for ourselves, we can’t wait to take our children along. They’re all good swimmers and chuck themselves enthusiastically into the North Sea at any time of year, so we’re not worried that they’ll moan about the temperature or struggle in the water. It won’t be for all families though – it’s a pared-down, off-grid, lifeguard-free experience. While there’s no need to worry about river currents or water quality there’s no doubt that stronger swimmers will enjoy it most (and it’ll be more fun for the parents too). You’re the best judge of what’s right and safe for your children, but you’ll find our pick of the best swimming schools in York here, and our pick of the best places to swim, paddle and splash about near York here. Non-swimming tickets are available, so you don’t have to dip your toes in the water to enjoy the magical surroundings of Pool Bridge.
What to take
We visited one morning at the end of June, when the outside temperature was around 16 degrees, so we just wore our usual swimming gear. We took changing robes, towels and a warm jumper for afterwards. During the cooler months, various types of wetsuit garb are a popular choice. For kids, wetsuits, lots of layers and inflatables are a good idea to keep them warm and entertained.
The sauna
For the full hot/cold experience (grown-ups only!), it’s worth mentioning that Pool Bridge Farm has lovely lakeside saunas. You’ll need to pre-book in advance, and the booking includes access to the swimming lakes.
The cafe
It was lovely to be able to warm up with a nice coffee and a hot breakfast after our swim. There’s a small but tasty menu of homecooked food and cakes, which you can enjoy indoors or out. Check the opening times if you want to refuel afterwards, and pre-book if you want to guarantee a table.
Good to know
- – The swimming lakes are open 365 days a year, from 7.30am to 9pm or dusk, whichever is earliest.
- – Book your tickets in advance through the Pool Bridge Farm website
- – If you’re new to wild swimming, pick a sunny day!
- – Check the cafe opening times in advance if you want to warm up with a hot drink afterwards
- – Fancy making a weekend of it? You can camp at Pool Bridge Farm too!
