Book a swim
Head straight to Alderford’s booking products and choose the swim pass that suits your visit.
Book now
Tow floats are mandatory
Swim when it suits you
Open water swimming at Alderford is designed to feel flexible and welcoming, whether you are coming for your first dip, a regular wellness swim, or focused time in the lake.
No fixed swim slot needed during opening hours
Membership rewards regular swimmers with savings
Facilities include changing spaces, showers, lockers, and wetsuit hire
Timings and facilities
Swims currently run daily from 9am to 4:30pm, with later sessions at selected points through the summer, and there is no need to book a fixed slot.
Once you have purchased your swim pass, you can arrive at any point during opening hours. We have changing facilities, giving you a dry place to get ready, as well as a designated swimmers hut where you can leave your belongings close to the swimmer entry. There are also toilets, showers and lockers on site, and wetsuits are available to hire if needed.
Make regular swims better value
Better value for regular swimmers
If you plan to swim regularly, membership costs £7.50 for the year and gives you 20% off each swim, plus a free hot drink in the winter months.
It is a simple way to make repeat visits better value if open water swimming is becoming part of your routine.
Swim with confidence
Tow floats are mandatory for every swimmer, whatever their experience level or the conditions on the day. If you would prefer to wear a buoyancy aid, you are more than welcome. We have buoyancy aids to hire and tow floats to purchase on site.
The water is tested regularly, and clear guidance is in place to help everyone enjoy the lake with confidence. You can read more on the water safety page below.
If you are new to open water, coaching can help you build confidence and feel more comfortable in the lake, while also offering a next step for stronger swimmers and triathletes looking to improve technique, comfort, or speed.
A little more confidence before you dive in
A few quick answers before you swim
What are your swimming hours?
Open water swimming runs during normal site opening hours, currently 9am to 4:30pm daily, with later sessions available at selected points through summer.
Do I need to book a slot?
No fixed swim slot is needed. Buy a swimming pass and arrive whenever suits you during opening hours.
What facilities are available for swimmers?
Swimmers have access to changing facilities, a swimmers hut, toilets, showers, lockers, and wetsuit hire on site.
Is the water tested and do I need a tow float?
Yes. The water is tested regularly, and tow floats are mandatory for all swimmers regardless of ability or conditions.
Can I still come if I have never tried open water swimming before?
Yes. If it is your first time in open water, we recommend speaking to a coach first so you can build confidence and understand how open water differs from pool swimming.
Where can I find coaching support?
Coaching support is available through SW Sports Performance, making it a strong next step for first-timers as well as swimmers looking to improve technique, comfort, or speed.
Swim · Learn · Build Skills · Paddle
Swim · Learn · Build Skills · Paddle
Swim · Learn · Build Skills · Paddle
Swim · Learn · Build Skills · Paddle
Swim · Learn · Build Skills · Paddle
Swim · Learn · Build Skills · Paddle
Choose your next
swim step
Membership
Alderford Membership gives you 20% off swimming, self-launch, food, and activities, plus seasonal extras that make every visit to the lake even better.
Read More
Safety
Read Alderford safety guidance before your visit, including water quality updates, age and supervision rules, and key lake safety information.
Read More