Ilkley Pool and Lido

This indoor and outdoor pool complex can be found on the northern outskirts of Ilkley, in the former spa town’s Riverside Parks. Ilkley Pool and Lido is run by Bradford Council and is well-equipped with changing rooms, toilet facilities and places to eat. If there’s something you’ve forgotten, you can pick up sun cream, swimwear, goggles, buoyancy aids and pool toys here. You can also purchase food from the onsite cafe or bring your own snacks to eat in the picnic area. The open air lido is unheated and can only be used between the months of May and September, but the indoor pool is open all year round and is the perfect way to warm up after a dip outside. The lido is family-friendly and gets very busy on hot days. It has an area for younger swimmers where the depth varies from being suitable for paddling to just deep enough for a child to swim in. It is, however, necessary for parents or guardians to supervise children at all times. For adults and more experienced swimmers, there’s also a lane swim and a deeper section where it’s possible to dive.

Opening times: open every day, please check their website as times vary.

Prices: £9.50 (adults), £4.90 (senior citizens and children aged 3-16), under 3s free

Pool Bridge Farm, York

If you’re looking to experience the wonder of real wild swimming but in a safer, purposefully modified environment, Pool Bridge Farms might be the answer. Only a ten minute drive from York city centre, these former fishing lakes have undergone work to shape them into the perfect place to swim outdoors. There are three atmospheric lakes to choose from here, including the Monet Lake, named for its giant lily pads, the ‘M’ Lake and the Horseshoe Lake, which is great for longer distance swims. During your time in the water, you’ll be surrounded by nature – romantic weeping willows overhang the edges of the lakes, birds sing and bees buzz by. Children are welcome here if fully supervised and, although wild and cold water swimming is never without risk, the lakes have been shaped so that you are always relatively close to the bank and there are no dangerous currents. You can experience an atmospheric full moon swim and ladies can also try skinny dipping during a special session on Monday evenings after the other swimmers have left. Pool Bridge boasts a lakeside sauna to relax and warm yourself in between swims and there’s also a cafe that serves wood-fired pizzas, delicious Sunday lunches and homemade cakes. Those who would like to extend their time in this tranquil spot can do this by camping or taking part in other activities such as horse riding or wildlife photography here.

Opening times: 7:30am – dusk every day

Prices: £7 (adults), £5 (children aged 5+), under 5s free

Helmsley Open Air Pool

Situated in stunning countryside on the outskirts of the historic market town of Helmsley, this 25m outdoor pool is heated to between 26-28 degrees centigrade, offering a more comfortable open air swim that can be enjoyed by all ages. Run by its own charity, the pool is open from May to September and has a timetable that’s packed with different activities, including lane only swimming, aqua fitness classes and poolside yoga, as well as ‘fun swim’ sessions where inflatables and toys are allowed. As the pool’s depth starts at 0.9 metres, it’s popular with families and is described as having a lively and social ‘holiday’ feel. There is a lifeguard on duty, however younger swimmers must be supervised by those accompanying them. Helmsley Open Air Pool hosts exciting and atmospheric ‘celestial swims’, during which you can witness planetary events like full moons, the summer solstices and the Perseid Meteor Shower from the water.

Opening times: 11:15am-7pm every day

Prices: £5.95 (adults), £5 (concessions), £3.95 (children aged 4-16 years), under 4s free

Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, Pocklington

Spanning 53 acres, this huge water park in the Yorkshire Wolds has three lakes on which you can take part in a variety of watersports. At Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, you can take on the tricky challenge of completing an inflatable aqua obstacle course, or have a go at kayaking, paddle boarding or open water swimming. The main lake here is purpose-made, with a weed-free sandy bottom and a maximum depth of 7ft. In the earlier and later months of the season, the water is cold and entering it is only recommended for experienced open water swimmers. In summer, however, the temperature can rise as high as 28 degrees, so it can be enjoyed by beginners too. The swimming route is well-marked with fluorescent buoys and swimmers are also asked to wear brightly coloured caps so they can easily be seen from the banks. Allerthorpe has a general admission fee of £3 per person for those who want to spend time at the park and visit the cafe and play area or take a walk. This isn’t necessary if you only plan to swim and you can pay for this alone.

Opening times: please check their website for dates and times of swimming sessions.

Prices: £4 (members), £6 (non-members)

Ingleton Swimming Pool

Located in the village of Ingleton, on the edge of picturesque Yorkshire Dales, this 20-metre outdoor pool opens for cold water swimming each April and is then heated from May to the end of its season in September. Ingleton Swimming Pool was built in the 1930s by a team of volunteers and has a classic rectangular design with tiered seating for spectators. The pool is run by the local community and a range of swimming sessions are held here each week, including slots for the general public or adult members only and organised swimming lessons for children during the school holidays. The pool has its own shop that sells drinks and light snacks, like tea and coffee, cold drinks, sweets and pot noodles. You can also buy swim nappies here, or hire a costume or towel if you’ve accidentally left yours behind. You can turn up to this lifeguard-monitored pool on the day, but booking is advised in busier periods. The pool will also close for safety reasons during storms or in other particularly bad weather conditions. 

Opening times: open every day but times vary, please check their website for more information.

Prices: £7.50 (adult non-members), £5.50 (non-members aged 4-16 years), £2.50 (non-members aged 3 and under)

If you’re new to open water swimming, <a href=”https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming”>click here</a> to read safety advice from the RNLI.

Images- @ilkleylido, @poolbridgefarm, @allerthorpelakelandpark