You don’t need to travel far to take a dip in one of the UK’s largest natural infinity pools, as it’s just a short drive from Bristol and is completely free to use
This seaside town, just 30 minutes from Bristol, has a huge natural infinity pool(Image: Getty Images)
A pretty UK town near Bristol is home to a sprawling natural infinity pool that offers panoramic sea views – and it’s free to use.
With sun-soaked rays across Britain and balmy temperatures continuing as we head further into summer, a trip to an outdoor swimming pool certainly warrants a visit. While it’s ideal for making the most of the summer months, it’s also a great option for keeping the kids entertained, as they’re free to splash around and cool off.
There are a plethora of outdoor swimming pools across the UK, but one that should be on your radar is found just 30 minutes from Bristol. The coastal town of Clevedon, in North Somerset, may be small, but it’s home to an impressive seawater infinity pool, alongside its unspoilt beach and impressive Victorian pier.
Clevedon Marine Lake is an oasis during the warmer months – and it’s completely free to use(Image: Getty Images)
Clevedon Marine Lake is arguably one of the town’s most remarkable attractions, and is the largest infinity seawater tidal pool in the UK, covering 15,000 square metres – roughly equivalent to two football pitches. It becomes a sanctuary during the summer months, where visitors can swim in the infinity pool and even paddleboard or kayak in its secure surroundings – it’s that big.
For swimmers, there are steps that allow easy entry into the natural pool, and there’s even a narrow pathway running across part of the lake, which has served as a favoured spot for crabbing. However, visitors needn’t be concerned about encountering any marine life underfoot as the depth reaches around two metres.
Thanks to its positioning amongst the rugged coastal rocks and below the beach promenade, it benefits from a natural shelter, with guests able to soak up the sun beside the pool before plunging in. Its distinctive infinity-edge design delivers stunning coastal panoramas, with the town’s magnificent pier visible on the horizon, enhancing its quintessential seaside appeal.
The pool is accessible throughout the year, except during high tides of 12.6m or above, and because its water comes directly from the Bristol Channel, it provides a reliably refreshing experience – entirely free of charge. While the lake itself lacks on-site amenities, nearby toilets, pubs and car parking are available as it connects seamlessly to the wider Clevedon beach area.
After a dip in the lake, there’s Clevedon seafront to explore and its array of offerings (Image: Getty Images)
Clevedon beach, stretching around 850 metres of golden shingle, is flanked by low rugged rocks and commanding views across the Bristol Channel. Guests can wander from the marine lake along the beach promenade, pausing at a fish-and-chip van and traditional arcade amusements before arriving at the Victorian pier.
The Grade I-listed Victorian pier is a major attraction in the town, measuring 1,024ft with elaborate ironwork and wooden detailing. Opened in 1869, the pier features over 16,000 brass plaques engraved with names, dates, recollections, and sentiments from locals and visitors alike, which have evolved into a beloved tradition: browsing the touching inscriptions during a leisurely walk.
The landmark was famously described by celebrated English poet and author Sir John Betjeman as “the most beautiful pier in England”, and has also claimed Pier of the Year honours in 1999, 2013, and 2021. A much-cherished attraction in the area, it sits close to Hill Road, which is brimming with independent shops.
The Grade I-listed Victorian pier stretches 1,024ft and is adorned with more than 16,000 brass plaques(Image: Getty Images)
From Gems Giftshop to children’s boutique Muddy Boots, women’s fashion at Pale Blue, and the delightful Books on the Hill, there’s no shortage of browsing opportunities. There’s even a stylish café and barbershop combined under one roof, 67Baristabarber, alongside food and drink offerings at Vintage and Vine, Limehouse, The Clevedon Distillery, and the Fallen Tree Micropub.
For those unpredictable British summer days, or for a respite from the sunshine, stopping for a movie at the Curzon, one of the world’s oldest cinemas, is a must. Having first opened its doors in 1912, this charming picture house boasts red velvet seating and continues to captivate audiences to this day, only adding to Clevedon’s undeniable charm.
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