From a twilight dip, to a floating sauna – there’s loads to enjoy at these venues
The Bristol Lido in Clifton(Image: A.Pattenden / Bristol Lido)
As the sunnier weather creeps in, many of us may be thinking about venturing to one of the area’s outdoor pools, lidos or other water venues for a swim.
There are plenty of venues in the Bristol area you can visit, with a range of facilities – even on-site restaurants and cafes – as well as amenities for all the family, such as pools for little ones.
Some boast special events which will allow you to take a swim under the stars.
While others boast spaces for other water activities, like kayaking and paddleboarding – there’s even a floating sauna.
Here’s a guide to booking your next visit to one of these much loved locations this summer…
The Bristol Lido
The Bristol Lido in Clifton(Image: A.Pattenden / Bristol Lido)
Address: Oakfield Place, Clifton, BS8 2BJ
The Lido’s 24-metre outdoor swimming pool is heated throughout the year to a temperature of around 20-25 degrees Celsius. It also boasts a spa and restaurant on site.
According to The Lido’s official website, non-member swimming or ‘guest swims’ (which is open to the public) is open daily from 7am to 10pm for members, and from 10am for non-members.
You can pre-book a two hour session (swim, sauna, steam and hot tub) for £25 starting from 10am.
Booking slots are open every hour until 3pm (maximum of six people per time slot). This is now available seven days a week.
Children’s access is restricted to the 2pm until 4pm slot and each child must be accompanied by an adult for one to one supervision in the pool only.
The sauna, steam room and hot tub are not available for children’s use.
You don’t need to pre-book children’s swim, just book the adults session and pay the children’s fee of £7.50 on arrival (4-15 year olds). Under 4’s swim for free.
Portishead Open Air Pool
After the makeover of Portishead Open Air Pool(Image: Portishead Open Air Pool)
Address: Esplanade Road, Portishead, BS20 7HD
Another heated outdoor swimming pool, this one sits on the edge of the Bristol Channel and spans 33 metres.
The Community Cafe on site is open Monday to Sunday (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter months) for counter service and takeaway from 10am to 3.30pm.
You can purchase a membership or season ticket for the pool, with this year’s season running from April 13, to August 31, 2025. A season ticket costs from £185.
Meanwhile, drop-in tickets and prices are as follows (correct according to the official website at time of writing):
- Lane swims – £6.50 per person
- Family/general swims – £6 per person
- Spectators – £4 per person
- Twilight swim – £6.75
- Full moon swim – £7.50
Children under three go free – more events can be found here.
There’s a toddler pool on site too, which is described as being ‘warm, non-slip and shallow for babies, crawlers and toddlers’, available on warm days only.
West Country Water Park
(Image: West Country Water Park)
Address: Trench Lane, Bradley Stoke, Frampton Cotterell, BS36 1RY
West Country Water Park is described as ‘the ultimate family-friendly water park for adventure, laughs and lakeside vibes’.
It boasts space for open-water swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, an inflatable Aqua Park, and even a floating sauna. Plus, there’s a cosy cafe (which stays open 30 minutes later each day) for waterside coffees, lunches, soups, and more.
It’s advised to pre-book your session before your visit in order to secure the best price. A full list of opening hours for the coming months can be found here.
Swimming in Bristol Harbour
(Image: PA)
Special swimming sessions enabling you to swim in the Harbour are taking place from April 27, every Sunday until mid September.
According to Bristol City Council, this is the only way you can safely swim in the area, and the sessions are provided by All Aboard Water Sports, who also provide other water activities (find out more here).
In order to swim, you will need a towfloat and brightly coloured swim hat. You can hire or buy them from All Aboard (cash preferred).
Warleigh Weir
People at Warleigh Weir on the River Avon in Bath, Somerset(Image: PA)
Address: Ferry Lane, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BH
Warleigh Weir is a popular spot for wild swimmers, in fact probably known as being one of the most popular swimming spots on the River Avon, as a whole.
There is a scheme called the Warleigh Weir Project linked to the location, campaigning to make the River Avon ‘designated bathing water’, which would ultimately mean cleaner waterways, healthier environment, and more.
While there is no cafe here, it is a popular spot for picnics, and it sits around four miles from the city of Bath.
There’s no parking on site, so be ready for a walk to get there – and take one BristolLive team member’s advice and head down early if you want to enjoy some peaceful surroundings.
Clevedon Marine Lake
People enjoy the warm weather at Clevedon Marine Lake in Clevedon. (Image: PA)
Described as a tidal infinity pool filled with seawater, open almost every day of the year, 24/7, those hoping to visit Clevedon Marine Lake don’t need to book and can simply donate an entry fee.
All you need to do is check the calendar and tide times on the official website before your visit.
Throughout the year, the lake boasts a number of activities and events to take part in too, like Lake Day (on Saturday, May 3, this year) allowing for ‘have a go’ activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, SUP Yoga, and ‘build a boat’.