roonee Cold water and wild swimming have become such a big part of my life over the past year or so. I’ve been lucky enough to try several new swimming spots, but right now my absolute favourite has to be Swan Lake which is part of Whitmore Lakes.
The site is a converted fishery, so you do have to pay for your sessions and sign a waiver, but for me it feels worth it every time. The only downside is that it’s over an hour’s drive from where I live, so I can’t go as often as I’d like. Whenever I find myself in that part of Staffordshire, near(ish) to Stoke, I make sure to set aside a bit of time to swim there.
Why I love it
Whitmore Lakes has something really lovely about it. The main lake used for swimming is called Swan Lake, and it’s set up incredibly well for wild swimmers. The water has felt fresh and inviting every time I’ve been, and there’s a calmness to the surroundings that makes the journey worthwhile. The first time I visited, I saw my first ever willow warbler in the reeds next to where I was swimming, and then I ended up swimming round with a gaggle of ducklings!
Because it’s a managed venue, there’s definitely also a sense of safety and structure — clear entry and exit points, staff on hand, and even the option to warm up afterwards in a wood-fired sauna. There is also a café on site that does wonderful cake. I always come away feeling reset, both physically and mentally.
I think part of the magic for me is that it’s not somewhere I can just nip to on a whim. The distance means I have to plan ahead, pack up my kit, and carve out the time. That in itself makes it feel more like a little retreat rather than just another swim.
The practical bits
- Location: Whitmore Lakes, Three Mile Lane, Whitmore, Staffordshire.
- Booking: Sessions should be booked online in advance. It’s usually around £10 a swim.
- Facilities: Parking, toilets, a little refreshment spot called the Cake Shack, and saunas if you fancy treating yourself. There aren’t any changing rooms, just a shelter with benches and places to pop your things.
- Other activities: As well as swimming, you can paddleboard or join courses and wellness events.
It’s open most days with morning and afternoon swim slots.
A few tips
- Pack warm clothes for after your swim. Even in summer, the cold creeps in once you’re out. I use an Oodie to warm up quickly after a swim – looks a bit ridiculous but does the job.
- A hot drink and a snack afterwards make all the difference.
- If you’re new to cold water swimming, go steady and don’t push yourself — enjoy it at your own pace. Make sure you acclimatise your body to the water before swimming!
