October 2025 Venue: Lakeside Adventures, Hartlebury, Worcestershire. Website: http://www.lakesideadventures.co.uk Satnav: DY11 7YJ
Amenities:
* Free car parking
* Café
* Toilets
* Outdoor changing facilities
* Outdoor shower
* Easy rail access (Hartlebury)
So this is where I get intrepid and pluck up a spirit of adventure to discover welcome waters away from my immediate homely and familiar patch.
This morning made quite a change for me, as not only had I booked a swim at Lakeside Adventures, but it was an early morning slot beginning at 7.30. I had concerns about my mental agility pre-7am, so I packed the night before, putting a hot water bottle and a flask in front of the kettle so that bleary-eyed me wouldn’t overlook them. In addition, I remembered two extra thin layers, another jumper, a banana and my pants. Still winning!
It’s mid-October, so I set off in the inky darkness, other drivers’ headlights glaring at me in the rear view mirror. I wasn’t far into the journey when dawn arrived and I was able to pick out the silhouettes of trees lining the dual carriageways from the brightening, indigo sky.
Lakeside Adventures is an aqua park equipped with inflatables during the warmer months, however, these have now been stored away for the winter, and after driving down a short private road, the lake was revealed. As was Liz, the owner. She was very welcoming and made time to introduce me to her lake and give me a bit of background about Lakeside Adventures.
It is a family-run business and the large lake has been created fairly recently in a rural, open-field setting. There is evidence of a very active water-based clientele, as the banks of the lake are dotted with paddle boards, and there are plenty of picnic benches next to the cafe to accommodate (hungry / thirsty / rewarming) visitors. The lake is situated between the A449 and the Worcester-Kidderminster railway line. Although both of these features can be partially seen and heard, they are tucked behind mature rows of native trees, giving the venue a parkland feel.
One of the many advantages of swimming at Lakeside Adventures is its proximity to a railway station. I doubt there are many wild swimming venues which provide such easy public transport accessibility, whilst also offering a countryside setting. Hartlebury station (also home of the Tap House Pub) is less than 150 yards from the lake entrance, and an approximate 10 minute train journey from either Kidderminster or Droitwich Spa stations.
Nature has established swiftly along the lakeside. In the distance, there are bare banks of red topsoil prepared and waiting for new pods for visitors. Nearer to the changing area, the entrance to the water is carpeted with transition matting, making the gentle slope into the clear water as slip-proof as possible. The water temperature today was 13.3 ºC which made it the chilliest swim so far for me this autumn, and I had a bit of a giggle when I got in!
Liz was really encouraging and supportive, particularly as I was the first to swim that morning and I had the whole lake to myself – just for a few minutes. As I swam along the edge of the bank, Liz walked a little further ahead to make sure I was okay. Looking ahead, I was delighted to spot the resident kingfisher, which was a real treat. Liz explained later that, over the past year, birds had visited local fisheries and had transported fish eggs on their feet. So now a population of sticklebacks were providing an entertaining distraction for herons and a winter larder for the kingfisher!
Afterwards, I got changed outdoors, under a small gazebo, but there are separate and private outdoor changing areas for guys and gals if required. There’s a fun outdoor shower, but I swear it is colder than the water in the lake, so brace yourself! I was joined by other regular swimmers warming up who were equally as welcoming and easy-going as my host. They all encouraged me to come again, perhaps to join an evening swim, and to try the legendary soup served hot at the café.
Booking a swim time is recommended, and easily done via the website below. What a great start to the day. It’s a swimming venue to try as soon as you can!
