Outdoor swimming Cambridgeshire: lidos, lakes and rivers
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Where to swim outdoors in Cambridgeshire
With an increase in extreme summer temperatures here in the UK, a lot of us are on the look out for our nearest outdoor swimming location. So where are the best places to swim outdoors in Cambridgeshire? I’ve put together a list of the lidos, lakes and rivers in Cambridgeshire where you can have a refreshing dip this summer.
Wild swimming has really taken off in recent years – despite the water companies’ off-putting behaviour. There are some particularly lovely spots to go wild swimming in Cambridgeshire with the River Cam and River Great Ouse popular with local swimmers. However, if you want family fun, the best places to head to for outdoor swimming in Cambridgeshire are undoubtedly the lidos and outdoor pools.
If you decide to do open water swimming in Cambridgeshire, please take a look at the open water swimming safety tips on the Royal Life Saving Society website.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, although I receive a small commission that goes towards the running of this blog.
***Thank you to Nene Park for the cover image on this article***
Many open water swimming locations request that swimmers become members of NOWCA – a network of open water swimming venues. Some venues have a rule that swimmers must wear a swim hat and/or use a tow float – many of the lakes are used for other purposes so it’s essential that swimmers are visible to other water users.
Bear in mind, particularly on hot summer days that lidos are increasingly popular and since covid, pre-booking is essential at some pools.
Check out my article about things to do in Cambridgeshire for more ideas of days out in the area.
Outdoor pools and lidos in Cambridgeshire
Jesus Green lido in Cambridge
This long, narrow lido has been in action for 100 years. Its shape was designed to mimic the River Cam which is lies next to. This is one of those traditional, unheated lidos – open all year round.
Find out more about Jesus Green lido
Lammas Land outdoor pool in Cambridge
This is not a swimming pool as such – more of a giant paddling pool (maximum depth 30 centimetres). It’s free and there’s a large play area too along with toilets and a little café. An ideal summer day out for families with little ones. Just bear in mind that it does get very busy on hot days so come early or in the late afternoon to avoid some of the crowds.
The surrounding park has plenty of shady spots if you’re visiting on a hot day and it’s a short stroll over to the River Cam. The Lammas Land car park fills up quickly on sunny days.
Find out more about Lammas Land outdoor pool
Sheeps Green Learner Pool in Cambridge
This is another good option for families as the pool is 90 centimetres at its deepest point. It’s close to Lammas Land pool so if one looks too busy you can always head over to the other and see if it’s a little quieter. Bear in mind, this smaller pool has a maximum capacity of just 20.
Sheeps Green pool is in a great location next to the River Cam.
Find out more about Sheeps Green outdoor pool
Peterborough Lido
Peterborough has an enviable set up. There are three heated pools at this Art Deco complex – the main 50 metre pool, a teaching pool and a paddling pool for little ones. There’s also a café, gardens and play area.
Find out more about Peterborough Lido
Open water lake swimming in Cambridgeshire
Milton Country Park Lakes
Milton Country Park is just off the A14, to the north of Cambridge. This is a well organised site for open water swimming.
Swimming at Milton Country Park is for confident adults who can swim 400 metres without stopping – there is a set loop which swimmers should follow. Junior swimmers are permitted by prior approval. It’s essential to book in advance. There are several pools at Milton Country Park – usually Todd’s Pitt or Deep Pool are the ones used for swimming.
I like the sound of their Full Moon Swims!
Find out more about open water swimming at Milton Country Park
Lake Ashmore open water swimming near Huntingdon
This tranquil stretch of water is a former gravel pit-turned family water-skiing business. There’s a whole host of water-related activities available at Lake Ashmore – wakeboarding, stand up paddle boarding and even the chance to get bashed about on an inflatable as it gets dragged across the water.
This is also the place to come open water swimming in Cambridgeshire with your children – you don’t need to be an expert swimmer or triathlete to swim at Lake Ashmore. Children under 14 are welcome to swim here with their parents but they must be registered with NOWCA.
There’s also training and coaching available plus the option of hiring the venue for private events.
Find out more about open water swimming at Lake Ashmore
Open water swimming at Gunwade Lake in Nene Park
*** there is no regular open water swimming in 2026 at Nene Park ***
Check out the Nene Park Trust website for details of other water-based activities on offer this year.
Wild swimming in Cambridgeshire – river swimming
I’ve read about lots of spots along the River Cam and the River Great Ouse which sound heavenly for wild swimming in Cambridgeshire. However, I’m reluctant to add them in here as I’ve not visited many of them personally and I’m not sure whether they are still safe to frequent.
For up to date wild swimming information in the Cambridge area, check out the Cambridge Open Water Swimmers Facebook page.
Grantchester Meadows
We took our paddle boards out on the Cam over the sweltering 2026 May bank holiday weekend from Grantchester downstream to Cambridge and back. This five kilometre stretch has lots of easy access points for wild swimming. There were people of all ages taking to the water while we were there.
There are some good rope swings to play on and sections of the river are deep enough to leap into from the river bank. Just remember, there are weeds and a muddy bottom to contend with.
The Cam is used by a lot of kayakers, paddleboarders and punters. Keep a look out for punts – we saw quite a few people clearly out for their first (and possibly last) punt outing who got their pole stuck in the mud. Best not to swim too close to them.
We parked in the Grantchester Community Car Park (at the Trumpington end of the village) – I highly recommend using this seasonal car park (£5 donation, there’s a QR code) so you don’t clog up the streets of this pretty village. Even on a hot sunny day, there was a reassuring amount of space.
If you’re paddle boarding, you can walk about 2 minutes from the car park over the bridge and access the river there. However, it’s very shallow so for swimming you’ll need to walk a little further towards the Red Lion pub on the High Street. From there, you can follow a path through the fields to the river. This is wild swimming in Cambridgeshire at its best.
Outdoor swimming essentials
I know that once upon a time, we all used to leap into murky bodies of water in our pants. However, there is definitely something to be said for wearing a wetsuit if you’re swimming in the winter. Likewise, if you’re swimming across a river which is used by water crafts, it’s a good idea to have a tow float. And as for leaping into the water – I’m more of a wading in kinda person.
Here are a few items which will make outdoor swimming a more pleasurable and safer experience for all.
Tow float
Quite a lot of open water swimming venues insist on swimmers using a tow float – they help you be seen by other water users and they often come with a waterproof pouch where you store your valuables if you’re swimming in a river.
We spent a day on the Thames in a motorboat recently and there were lots of swimmers to navigate around. It was really tricky to see the swimmers who didn’t have a float.
Swim socks or boots
There’s a couple of reasons why I like my swim socks. At my local river in Hertfordshire, the mud is really squelchy and I’m never quite sure what I’m stepping on. They’re also useful on pebbles – I used mine the other day when we went paddle boarding on the River Wye – it made walking into the pebbly water so much easier.
Check out Decathlon for swim boots and socks
Wetsuits
It is amazing how much difference a wetsuit can make to your swimming experience. I feel slightly sad that I’m not as brave as I used to be – before we had Decathlon in every other town centre – but I’m also rather glad I own a wetsuit.
Facebook and Ebay have plenty of second hand wetsuits and Decathlon is very good value. But if you’re after some serious neoprene, try the triathlon specialist Wiggle.
Shop for wetsuits with Decathlon
Tips for safer outdoor swimming
For detailed information about how to stay safe swimming outdoors, check out the Royal Life Saving Society website. Here are some general tips to consider:
Use a tow float – as I mentioned above, these help you be seen, can be used as a floatation device and some have a waterproof compartment for your valuables. Along with a swimming hat, tow floats are often mandatory at open water swimming vanues.
Swim with a buddy – anyone can get into difficulty in the water and although some open water swimming lakes have lifeguards, it’s still important to be with another person. Cramp, cold water shock and after drop can affect anyone.
Consider wearing a wetsuit – if you’re new to open water swimming, wear a wetsuit.
Wear a swimming hat – as well as keeping you warm, a brightly coloured hat will keep you visible to others in the water.
Acclimatize to the water slowly – don’t be tempted to jump in. Gasping as you enter the water – cold water shock – can lead to drowning or at the very least inhaling dirty water. The depth of the water can be deceptive and you never know what you might land on.
Cover open wounds – use a waterproof plaster.
Look out for blue-green algae – don’t enter the water if there is any of this itch-inducing plant floating around.
Warm up carefully afterwards – make sure you have warm clothes to wear post-swim. Don’t be tempted to rush home and jump in the shower – this isn’t good for your body. Enjoy a warm drink and a snack before heading off.
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If you live near the border of one of Cambridgeshire’s landlocked neighbours, check out my articles about where to swim outdoors in Hertfordshire, outdoor swimming in Buckinghamshire and open water swimming in Bedfordshire.
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Have you found a perfect spot to swim outdoors in Cambridgeshire? Let me know in the comments below.
