Open Water Swimming

Stanborough Park is the perfect training venue for open water swimming.
Our spring / summer sessions are run on our 400m course.

To train at Stanborough Park you should be a competent swimmer and must only swim during one of the set swimming sessions.

Lake swimming is not permitted outside of our Open Water Swimming sessions.

Please see Swim England for official advice for open water swimmers.

£8.80 per session
bookable via the BETTER UK App up to 5 days in advance

Regular Swims

400m course

Saturdays - 07.00 to 10.30

Wednesdays - 17.30 to 19.30

All sessions Bookable up to 5 days in advance

BIG Lake Swim
£11 per person

Take on our full-length lake swim and enjoy a truly memorable open water experience at the height of summer. This unique course gives you the opportunity to swim the entire length of the lake while taking in the stunning surroundings.

Saturday 20th June 2026 07:00 – 10:30

Spaces can be booked up to 5 days in advance.

A 750m open water swim course
Complimentary tasty refreshments provided

Book via the BETTER UK APP

Book Open Water Swimming via the website

Open Water Swimming Coaching

Always wanted to try Open Water Swimming, but feel like you need a bit of training first to build your confidence?

New to Stanborough Park this year

We’re offering both 1-to-1 and group coaching sessions to help you get started safely and confidently.

Enquire about Private or Group tuition

Coming soon

Adult Open Water Swimming - Beginner

A class for new open water swimmers who can swim 200-600m in a pool.

Adult Open Water Swimming - Intermediate

For more confident open water swimmers who can swim 600-1.5k in open water, who may be working towards event skills or stroke improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is safety cover provided?

On water safety cover is provided, by our qualified team, during every swim session at Stanborough.

How long is the swim course

The regular swim course is 400m long.

We run a short course in the winter months.

Do I need to wear a swimming hat?

You must wear a brightly coloured swimming hat; we have some to purchase at check in if required.

Do I need to wear a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are not compulsory but are advisable is colder temperatures. If you choose to wear a wetsuit you will need to supply your own, suitable for swimming.

Do you hire wetsuits?

We do not hire wetsuits for swimming, but we do not require you to wear one if you choose not to.

Do I need to use a tow float?

Tow floats are mandatory at all Better UK sites

Is there anywhere to change and leave my belongings?

Our changing rooms and showers are available to use. A non-secure bag drop area will be available outside, so if you are planning to bring belongings, consider a waterproof bag to store your essentials and avoid bringing any valuable items.

Can Children take part in Open Water Swimming at Stanborough?

Yes, but they need to be minimum of 14 years old. Children 14-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult from the same household, swim with a tow float and wear a green swim hat.

Do the sessions still go ahead when it rains?

Yes, sessions still go ahead during the rain - you are going to get wet anyway! Sessions will only be cancelled in cases of dangerous environmental conditions (i.e. lightning storms, serious fog) where swimmers are less visible to our safety team.

Parking

We operate a camera parking system; Parking is free for Our Open Water Swimmers, you must register your vehicle with our staff on arival for your swim session.

If you are registered with Hozah automatic payments, please contact us at stanborough@gll.org at least 48 hours before your visit so that we can apply your discount.

Please note we are unable to refund Hozah auatomatic payments