Open Water Swimming

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.

£8.50 per session
bookable via the BETTER UK App up to 5 days in advance.

The Polar Plunge

80m circuit

Saturday 3rd January - 09.30 to 11.00
Join us for our first cold water swim​ of 2026.

Bookable up to 5 days in advance 

 

Moonlight Swim

Swim under the stars!

80m circuit

Wednesday 7th January - 17.00 to 19.00
Bookable up to 5 days in advance 

 

Winter Swims

80m circuit

Saturdays from 3rd January - 09.30 to 11.00
Please book your 9.30 then you can join in anytime between 9.30 and 10.30 for your swim
Wednesdays from 14th January  - 10.00 to 11.00
All sessions Bookable up to 5 days in advance 

 

Regular Swims

Returning spring 2026

 

 Book via the BETTER UK APP

Book Open Water Swimming via our website

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 course is 400m long.

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