Pool Bridge Farm

About

Pool Bridge Farm in York is a peaceful wild swimming and wellbeing destination. The farm has lots to explore with 4 lakes open for swimming and 2 saunas. As well is this, there is lots of wildlife around the farm. You can expect to encounter plenty of birds and maybe even some fish whilst swimming. For families, there is only 1 lake that is open to children. However, this lake is very large and offers paddleboarding. For visitors wanting to stay more than a day visit, Pool Bridge Farm also has a campsite were you can camp and enjoy the lakes.

Swimming at Pool Bridge Farm in York

Pool Bridge Farm has 4 different lakes available for swimming:

• The Q Lake – This lake is the only lake open to children as well as adults. However, it is larger than the other 3 lakes combined so there is plenty of space for families to enjoy. This lake permits inflatables in the swimming section. Also, there is a section for paddleboarding which you can book a session for. Additionally, there is plenty of space for picnics on the surrounding bank.
• The Monet Lake – An adults only tranquil lake situated near the farm’s changing barn. With large lily pads in the middle of the lake, it is named after the Claude Monet painting. There is ample room for lakeside picnics on the large bank. Additionally, there are some picnic benches available.
• The M lake – Shaped like the letter M, this lake has a 500 meter parameter. There are some picnic areas available part way round on the bank which are accessible through a walking path. Also, there is a lake view sauna situated at the back of the lake next to the changing barn. This is an adults only lake.
• The Horseshoe Lake – Named for it’s horseshoe shape, this lake is a 300 meter circuit. Often favoured by regulars, some swimmers use this for training and exercise. It is an adults only lake that is usually very tranquil and quiet. Additionally, there is space on the bank for those who want to picnic here.

Other Information

As well as wild swimming, there are further wellbeing activities at Pool Bridge Farm with 2 lakeside saunas available for booking. There is also a changing barn with two gendered changing areas sheltered off. Near the carpark there is a toilet block available which has a disabled toilet. The shower block is only available to campers at the farm so those on a day trip will not be able to use it. Additionally, there is a café for replenishments.

For more information about a visit to Pool Bridge Farm, visit their website.

Accessibility

Currently, the sides of the lakes are not wheelchair accessible due to uneven and sometimes muddy terrain. From the carpark, the nearest lake is a 25 meter walk away. There are picnic benches around the farm for resting. Whilst getting into the lakes, there are steps and hand rails to assist you. However, sometimes there is a bit of a drop from the bottom step to the lake bed. Assistance dogs are permitted on the lakeside but not in the water.

Noise levels at Pool Bridge Farm are usually low with it being a very open outdoor space. Music, alcohol or smoking are not permitted on site. This makes the lakes purposefully quiet and peaceful environments. On hot days in summer the farm can get busy, particularly during school holidays. However, due to the amount of space available it doesn’t often feel busy or noisy in the lakes. Sometimes there may be noises from the wildlife on the farm, mostly birds. Additionally, there are harmless fish in the lakes which occasionally may bump into you whilst swimming.

Pool Bridge Farm camping is in a quiet area next to the Horseshoe lake. For day visitors, there is a free carpark. However, there are no disabled bays in this carpark.

For more information about activities in York, visit the Eric Knows website.