West Country Water Park - Bristol

sharon W.

I have been swimming at West Country Country Water Park for 18 months now. 3 months in I became a member. I love the inclusivity of the water park. The staff are amazing and genuinely care about your experience. The owners are building an amazing place and are keen to learn from those who visit and use the park. They consider every bit of feedback and have the willingness to try and meet every ‘demand’ we the general public make. My husband and older adult children have also visited and used aspects of the park. Paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming and all have been great and well organised….can’t comment on the aqua park as none of us have used it.
The changing rooms are spacious and clean, there are outdoor showers (these are natural drainage so no fluids ie shower gel etc can’t be used) there is a sauna which is an amazing addition - currently this is only for members while they work out charging and the running of it (members are basically the Guinea pigs at the moment!😁)
There is a cafe and Hannah makes a mean hot chocolate 😁 and they get ‘home made’ cakes in from a local baker which is a lovely touch, although can mean that sometimes they may have had a run on cakes and you sometimes miss out.
Currently they sell bought in paninis which are ok and fill a hole😁 and have homemade sausage rolls which are bought in locally. Again these can be limited but taste divine. They are looking at developing their food range (cafe style not ‘hot dinners’!)
As we move into the cold water swimming season there isn’t a place I’d rather be. I know I’m safe and looked after -seen this in action last winter where the lifeguards and cold water community really check in with you to make sure you’re ok and not experiencing afterdrop. The guards always talk to you as you get out to make sure you are coherent and even talk as your swimming.
If you’re looking for a supportive, inclusive friendly place to take up open/cold water swimming then the water park is fab.
If you do visit please remember to enter your reg for parking. The comments on parking and the charges should not affect your experience. We have to pay for parking in lots of places we visit now and if you are using services (cafe included) you get the parking for free 😁
Go visit and make your own mind up but I think you’d be pleasantly surprised.

Hannah L.

I was greeted at the reception by some very friendly staff members called Sasha and Jade. They ensured I felt comfortable and knew the procedure. They made a very nice hot chocolate at the cafe!
Some updates to the facilities in the building and the exterior would be beneficial especially in summer.

Anthony E.

I have been enjoying swimming in the water park for the past months now. It’s so easy to book and to park, the changing room is great, especially nice when it’s cold and windy after your swim. What an amazing place. The views were outstanding. A wonderful place to go with friends and relax enjoying their delicious sausage rolls. The staff were very helpful and highly trained making it a great experience for the sports activities you can take part in.

Gareth N.

Fantastic open water swimming and water sports facility. Visitors can stand up paddle board, swim the 750m lap of the lake, or there’s a brilliant and huge inflatable obstacle course ideal for kids.

The water was warm in summer (23 degrees C) and felt clean and fresh. Wet suits can be hired if wanted though.

There’s a great coffee / snack / food bar. Plenty of seating. A big and free car park. Decent changing facilities etc etc

Would thoroughly recommend.

helen D.

I absolutely love coming here! I started swiming here with open minds active through social prescribing and I’ve never stopped! It’s my fave place to come! Amazing staff! Amazing cake! Amazing coffee! And absolutely bliss even in the cold! It’s a beautiful place to be! So glad I found this gem!

Tina T.

I highly recommend this location for open water swimming.
Wonderful swim at the lake again today. It’s so nice to be able to turn up as a lone swimmer and know you can enjoy a swim in a safe clean environment.
I’ve been swimming in this lake for many years and am so impressed with what Shaun and the team have done since they took it on from Mike.
It’s a joy to have a lovely environment to change, swim and then enjoy sitting and people watching over a hot drink and snack...especially on a sunny day like today. Although I am also looking forward to getting back to cold water swims in the winter too!

Pete G.

Early morning swim in the lake was awesome. The water was cold 11°C. The sun was shining beautifully across he lake. If you go early it's not too busy. Also went for a walk around the lake after to warm up. The scenery is lovely. You can sometimes see herons, gannets or seagulls. The shop is well stocked with coffee, cakes and hot food. Plenty of parking. Note: Make sure you register your vehicle or you might get a fine. Beautiful swim in the sunshine 🌞.

Simon H.

West Country Water Park is a relativity new set-up; although the lake has been there for some time, the infrastructure is new.

You can find the water park above Bristol between the M4 and M5. There is more than enough parking at the lake, and although there wasn't any disabled parking, I found somewhere convenient to park. I found that there was more than enough disabled access for my needs.

While there, I popped in for a swim; they had a lifeguard on duty the whole time I was in the water. Swimming is just one activity they offer; you can kayak, paddleboard, jet ski, and they have a massive inflatable water park. Look out for the open-air cinema they a showing during the warmer months.

I swam on a wet day; they had space for me to change in the cafe, allowing me to hop into the water. They have changing rooms; I just didn't use them on this visit. Access into the water is okay for me; I didn't have any problems at all. If you are disabled, it might be worth calling to get an idea of how access might work for your visit.

They have a lovely cafe at the water park; I enjoyed my post-swim lunch —the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly.

I can't recommend it enough if you live near West Country Water Park; it is well worth a visit. There is something for everyone. I don't live nearby, but I will be returning soon.

This fantastic facility sets the standard for an outdoor activity centre.