Accessibility

What it’s like here, and how to plan your visit

Swillington Wilds is a quiet wild swimming and sauna space set within an organic farm landscape. It’s deliberately simple, outdoors, and shaped by the land around it.
Because of that, access is closer to nature than to a traditional leisure venue.

This page has all the information you should need to plan your visit with confidence.

The setting

The site is shaped by the land and the seasons, so surfaces and conditions can vary from day to day.

  • Entirely outdoors

  • Natural ground underfoot — grass, soil and farm tracks

  • Surfaces are uneven and change with the seasons

  • After wet weather, some areas can be muddy or soft

Arriving at Swillington Wilds

The walk from parking to the lake is part of the experience, and it’s worth allowing a little extra time to arrive comfortably.

  • Main parking is around 200 metres from the lake

  • The walk in is across uneven, natural ground

  • A designated accessible drop-off / parking space is available closer to the lake for Blue Badge holders

Moving around the site

Movement around the site is informal and outdoors, with plenty of space to pause and take things at your own pace.

  • The lakeside is grassed, not paved

  • There are no boardwalks or hard paths

  • Seating is informal, using picnic benches and natural resting spots

Getting into the water

Entry points are simple and natural, in keeping with the wild setting.

  • Entry to the lake is via wooden steps or a natural bank

  • The ground at the water’s edge can be uneven or slippery

  • Water depth shelves gently at first (around 3–4 ft) before dropping deeper

  • This is cold-water open swimming

  • Everyone swimming needs to be able to enter the water and swim independently

  • We don’t currently offer assisted entry into the water

The sauna

The sauna is designed to be nomadic and move with the seasons and daylight hours through the year.

  • The sauna is a mobile unit, positioned close to the lake

  • It’s raised off the ground and accessed by steps

  • The doorway is standard width, with bench seating inside

  • Level access isn’t available at present

Changing and toilets

Facilities are intentionally simple and in keeping with the outdoor setting.

  • Changing is simple and informal, with a basic shelter

  • There are no enclosed or fully accessible changing rooms

  • Toilets are provided via a portaloo trailer with steps

  • A level-access toilet isn’t currently available

Staffing and safety

A team member is always nearby for guidance and reassurance, while keeping the experience calm and low-key.

  • Sessions are supervised by at least one STA Level 2 qualified member of staff

  • The venue is not lifeguarded

  • Staff are there for briefings, oversight and support, but don’t provide physical assistance with access or entry

  • Safety equipment and a defibrillator are available on site

Access, inclusion and support

We aim to create a space that feels calm, welcoming and respectful, within the realities of a wild, safety-led environment.

Where it’s safe and practicable, we’re happy to talk things through on a case-by-case basis and explore whether there may be ways for someone to take part.

If someone requires an essential companion, they’re welcome to attend free of charge with a valid Nimbus Access Card, subject to capacity and safety considerations.

Planning ahead

Access needs vary, and no single approach works for everyone. If you’d like a fuller picture of how we approach access and inclusion, you can read our Access & Inclusion Statement here.

A quick read-through before booking can help avoid surprises on the day.

Please look at our site plan and get in touch in advance if you’d like to talk things through.

We’re always learning, and our approach to access will continue to evolve as Swillington Wilds grows.