Wiltshire


<p>If the heatwave has you dreaming of cold water, shady picnic spots and anywhere with a hint of a breeze, we&#8217;ve got you covered. From outdoor pools and splash parks to wild swimming spots, paddling rivers and even a sandy beach, these are our favourite places to cool down in Wiltshire while the sunshine lasts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farleigh-amp-district-swimming-club-farleigh-hungerford"><strong><a href="https://farleighswimming.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farleigh &amp; District Swimming Club</a>, Farleigh Hungerford</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Wild-Swimming-in-Wiltshire-Somerset-Farleigh-Hungerford-1000x667.jpg" alt="Wild Swimming in Wiltshire Somerset Farleigh Hungerford" class="wp-image-37028" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Wild-Swimming-in-Wiltshire-Somerset-Farleigh-Hungerford-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Wild-Swimming-in-Wiltshire-Somerset-Farleigh-Hungerford-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Wild-Swimming-in-Wiltshire-Somerset-Farleigh-Hungerford-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Wild-Swimming-in-Wiltshire-Somerset-Farleigh-Hungerford.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Sophie Barton </figcaption></figure>



<p>Thought to be the oldest established outdoor swimming club in the country, you’ll find this pretty spot on the River Frome near Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge. It’s open from May to September and ideal for a chilled day with the kids (do go early if you’re craving quiet time, it gets busy). You have to be a member to swim there, but it&#8217;s easy to <a href="https://farleighswimming.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">join</a>, and there&#8217;s parking onsite. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-splash-pad-warminster-lake-pleasure-grounds"><strong><a href="https://warminster-tc.gov.uk/activities/splash-pad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Splash Pad</a></strong>, Warminster Lake Pleasure Grounds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warminster-lake-pleasure-grounds-visit-wiltshire-1000x667.jpg" alt="Warminster-lake-pleasure-grounds-visit-wiltshire" class="wp-image-42065" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warminster-lake-pleasure-grounds-visit-wiltshire-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warminster-lake-pleasure-grounds-visit-wiltshire-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warminster-lake-pleasure-grounds-visit-wiltshire-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warminster-lake-pleasure-grounds-visit-wiltshire.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">image: VisitWiltshire.co.uk</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a free way to cool down with the kids, head to the splash pad at Warminster&#8217;s <a href="https://warminster-tc.gov.uk/activities/lake-pleasure-grounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Pleasure Grounds</a>. Open daily from 10am to 6pm throughout the season, it&#8217;s packed with water jets and sprays that&#8217;ll keep little ones entertained for hours. Once everyone&#8217;s dried off, make a beeline for the nearby Pavilion Parlour, which serves ice creams, cold drinks and snacks. Better still, the wider park also has a play area and skate park, plus you can hire boats and canoes on the lake.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barton-farm-bradford-on-avon"><a href="https://bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk/your-community/places-and-spaces/parks-green-spaces/barton-farm-country-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barton Farm</a>, Bradford on Avon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Bradford-on-avon-paddle-board.jpg" alt="Bradford-on-avon-paddle-board" class="wp-image-42057" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Bradford-on-avon-paddle-board.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Bradford-on-avon-paddle-board-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Bradford-on-avon-paddle-board-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Bradford-on-avon-paddle-board-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A short walk from the station, this spot is hugely popular with families during the summer months. There’s a large grassy area for picnics, kids’ park, shallow paddling (bring water shoes), plus the river for a serious swim or SUP. Look out for kingfishers and swans and, while you’re there, check out the stunning tithe barn. You’ll also find a great flat white at The Coffee Barn, a stone’s throw from the river.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-queen-elizabeth-park-salisbury"><strong><a href="https://www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/responsibilities/parks-open-spaces/queen-elizabeth-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Elizabeth Park</a>, Salisbury</strong></h2>



<p>With its shady weeping willows, shallow river and laid-back atmosphere, Queen Elizabeth Park is one of Salisbury&#8217;s best spots for escaping the heat. Kids can paddle in the shallow stretches, and it&#8217;s often possible to claim a shady picnic patch beneath the trees. There&#8217;s also a play area if paddling loses its appeal. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beechfield-house-hotel-beanacre"><strong><a href="https://beechfieldhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beechfield House Hotel</a>, Beanacre</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/11/Beechfield-House-Hotel-Melksham-Wiltshire-14.jpg" alt="Beechfield House Hotel Melksham Wiltshire" class="wp-image-39067" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/11/Beechfield-House-Hotel-Melksham-Wiltshire-14.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/11/Beechfield-House-Hotel-Melksham-Wiltshire-14-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/11/Beechfield-House-Hotel-Melksham-Wiltshire-14-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/11/Beechfield-House-Hotel-Melksham-Wiltshire-14-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy basking by a 40ft pool in an Italianate garden? So do we. <a href="https://beechfieldhouse.co.uk/pool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beechfield House Hotel </a>in Whitley offers non-residents the chance to enjoy its gorgeous pool and gardens with a Pool Day package. Expect three hours of sunshine, swimming and serious relaxation, plus lunch or afternoon tea and fluffy towels and slippers thrown in for good measure. Available Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 3pm, for £110 (you&#8217;ll need to prebook). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tisbury-swimming-pool-tisbury"><a href="https://tisburyswimmingpool.co.uk/opening-times-and-prices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tisbury Swimming Pool</a>, Tisbury </h2>



<p>It’s testament to the strong local community that Tisbury’s <a href="https://tisburyswimmingpool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outdoor pool</a> is still thriving, over 60 years after it was built. It’s run entirely by volunteers, and has a packed timetable including lessons, family sessions and even the occasional night swim. For a welcome cool down in the heat, book onto one of the public swim sessions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warleigh-weir-claverton"><strong><a href="https://warleighweir.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warleigh Weir</a>, Claverton</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warleigh-weir-river-avon.jpg" alt="Warleigh-weir-river-avon" class="wp-image-42063" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warleigh-weir-river-avon.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warleigh-weir-river-avon-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warleigh-weir-river-avon-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Warleigh-weir-river-avon-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This stunning splash spot is a huge, horseshoe-shaped weir just over the Wilts/Somerset border in the Avon valley. Once a wild swimmers&#8217; secret, it now gets super busy when its hot, so we’d recommend going early if you want to beat the crowds. You’ll find shallows to paddle in, plus plenty of deeper water to swim. No parking, it’s best accessed by bicycle along the canal path from Bathampton or Dundas. You can also paddle board down from Dundas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cotswold-country-park-and-beach"><strong><a href="https://www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotswold Country Park</a> and Beach</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Cotswold-country-park-wiltshire.jpg" alt="Cotswold Country Park and Beach Wiltshire
" class="wp-image-42054" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Cotswold-country-park-wiltshire.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Cotswold-country-park-wiltshire-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Cotswold-country-park-wiltshire-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/06/Cotswold-country-park-wiltshire-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We may be pretty landlocked in this neck of the woods, but <a href="https://www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotswold Country Park</a> has a (smallish) sandy beach, complete with swimming lagoon. You can also hire SUPs, kayaks and little swan-shaped boats, then potter round the lake. Better still, it&#8217;s bang next door to AquaVenture, a massive water park with obstacles and slides. The whole site gets veerrryyy busy in a heatwave so make sure you book your parking and activities before you go. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glove-dippers-glove-factory-studios-holt"><strong><a href="https://glovedippers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glove Dippers</a>, Glove Factory Studios, Holt</strong></h2>



<p>This 100m private lake is a haven for adult open-water swimmers. Once you become a member you can swim under the watchful gaze of kingfishers, ducks and sheep, then pop across to the nearby Wild Herb at the Field Kitchen for a chill-busting coffee and breakfast brioche. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-safe-when-you-wild-swim"><strong>Stay safe when you wild swim &#8230;</strong></h2>



<p>Always swim with a buddy. You&#8217;ll find local wild swimming groups on Facebook.</p>



<p>Never just plunge in, even in summer. The shock of the cold water can cause you to hyperventilate, so take it slow.</p>



<p>Avoid rivers after heavy rain. There may be currents, and the water may be polluted from sewage and runoff.</p>



<p>Don&#8217;t overdo it. Get out, before you get too cold.</p>



<p>Cover cuts to protect from infection.</p>



<p>For more advice check out <a href="https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Open Water Swimming Society</a></p>


Heatwave hacks: 9 places to swim, paddle & cool down near you

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