To swim in Bristol, you don't need to rely on the famous Clifton lido, which is effectively a members-first restaurant-spa that casual swimmers struggle to book. Instead, consider the council pools, which offer swimming at a few pounds a session, or Clevedon Marine Lake, a free tidal lake half an hour away that most Bristolians have never swim in.
swimming options in bristol
The council pools are a great option for casual swimmers, with prices starting from around a few pounds per session. Clevedon Marine Lake, on the other hand, is a free option, but be aware that it's a tidal lake and the water quality may vary.
comparison of swimming options
| Option | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Council Pools | a few pounds per session | various locations in Bristol |
| Clevedon Marine Lake | free | half an hour outside Bristol |
| Clifton Lido | membership or expensive day passes | Clifton |
If you're looking for a more luxurious swimming experience, you could consider the Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa, which offers a spa day with a treatment from around £85 per person, but this is not a budget option. For a couples spa day, the hotel offers packages from around £180 per couple, but prices vary depending on the structure of the package. You can get to the hotel using a Tick Taxi, with prices varying depending on the time of day and traffic, which we couldn't confirm this run and recommend checking the Tick Taxi website for the latest prices. For more information on spa days in Bristol, check out our Best spa days in Bristol guide, or for couples-specific options, our Best couples spa day in Bristol guide. If you're looking for other activities to do in Bristol, our Best adult activity days out in Bristol guide has some ideas.
FAQs
How much does it cost to swim at the council pools?
A few pounds per session
Is Clevedon Marine Lake free?
Yes, it's free
How much does a spa day at the Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa cost?
From around £85 per person
Can I get to the Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa using a Tick Taxi?
Yes, but prices vary depending on the time of day and traffic, so check the Tick Taxi website for the latest prices
What are some other activities to do in Bristol?
Check out our Best adult activity days out in Bristol guide for some ideas