Outdoor Pools in Berkshire 2024
One thing we always love in the warmer months is finding a pool or splash park that we can enjoy in the sun. It’s the perfect way to spend the day – being able to paddle or swim whilst having a picnic in the nice weather.
So I thought I’d put together all our favourite open air pools, splash parks, water parks and water play areas in Berkshire to give you some inspiration for your next nice weather day out. Most are free to visit and open throughout the summer – and a few are even open all year round.
Outdoor Swimming Pools in Berkshire
Thames Lido – Napier Rd, Reading RG1 8FR
The 25m outdoor swimming pool is heated throughout the year to a temperature designed to leave you feeling fresh and energised. At around 24-26 degrees celsius, it allows for comfortable swimming and is a wonderfully refreshing contrast to the heat of the other spa facilities – the saunas and hot tub.
Opening times: Open daily throughout the year.
Cost: £25 per adult, £7.50 per child.
Northcroft Lido at Northcroft Leisure Centre – Northcroft Ln, Newbury RG14 1RS
Northcroft Lido is a heated outdoor swimming pool that allows you to enjoy the water, the sunshine and the fresh air at the same time. It’s ideal for having fun in the water with family and friends, as well as on the splash pad or enjoying the spiral flume. The 50m, Olympic length, lido is ideal for some ‘al fresco’ lane swimming to help you stay active and healthy too.
Opening times: Open daily throughout the summer months.
Cost: TBC
Outdoor Paddling Pools in Berkshire
Christchurch Meadow Paddling Pool – Christchurch Brg, Reading RG1 8DG
Opening times: May to September.
Cost: Free.
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Woodford Park Paddling Pool – Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Haddon Dr, Woodley, Reading RG5 4LY
Opening times: 11am to 6pm during the summer months.
Cost: Free
Beale Wildlife Park – Lower Basildon, Pangbourne, Reading RG8 9NW
A fantastic paddling pool that you have access to when visiting Beale Park.
Opening times: Paddling pool open during the summer months.
Cost: Included with Beale Park admission tickets.
You can read about our day at Beale Park here.
Splash Pads in Berkshire
Great Hollands Recreation Ground Splash Pad – South Rd, Bracknell, Wokingham RG40 3EE
Opening times: 11am to 4:30pm May to September.
Cost: Free
Jocks Lane Recreation Ground Splash Pad – Jock’s Ln, Binfield, Bracknell RG42 4UT
Opening times: 11am to 4:30pm through the summer months.
Cost: Free.
Wellington Country Park – Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP
A great splash pad that you can access on a day out at Wellington Country Park.
Opening times: April to September
Cost: Included in Wellington Country Park entry tickets.
Read about our time at Wellington Country Park here.
California Country Park – Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham RG40 4HU
Opening times: Open daily from April until September.
Cost: £2.90 for anyone of any age entering the water, and £1.20 for adults who need to enter the pool area to supervise children but not the pool itself.
Read about our time at California Country Park here
Locks Ride Splash Pad – Winkfield Row, Bracknell RG42 7NN
Opening times: Open through the summer months.
Cost: Free
Victoria Park Splash Pad – Park Way, Newbury RG14 1DJ
Opening times: May to September
Cost: Free
Outdoor Swimming in Berkshire
There are also plenty of places you can go swimming outdoors in Berkshire. Here are a few official options but I’m sure there are plenty more wild swimming spots – including the vast majority of beaches in Berkshire – just make sure you check any guidelines before getting in the water!
- Marlow Open Water Swim & SUP
- Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre
- H20 Open Water Swim Centre
- Taplow Open Water Swim
Water Adventures Berkshire
As well as traditional swimming pools, paddling pools and splash parks, there are also a few places to have real water adventures in Berkshire – something the whole family will love.
Caversham Lakes – Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 9RA
Caversham Lakes has something for everyone, whether this be open water swimming, stand up paddle boarding, aqua park, family beach, nature trails or just relaxing in a friendly open space. Caversham Lakes believe that the great outdoors is to be shared, so visit and try something new.
Opening times: Open throughout the year – check website for details.
Cost: Prices vary by activity. Check website for details.
Lagoona Park – Pingewood Rd S, Reading RG30 3UH
Lagoona Park are an established activity centre with over 30 years experience in water sports and offer a variety of activities for children and adults alike. There’s a well maintained freshwater lake, sandy beach, swimming area and many outdoor activities to enjoy.
Opening times: Open May onwards.
Cost: Costs vary per activity. Check website for details.
Bray Lake Watersports – Monkey Island Ln, Windsor Rd, Bray, Windsor SL6 2EB
Berkshire’s premier wingsurfing, sailing, paddle sports, windsurfing and open water swimming centre, situated at a 50 acre lake, surrounded by a mixture of grassy banks and a mature tree line. It’s a beautiful location.
Opening times: Open seven days a week throughout the year
Cost: Costs vary per activity, check website for details.
Liquid Leisure – Horton Rd, Datchet, Windsor SL3 9HY
Liquid Leisure is home to a world leading Cable Wake Park, set on one of the most beautiful private freshwater lakes amongst stunning parkland in the heart of Berkshire.
Opening times: Open from March.
Cost: Costs vary by activity, check website for details.
Other Outdoor Swimming Options in Berkshire
There are other outdoor swimming options in Berkshire too. If you fancy a break away that also has an outdoor swimming pool then there’s The Retreat at Elcot Park, Cliveden House and Spa or Fairmont Windsor Park. Also, don’t forget Legoland. Their Splash Safari water park offers fantastic outdoor water based fun!
If you want to swim outside regularly, David Lloyd membership could be just the thing. With great facilities for the whole family and an outdoor pool at their Royal Berkshire centre, it’s a great base for so many family activities and quality time together.
Indoor Pools in Berkshire
As well as all the outdoor options, if the weather isn’t great then you can’t beat an indoor pool and we have quite a few leisure centres and sports centres with pools in Berkshire. Here are some suggestions:
- Bracknell Leisure Centre
- Wokingham Leisure Centre
- Bulmershe Leisure Centre
- Palmer Park Leisure Centre
- Willink Leisure Centre
- Windsor Leisure Centre
- Kennet Leisure Centre
- Braywick Leisure Centre
- Rivermead Leisure Centre
- Loddon Valley Leisure Centre
- St Crispin’s Leisure Centre
- South Reading Leisure Centre
- Coral Reef Waterworld
I hope that helps you plan some water based fun this summer. If I’ve missed our your favourite place to swim then please do let me know and I’ll add it in as soon as I can.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Berkshire, these posts may help:
