Frequently Asked Questions

YokeHill is a peaceful open-water swimming space set in nature. It is best suited to people who want a calm, respectful swim rather than a busy recreational lake.

We ask all visitors to help protect the silence, safety and natural beauty of the site.

Dogs and other pets are not permitted around the lake, on the bankside or on the surrounding land.

Please do not bring pets to YokeHill please make safe arrangements for them away from the site. Any animal brought to the site remains the sole responsibility of its owner at all times and cannot be brought into cafe or lake side. YokeHill cannot accept responsibility for animals left unattended in vehicles or elsewhere.

Please bring:

• A tow float

• Swimwear or a wetsuit

• A towel

• Something warm to wear afterwards

• Suitable footwear for walking to and from the lake

• Any personal medication you may need, such as an inhaler

In cooler weather, we also recommend bringing extra layers, a hat, warm socks and a hot drink for after your swim.

Spectators are welcome but must remain in the café or on the outdoor terrace.

To protect swimmer privacy and preserve the peaceful environment, spectators are not permitted on the bankside or around the lake.

Children may attend as spectators they must remain in the Cafe or on the outdoor terrace, and they must be supervised on a strict 1:1 basis by a responsible adult at all times.

If you are swimming, another adult must be responsible for supervising your child. Lifeguards are responsible for water safety and are not able to supervise children who are not swimming.

No. Swimming is for people aged 16 and over only.

This rule is in place for safety, supervision and insurance reasons.

No. Inflatables, paddleboards and other water equipment are not permitted during swim sessions unless specifically arranged by YokeHill.

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No. YokeHill is a calm, peaceful swimming lake. Loud behaviour, disruptive play, roughhousing, splashing around or general tomfoolery are not suitable for this environment.

If you are looking for a family splash session or noisy water play, YokeHill will not be the right venue.

Yes. Tow floats are required for all swimmers. They help make swimmers more visible in the water and support safe open-water swimming.

You can swim in either swimwear or a wetsuit, depending on your experience, confidence and the water temperature.

During colder conditions, a wetsuit may be strongly recommended. Please make a sensible decision based on your own ability and cold-water experience.

No. You do not need a formal induction before swimming at YokeHill.

However, all swimmers must read and follow the site rules before entering the water. If you are new to open-water swimming, please take your time, enter slowly and speak to a member of the team if you are unsure about anything.

Yes. Swim sessions are lifeguarded.

Our lifeguards are there to support water safety during swim sessions. Swimmers are still responsible for swimming within their own ability and following the site rules at all times.

Yes, confident beginners are welcome, but YokeHill is an open-water swimming lake, not a swimming pool or splash venue.

You should be able to swim, feel comfortable in open water and understand that natural water can feel different from pool swimming. If you are nervous, stay close to the entry point and build up gradually.

YokeHill is an old fishing lake, so there are likely to be some fish in the water. They are only a few inches long and are completely harmless.

As with any natural lake, you may also see birds, insects and other wildlife around the water. Please respect the natural environment and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Yes. The water is tested by a third party so we can monitor water quality.

As with all open-water swimming, natural water can change depending on weather, temperature and environmental conditions. Please do not swim if you feel unwell.

Yes. We have a café serving tea, coffee, snacks and cakes.

Please note that during some swim sessions, the café may close while swimming is taking place if the lifeguard is also covering café operations. Where a second team member is present, the café may remain open.

We recommend arriving swim-ready where possible and bringing warm, dry clothes for afterwards. we do have lake side changing.

Yes, a toilet is avalible.

Leave the water immediately and speak to a member of the team.

Cold water can affect people quickly, even experienced swimmers. Do not stay in the water to “push through” if you feel dizzy, numb, confused, unusually tired or uncomfortable.

No. Swimming is only permitted during booked swim sessions when the lake is open and lifeguarded.

Do not enter the water outside of your booked session time.

Yes. Swim sessions should be booked in advance through the website.

This helps us manage numbers safely and protect the quiet nature of the lake.

​⁠More than 12 hours before your session:  You may cancel your booking for a full refund or transfer your booking to another available session.

Within 12 hours of your session: Bookings are non-refundable and cannot normally be transferred

Swim sessions may be changed, delayed or cancelled if conditions are unsafe, including thunder, lightning, or other safety concerns.

Please check your booking information and any updates before travelling.