Less than an hour away from Bristol you can enjoy a relaxing evening in Clevedon without the daytime hustle and bustle of crowds, slot machines and screaming kids nagging you to buy them something every two minutes. In the evening, Clevedon feels more simple and calm.
Unlike lidos, which during a heatwave can get so busy there is no space to breathe let alone swim, the lake is vast enough to give enough space for everyone. All are welcome at the Marine Lake which has no entry fee and is open 24 hours a day.
The lake is looked after by volunteers the MARLENS, who dedicate their own time towards picking litter and testing the water quality for safety. The enclosed wild swimming area first opened in 1929 but was abandoned during the 1980s when the steps were removed and due to the lack of maintenance it was no longer safe.
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After 10 years of campaigning, the MARLENS were awarded National Lottery funding and in partnership with the council were able to roll back 80 years of neglect and give the lake a new lease of life. Now the lake is not only a great place to swim but used for sailing, canoeing and paddle boarding.
There are no lifeguards but the sections are divided by walls which is reassuring for non-swimmers. There is a paddling pool and a shallow section of the lake.
The main area gradually gets deeper and there are buoys to help guide you. It is a pleasant swim into the deep end and when you reach the wall your efforts are rewarded with sea views.
Some people wear swimming socks to protect themselves from the spiky stones found at the entry point to the lake. As you get further into the lake, the ground becomes soft and slushy.
Although the sea water looks dirty, once you get in the water feels fresh and you are left feeling much more satisfied than after bathing in chlorine-filled water. There is plenty of fun to be had for all ages at and it's no surprise that in 2021 Clevedon Marine Lake was listed in The Guardian as one of Britain's best lidos.
There are no changing rooms but close by there is a row of sheds and one of them has public toilets. In the same row, there is fish and chips and ice cream sold until around 8pm.
Those who stay to see the sunset against the seafront have the option of enjoying a meal at the large family pub, The Salthouse which serves food until 9pm. If you visit on a weekend they do a barbecue until 5pm.
The family pub has a huge beer garden and a play area for children. The standard menu is more than double the price of the barbecue food but there is a good selection on offer and the kids portions are decent.
By that time you will be fortunate enough to see the glistening sunset reflecting on to the sea. You might at that point enjoy an evening stroll along the promenade on a poet’s walk or up to the pier.
There is a large carpark close to the lake but there are also direct buses from Bristol. The X7 and X6 from Bristol bus station run until around 11pm 7 days a week, you can view the timetable here.
The volunteers who look after the lake encourage people to leave a donation. You can find out more about Clevedon Marine Lake, events and how to get involved here.
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