Families and Children

Q-Lake: for families and children From MAy to September

We are an adult-only venue in the winter months. Children are very welcome at Pool Bridge Farm throughout the spring and summer. We love encouraging kids to spend time in nature, discover the joys of wild swimming, and learn about water safety—all while falling in love with a pastime we think can’t be beaten.

Q Lake – Family & Paddle-Boarding Lake (In summer and Spring)

Q Lake is our largest lake (bigger than the other three combined!) and the perfect spot for families and paddle-boarders during summer and September. With plenty of space in the water and around the edges for picnics, it’s a favourite for newcomers and regulars alike. You’ll often hear squeals of joy followed by big splashes as adults and children leap off the jetties.

The lake ranges in depth from 12ft to shallow areas where children can stand. For safety:

  • The lake is divided in two:

    • One side for paddle-boarding and kayaks (after 10am)

    • The other for swimming and small, non-oared inflatables (under 1.5m)

  • No swimming in the paddle-boarding side

  • No oars in the swimming side

  • From 1st November, paddle-boarding closes until spring.

To protect wildflowers and avoid steep drops, please enter and exit the lake via jetties or ramps. Jumping is only allowed from the ends of jetties where water depth is safe.

Swimming Safely with Children

  • Non-swimmers or weak swimmers must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times.

  • PFDs are strongly recommended for all children, as swimming in a lake is very different from a pool.

  • Acclimatise to the water before jumping in; cold water shock can happen even at higher temperatures, and children may panic if unprepared.

  • Children under 18 must be closely supervised. Strong swimmers aged 11+ may be supervised from the bank, as long as parents are actively watching.

  • No unaccompanied teens—safety first!

  • The best experience is for adults to join children in the water and have some fun together.

Children are allowed in the water once child swim tickets are available online. Until then, lakeside tickets can be purchased for children. Even in spring, when tickets become available, the water may still be very cold—suitable only for hardy older children in wetsuits.

Children are not permitted at the lakes from 1st October onwards.

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