Sunday 23rd July 2023

Open Water Swimming · Compton Verney

Swim somewhere special

Open water swimming at Compton Verney in Warwickshire with Do3.

Open water swimming at Compton Verney is far more than just a place to get in the water. It's somewhere you'll experience a stunning Capability Brown designed landscape, a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and proper safety cover. Whether you come to train for a race, for a social chatty dip, to build your confidence in open water, or simply some you-time in nature, you will find a warm welcome with us.

2026 season: 3 May - 29 September
Compton Verney, CV35 9HZ
Safety kayaks, spotters & lifeguards
250m and 550m swim loops

Live Water Temperature Forecast

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Quick facts

Everything you need to know at a glance

Session times:
Tuesday 6pm - 8pm
Thursday 6pm - 8pm
Sunday 7:30am - 9:30am

Suitable for:
Leisure, fitness, confidence building, triathlon prep, open water skills, new and experienced open water swimmers. Not suitable for non-swimmers due to water depth.

Price:
£9-13 per session. Membership rates and multi-swim passes available.

Booking:
All swims must be pre-booked before attendance.

Important:
Buy annual membership first if you want to access cheaper member pricing for swims. Membership and swims cannot be bought together in the same checkout.

Why swimmers love it

"A beautiful venue with a proper, well-run setup"

We are very privileged to have the spectacular lake at Compton Verney in Warwickshire as our swimming venue. It is a genuinely stunning place to be, which makes every swim feel special. But beauty on its own is not enough. We have built a reputation for our supportive Do3 atmosphere, clear procedures, sensible rules and experienced safety cover, all of which help swimmers feel comfortable and looked after.

1

Stunning location

Open water swimming in the beautiful lake at Compton Verney, surrounded by the woodlands, parkland and grade 1 listed Georgian mansion of Compton Verney, Warwickshire.

2

Safe swimming

Sessions are safety covered with lifeguards, rescue kayaks and spotters, have clear guidance and course layout, plus check-in and check-out procedures. Water quality is tested regularly and has always been excellent.

3

For different abilities

Whether you are new to open water, or training seriously, there is space to build confidence and improve here. Training or social dipping - all are welcome!

4

Useful for triathletes too

Ideal for getting comfortable in a wetsuit, sighting better, swimming straighter and becoming more race ready. Coaches are always on hand for tips and advice.

Swim in one of the most picturesque open water venues in the UK

A place that feels welcoming, scenic and memorable from the moment you arrive.

The experience

More than just laps in a lake

Some people come to improve fitness. Some come for race preparation. Some come to bob around and chat to their friends, then have cake and a cuppa afterwards. Others simply want the mental reset that comes from swimming outdoors in a beautiful environment. Whatever your reason, our aim is the same: to give you a safe, well-run, enjoyable open water experience that keeps you coming back.

The lake has two marked loops available, with a larger loop of around 550m and a smaller loop of around 250m, so swimmers can build confidence gradually and choose what suits them best on the day.

  • Ideal for triathletes, fitness swimmers and open water beginners
  • Friendly Do3 environment rather than an intimidating setup
  • Perfect for building confidence before races or holidays
2026 dates, times, membership & booking

Clear, simple booking and pricing

Our open water season runs from 3 May to 29 September 2026. Swimming is only permitted during the listed session times and all swims must be booked in advance.

Season dates

3 May 2026 - 29 September 2026

Additional sessions may be added if demand requires.

Weekly session times

Tuesday: 6pm - 8pm

Thursday: 6pm - 8pm

Sunday: 7:30am - 9:30am

Location

Compton Verney
Warwickshire
CV35 9HZ

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Annual membership
£10
One-off seasonal membership fee
  • Paid first, before buying swims
  • Applies to adults and children
  • Unlocks member pricing in the booking system
Non-member swim
£13
Single swim without membership
  • Good for occasional use
  • Pre-booking still required
  • Membership becomes better value quickly if you swim regularly
Important booking process

Buy your membership first to unlock member pricing

If you want the reduced member swim prices, your annual membership must be purchased first as a completed sale. The booking system checks whether your membership has already been bought before it offers the member prices.

1

Buy annual membership

Purchase your £10 annual membership first and complete that transaction fully.

2

Then return to book swims

Once membership is active, go back into the booking system to buy swims or swim passes.

3

Member pricing will show

The system will then recognise you as a member and unlock the reduced member prices.

Important: do not try to buy membership and swims in the same checkout. If you do, the booking system will not apply the reduced member pricing correctly.

Recommended: we strongly recommend swimmers download and book through the Do3 booking app, as it is usually the easiest way to manage memberships and swim bookings.

For first-timers and regulars

Nervous about open water? You will not be the only one.

Open water can feel intimidating at first. It is colder than a pool, deeper than a pool, there are no sides to hold onto, and there is no black line at the bottom to follow. That is exactly why a well-run venue matters. We want people to feel safe, welcomed and properly guided rather than just thrown in at the deep end.

  • Shorter loop available for confidence building
  • Competency swim for new swimmers
  • Clear safety briefing and procedures
  • Friendly environment with proper supervision
How it works

From arrival to swimming

1

Buy membership first if needed

If you want the reduced member prices, buy and complete your annual membership purchase first.

2

Book your swim

Once membership is active, book your swim or swim pass separately. Every swim must be pre-booked.

3

Check in properly

On arrival, give your name to reception staff, then make your way to lakeside. Every swimmer must listen to the lakeside briefing on their first swim each season. On every swim, swimmers must be checked into the water by Do3 staff, and checked out again on exit.

4

Swim your session

Use the marked loops, follow the course direction and finish before the end of your booked session.

Book swims

Book your swims here

Use the booking system below to purchase swim sessions. Remember, if you want member pricing, your annual membership must already have been purchased and completed first.

Step 2: Once your membership is active, use the widget below to book your swims or swim passes.

Important swimmer info

Designed to be clear, simple and safe

  • Two swim loops: approximately 250m and 550m
  • Swimmers complete a brief competency assessment on their first visit
  • All swimmers must wear a bright coloured swim hat
  • White, silver and dark hats are not suitable because of visibility
  • If swimming without a wetsuit, adults must use a tow float
  • Children must wear both a well-fitting wetsuit and a tow float
  • No backstroke swimming please
  • Please arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before your swim time
  • Please use toilets only as toilets, not as changing rooms

Safety is a priority on every session

Sessions are covered by lifeguards, rescue-trained kayakers and spotters. There is a clear emergency procedure, and swimmers are briefed on what to do if they get into difficulty.

Sessions may be subject to cancellation in the event of severe weather or lightning. Staff monitor forecasts and lightning trackers at all sessions.

Water quality of the lake is regularly tested and temperature is checked every session.

Want more than just a swim?

We also offer coached open water sessions and courses.

Coached open water

Build confidence and improve your skills

Swimming in open water is very different to swimming in a pool. Whether you're new to open water swimming or preparing for racing, learning open water skills will build confidence and experience. That is why we offer coached options for both newer swimmers and those wanting to sharpen more advanced skills for race day.

Introduction to open water swimming

  • What kit you need
  • Managing nerves, cold and anxiety
  • Safety and acclimatisation
  • Basic entries and exits

Advanced open water skills

  • Sighting and swimming straighter
  • Turns and buoy approaches
  • Drafting
  • Starts, entries and exits
  • Adapting technique to different open water situations
Arrival & access

Easy to find

Compton Verney is in the heart of rural Warwickshire and is easily accessed from the Fosse Way, the B4086 from Stratford-upon-Avon, or Junction 12 of the M40 via Kineton.

  • Postcode: CV35 9HZ
  • Follow the signs to the Compton Verney Art Gallery and Museum
  • Park in the main car park then head to the Welcome Centre
  • Use the pedestrian gate to the left of the building and follow signs to the lake
  • You will see the Do3 van and check-in desk near the swim start

Toilets are available at the Welcome Centre, but there are no changing facilities at the venue.

Map showing open water swimming access and swim loop at Compton Verney
FAQs

Key questions, answered properly

Do I need to book before I come?
Yes. All sessions must be pre-booked before attendance. Swimmers are not allowed to turn up and just get in, or book when they arrive.
How does the annual membership work?
The annual membership costs £10 and is what unlocks the reduced member swim prices for the season. It must be purchased and completed first before you try to buy swims. The booking system checks whether membership has already been bought before it offers member pricing.
Can I buy my membership and swims in the same checkout?
No. Membership and swims must not be bought together in the same checkout process. If you do that, the booking system will not correctly apply the reduced member pricing. Buy the membership first as a completed sale, then return and book swims separately at the lower price.
What are the 2026 season dates?
The season is set out here as running from 3 May to 29 September 2026, with regular sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
What times can I swim?
Current sessions are:

Tuesday: 6pm - 8pm
Thursday: 6pm - 8pm
Sunday: 7:30am - 9:30am

Swimming is only permitted during these times and must be pre-booked.
Where is it?
Open water swimming takes place at Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ. Follow signs to the Compton Verney Art Gallery and Museum car park, then the Do3 signage to the lake and check-in area.
Is it suitable for beginners?
You do not need previous open water experience, but you should be able to swim 300m or more continuously on your front. The water is over 2m deep, so it is not possible to stand up once on the course. Any less confident swimmers should use a tow float, which can be hired on site for £3. There is a shorter loop, safety cover on every session, and coached open water options if you want more support.
Do I have to do a competency swim?
New swimmers may be asked to complete a short competency swim before heading out on the loops. This is because the water is too deep to stand up in once on the course.
Do I have to wear a wetsuit?
For adults, wetsuits are optional, though often recommended in colder water. If an adult swims without a wetsuit, a tow float is required. Wetsuits should be tight fitting and, ideally, designed for swimming rather than surfing or general purpose use, as these can be very hard to swim in. We are always happy to advise on wetsuit purchase and fitting. In colder conditions, swimmers without wetsuits need to demonstrate that they are experienced cold water swimmers. For children, a well-fitting wetsuit is mandatory. Wetsuit hire is available at some sessions. Please contact us for dates.
Do I need a tow float?
Adults must use a tow float if swimming without a wetsuit. All children must use a tow float. Tow floats are available to hire for £3 per session (free for children).
Do I have to wear a swim hat?
Yes. All swimmers must wear a bright coloured hat for visibility. White, silver and dark hats are not suitable because they are hard for safety crew to see on the water. Bright Do3 hats are available for £7 at the reception desk.
Can I swim breaststroke or backstroke?
Front crawl and breaststroke are fine. Backstroke is not permitted because the swimmer cannot see ahead for direction or spotting other swimmers, and it can look similar to a swimmer signalling distress.
Are there changing facilities?
No. There are no proper changing facilities at the venue, so please arrive ready to swim or use a changing robe. Toilets are available but should not be used as changing rooms.
Can children swim?
Yes, subject to the Do3 rules and competency assessment.

Children aged 10-12: may swim if they pass the competency test and are accompanied 1-2-1 in the water by a parent or legal guardian, who must swim right next to them.

Children aged 13+: may swim if they pass the competency test and have a responsible parent or guardian present, who may be required to swim with them.

Under 10s: only at Do3 discretion and with prior approval by email.

All children must wear a wetsuit and use a tow float, and one adult may only supervise one child.
Can my child wait on the bank while I swim?
No. Children must be supervised properly at all times and cannot be left on site unattended while an adult swims.
How safe is it?
Sessions are run with lifeguards, rescue kayaks, spotters, check-in and check-out procedures, and clear emergency processes. Swimmers are briefed before getting in the water and all new swimmers are monitored by safety staff for competency.
What is the water temperature?
Water temperature changes throughout the season and is displayed at check-in. Staff will also be able to advise you on the day.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are permitted on lakeside but must be kept on a lead. They must not be walked on the house side of the lake, but may be walked in Old Town Meadow. Dogs are not permitted to swim in the lake.
Reviews

What swimmers say about Do3

Real feedback from people who have trained, learned and swum with us.

Ready to swim?

Buy your membership first, then book your swims

Whether you want a regular outdoor swim, a confidence-building first experience, or a smart place to prepare for triathlon season, Do3 open water swimming gives you a beautiful venue, clear structure and proper safety cover.

Need to ask us something first?

Tip: if you are new to open water and feeling unsure, please get in contact and ask anything you like about swimming. We are happy to help.
Do3 Coaching

Contact

  • +44 7400212344

  • Various locations depending on the training but mostly around Warwickshire and West Midlands, UK

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