Swim Courses
A wide range of courses and training sessions to enjoy, led by experts in their field.
By booking onto any of our sessions or events you are agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions. Please note, we do not offer cancellations or refunds for missed sessions. You may reschedule your swim session with 48 hours notice. Events, classes and courses require 14 days notice in writing.
Introduction to Wild Swimming, Cold Water Immersion & Contrast Therapy
Duration: 2.5 hours | Price: £35
Information session, optional guided swim, a free return swim, hot drinks & homemade cake.
This inspiring, beginner-friendly session is designed for both experienced open water swimmers looking to expand their knowledge and those who are simply a little curious about taking the plunge.
Delivered by Jo, our brilliant in-house Cold Water Immersion & Contrast Therapy Coach, the session combines science, practical experience and plenty of personal support.
A wild swimmer for many years, she is passionate about open water and the benefits that cold water and contrast therapy can bring. Incredibly knowledgeable but wonderfully down-to-earth, she’ll share her experience, answer your questions and help you explore cold water in a safe, supportive and enjoyable way.
And, being part mermaid, she naturally feels very much at home in the water!
We keep our sessions small and personal, giving you plenty of opportunity to ask questions, learn at your own level and receive individual support.
We begin with a relaxed 60-minute theory session exploring:
- The key differences between pool and open water swimming
- What happens to your body and mind when you enter cold water
- How cold exposure interacts with your natural stress-response system
- Research-backed benefits of cold water immersion, including mood, circulation, recovery and resilience
- The science behind contrast therapy and alternating cold and heat
- Safe exposure principles and breath control
- Essential kit and practical tips for enjoying open water safely
- Plenty of time for questions and conversation with your coach
Then it’s time to put some of that knowledge into practice.
You’ll take part in a fully guided wild swim at your own pace, supported by your coach and RLSS-trained lifeguards. Our spring-fed lake, with its shallow margins and easy step-in entrance, provides a welcoming setting whether you’re taking your first tentative steps into wild swimming or you’re already comfortable in open water.
After your swim, you can choose to enjoy sauna access and experience the intentional rewarming phase that completes your cold-to-hot contrast therapy cycle.
It’s a chance to slow down, warm up gradually and enjoy that wonderful feeling of coming back into yourself after cold water — energised, refreshed and deeply calm.
We’ll finish around the firepit with a hot drink and homemade cake. Because every good wild swim deserves cake.
Come curious. Come experienced. Come as you are.
Breast Stroke to Front Crawl Masterclass
Cost: £30 per person
Group size: Minimum 6, maximum 10 participants
These session will return in spring 2026 when the water temperatures allow for longer swim sessions.
Our STA-qualified swim coach leads a 2-hour clinic designed to help swimmers transition from breaststroke to front crawl or refine their basic front crawl technique. The session focuses on developing proper form, building confidence with face immersion, and establishing a relaxed breathing rhythm. Combining land-based theory with in-water drills and stroke analysis, the course lays a solid foundation for continued improvement.
These courses are for people who are water confident and are able to comfortably swim in open water.
FRONT CRAWL IMPROVEMENT CLINIC
These sessions are for swimmers looking to hone their swimming technique. Perhaps you struggle with ‘breathing’, concerned about injury, looking to drill down on your stroke to perform at your best for a swim event. The session will include a brief land-based discussion, swim assessment and technique analysis, as well as an accompanied swim with exercises and drills.
Supported Swim / Confidence Builder
For those people who would appreciate support in the water with an accompanied swim with a qualified instructor. Or you wish to brush up on your knowledge ahead of the open water season and boost your confidence in the natural environment. Pick up some technique pointers whilst in the water with the option of on-going group support from our in-house swim expert.
The session will include a land-based discussion, as well as an accompanied swim in the lake. For availability, please email events@escapetothelake.co.uk