ATW
Open Water Swimming at Merchant Taylors' School
Sandy Lodge, Rickmansworth HA6 2HT
Experience the clear blue water of the lake, the peaceful solitude that the water brings, the regal heron sitting on her favourite log, the honk of the geese as they fly over in formation, and all of this with the comfort that you are under the watchful eye of our professional water-safety team who accompany you on the water in their kayaks.
Please note, you must wear a brightly coloured swim hat when swimming in the lake. This is for health and safety reasons, so that the water-safety team can see you. These can be purchased at the lake if you do not have your own.
At the weekends, you can warm up after your swim with the on-site barista, Dolce Passione, serving their own freshly-ground coffee and fine selection of exquisite drinks and light snacks.
With various swim loops ranging from 150m up to 1km*, there really is something for everyone.
After your swim, you can use our lakeside changing tents or head to the fabulous OMT (Old Merchant Taylor) building for toilets and indoor changing rooms and showers.
As the venue is a school, please do not get changed in the car park for 'safeguarding' reasons.
When booking for the first time, make sure you create an account to benefit from these new features in 2024:
- you can transfer your sessions (for a £1 fee) up to 24 hours before the session is due to start.
- loyalty points will be automatically added to your account.
The lake will be open for morning swims on Saturday/Sunday and during the summer months, evening swims on Tuesday/Thursday. Session start and finish times are on the tickets below.
During October, the weekend sessions will continue while the demand remains high enough/weather dependant.
The sessions are open to under 16’s who are confident swimmers. You may be asked to perform a demonstration swim to the nearest buoy by the lakeside safety team.
Whether you are returning in 2024 or dipping your toe for the first time, our friendly team can’t wait to welcome you at Merchant Taylors.
Book your individual sessions below or for our regular swimmers check out the monthly season pass, that also gives you access to our Monday & Wednesday sessions at our other swim lake at Mallory Park, Leicestershire.
Note that sessions purchased on the day attract a £1 additional charge, so book early!
(*Swim loops will be opened based on conditions and demand)
Location
Directions
Free car parking is available at the venue. From the main entrance, follow signage to the bottom car park. If it is full, there is an overflow car park further up the drive.
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