The Best South West Venues for Open Water Swimming, Scuba Diving, and SUP

The Lake at Cromhall Quarry is an open water swimming, scuba diving and paddleboarding venue located north of Bristol. Picture by Carl Hewlett

From bustling family water parks to tranquil, spring-fed training spots, we review the top venues for open water swimming, scuba diving, and SUP near Bristol and Gloucestershire. Discover the best destinations for high-quality water, professional safety standards, and lakeside wellness recovery.

Bristol Embers Sauna Gloucestershire open water swimming Scuba Diving South West UK SUP The Lake water quality Wild Swimming

Buoy to the World! Scuba Santas return to The Lake

Get your Santa suits (and drysuits) ready, because the most festive dive of the year is back! Scuba Santas returns to The Lake on Saturday, 13th December.

Confirmed: The Lake Water Quality is Excellent!

As part of our commitment to safety, we regularly test the water. These new results, based on samples taken on October 6, 2025, show fantastic water quality.

cold water swimming open water swimming swim swimming water quality

Scuba Santas Make a Splash at The Lake

Divers dressed as Father Christmas, elves, and reindeer took to the waters of The Lake for the annual Scuba Santas event, raising hundreds of pounds for charity.

charity divers diving Scuba Santas

The Lake, Cromhall Quarry, Wotton Road, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA

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Category: Diving

The Best South West Venues for Open Water Swimming, Scuba Diving, and SUP

Buoy to the World! Scuba Santas return to The Lake

Confirmed: The Lake Water Quality is Excellent!

Scuba Santas Make a Splash at The Lake

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