As much as we would love the lakes to be accessible to all, this is still very much a work in progress. Our aim is to make the lakes as accessible as possible whilst still retaining the features that make it a wild swimming venue that aligns with nature.
Important information:
Currently the Monet barn is CLOSED. We have a tempoary changing pod but access to this is limited due to a gravel path, a smaller sapce and a step up to the door. Please speak to the team about using the Q lake or Sauna change barns instead.
We are also having ground works done so all parking is currently in our Summer parking area - however, if you need parking close to a lakeside, please give the team a call on the morning of your visit and they can arrange for you to have accessible parking.
We love welcoming everyone to our lakes, and we are actively working to make Pool Bridge Farm as accessible as possible whilst still preserving the natural, wild swimming experience we all love.
General Information
We are an inclusive venue and welcome everyone who respects our rules and guidelines.
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding accessibility, please contact our team by phone or email - we’re happy to help wherever we can.
Guide and assistance dogs in an identifiable jacket are welcome on the lakeside (but not in the water).
Parking & Arrival
Blue Badge parking is available:
Near Horseshoe Lake
Near Q Lake (3 spaces)
Space is limited; if someone else is driving you, we recommend being dropped off at Q lake and having the car returned to the main car park. A team member will be able to assist on arrival.
The driveway is a farm track, and the car park can be uneven. Please drive slowly and carefully.
Access to Lakes & Changing Facilities
Monet Lake:
Accessible to ambulatory wheelchair users and wheelchairs with sturdy/off-ground wheels, as there is a temporary gravel path.
We currently have a small change hut on Monet Lake, which has limited space.
Steps with handrails lead into the lake.
Note: The Monet barn path may be temporarily difficult for some wheelchairs due to maintenance work being carried out.
Q Lake:
Access via ramps with handrails or ladders from the jetty.
The changing barn has been paved outside (so there is no lip), but the space inside is tight - some manoeuvring may be needed.
Saunas:
All are accessible by paved paths and ramps into the largest unisex changing barn - but please speak to a member of the team on arrival as the ramp can be moved to whichever doorway is required.
Steps into the water have handrails.
Sauna interiors are not wheelchair accessible.
Walking sticks can be left in vestibules; metal sticks should not be used inside due to the heat.
Horseshoe Lake:
This is the closest lake to accessible carparking. The ground is firm but uneven; it can be muddy in winter.
There is no covered changing at the edge - this is something which we hope to have in place later this year.
There are benches at the lakeside.
Horseshoe Island has a shelter, but the path may be challenging for some wheelchairs.
General Notes:
The ground is naturally uneven and can be muddy after rain—wellies are recommended in winter.
Handrails and shallow steps are provided to assist with lake entry, but the bottom step height varies due to changing water levels.
We have two accessible toilets on site, one in the main yard and one at Q lake. (Please note, in March, we are upgrading our toilet facilities in the yard, which means that for a short spell, the only accessible toilet will be at Q lake.)
We have an accessible shower (open during the camping season) at Q lake.
For Visitors with Impaired Vision
Please note that the terrain is uneven, and paths can become muddy in wet weather.
Main paths have solar lights for low-light conditions, and sauna paths are lit up at night.
There are yellow grip strips on the edge of the sauna and the lake steps.
A friend, relative, or carer is welcome to visit beforehand to assess accessibility.
For Visitors with Hidden Disabilities
We are committed to supporting customers with hidden disabilities and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected. You do not need to disclose a disability to access support; however, if you have documentation and feel comfortable sharing it, this can help us avoid awkward conversations and ensure we provide the right assistance quickly.
Many adjustments can be made — simply contact our team by phone or email before your visit and we will do our best to help. Our staff receive disability awareness training, and our tranquil lake area is available for anyone who may need a quieter space during their visit. You can reach us at hello@poolbridge.co.uk.
support for Neurodiversity
We understand that clear information and knowing what to expect can make a big difference. We are happy to provide written, step-by-step information on request, and we have videos available online to help customers prepare for their visit.
We also offer free pre-booked familiarisation visits so you can see the venue in advance. While sensory adjustments are not currently possible due to the nature of the venue, many of our team members are neurodiverse themselves, and all staff have an understanding of neurodiverse conditions. We aim to be approachable, flexible and supportive wherever we can.
Carers & Support
Free carer swim tickets are available via the website.
For events requiring carers, please email the team to arrange support.
If helpful, a member of our team can meet you and show you around before your visit—just drop us an email.
Café Access
The café is ancillary to the swimming facilities and primarily for swimmers.
Double-door access is available, but the café can get busy at peak times.
Staff are happy to assist with moving chairs or taking orders at the table - please speak to them to let them know of your requirements.
An outdoor marquee offers more space for seating.
Feedback & Improvements
Accessibility is a work in progress, and we welcome your input.
If there is anything you feel would be useful to include in this section, please email us, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
We are an inclusive Employer:
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and operate an equal opportunities recruitment process. We make reasonable adjustments during hiring and employment to ensure fairness and accessibility for all.
While flexible working can be challenging due to the nature of our business, we work hard to offer shifts and rest days that suit individual circumstances wherever possible.
We hope the following videos of each lake help you get an understanding of how accessible we are for you.