Suffolk &amp; Cambs

If you can’t face the traffic jam to the coast, have no fear – here’s the Muddy-approved lowdown on all the best local lidos and splash parks for cooling off whether you’re a toddler, intrepid teen or a grown-up water baby. Just make sure those bikini straps are firmly secured before you cannonball in…



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lidos-and-outdoor-pools">Lidos and outdoor pools</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-12507"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/jesus-green-lido.jpg" alt="Jesus Green Lido" class="wp-image-12507" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/jesus-green-lido.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/jesus-green-lido-150x84.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/jesus-green-lido-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/jesus-green-lido-720x405.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jesus Green Lido</figcaption></figure>



Need to cool down on the hottest day of the year? Cambridgeshire might be landlocked, but what we lack in seaside we make up for in amazing lidos and water parks. First up, it has to be the amazing <a href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cambridge/jesusgreenlido" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jesus Green Lido</a>. If you haven&#8217;t heard of this one you&#8217;re probably on the wrong website, as all Cambs residents have at the very least dipped a toe into this original 1920s lido, one of the largest outdoor pools in Europe. It&#8217;s seriously long (intended to give the illusion of swimming in a river) so if you&#8217;re not the strongest swimmer, I&#8217;d suggest widths rather than lengths.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-4768"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="734" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/07/Peterobrough-lido.png" alt="Peterborough Outdoor Pool" class="wp-image-4768" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/07/Peterobrough-lido.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/07/Peterobrough-lido-150x110.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/07/Peterobrough-lido-300x220.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/07/Peterobrough-lido-681x500.png 681w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peterborough Lido Outdoor Swimming Pool</figcaption></figure>



Not to be outdone, <a href="https://vivacity.org/vivacity-venues/peterborough-lido/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peterborough&#8217;s Lido</a> gives Jesus Green a run for its money in the size and historical style stakes. It&#8217;s Art Deco chic and has not one, but three heated outdoor pools &#8211; a 50m main pool, a teaching pool and a paddling pool for the littlies. After all that exercise mini rumbling tummies will be delighted to hear there&#8217;s a café on site with hot and cold food, plus there&#8217;s space to sun bathe and a play area.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="469" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/sheeps-green-learner-pool.jpg" alt="Sheep's Green Learner Pool" class="wp-image-12516" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/sheeps-green-learner-pool.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/sheeps-green-learner-pool-150x70.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/sheeps-green-learner-pool-300x141.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/sheeps-green-learner-pool-720x338.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheep&#8217;s Green Learner Pool</figcaption></figure>



Then there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/lammas-land-pool" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lammas Land Pool</a> (most locals refer to it as the Newnham paddling pool), which is really shallow and most suited for kids to run through and splash in on a hot summer&#8217;s day. For more serious swimmers, head to the <a href="https://sheepsgreen.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sheep&#8217;s Green Learner Pool </a>next to the Cambridge Canoe Club. It&#8217;s 0.9m deep throughout, making it ideal for learner swimmers and is right next to the wild water meadow on the River Cam. Both are near a really large play area, have changing facilities and a kiosk selling drinks and snacks, so are really good options for a cheap day out with the kids.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1113" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido.jpg" alt="Beccles Lido" class="wp-image-27324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido-800x594.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido-1000x742.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido-400x297.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/beccles-lido-708x525.jpg 708w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Over in Suffolk <a href="https://www.beccleslido.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beccles Lido</a> is a must-visit on a warm day. With three pools (all heated to 28 degrees, hurrah!) there&#8217;s something for everyone here. The main pool has a deep end going down to 3.7m with a springboard for any Tom Daley wannabes and a slide for those you prefer not to belly flop into water at speed! Little ones will love the 0.75 metre deep toddler pool for splashing around in or for babies there&#8217;s the 0.27 deep splash pool. When you&#8217;ve had enough of the water head to the adventure play area and family picnic area with all-weather exercise equipment for anyone with leftover energy. Finally there&#8217;s an on-site cafe for that all-important post swim refuel. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-swimming">Wild Swimming</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/waresley-park-estate-wild-swimming--1000x668.jpg" alt="Waresley park Wild Swimming" class="wp-image-40606" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/waresley-park-estate-wild-swimming--1000x668.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/waresley-park-estate-wild-swimming--800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/waresley-park-estate-wild-swimming--400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/waresley-park-estate-wild-swimming-.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/waresley-park-estate-cambridgeshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waresley Park Estate</a> in west Cambs has a calendar packed with wild swimming sessions in a gorgeous private lake With a life guard on site it’s an ideal experience for anyone who wants to reconnect with nature and exercise in the wild. It&#8217;s only a tenner for a <a href="https://waresleyparkestate.co.uk/wild-swimming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">60-min session</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="714" height="500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/03/lodgefromlake_FrittonLakeRetreats_6-714x500.jpg" alt="woodland retreat at fritton lake" class="wp-image-15327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/03/lodgefromlake_FrittonLakeRetreats_6-714x500.jpg 714w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/03/lodgefromlake_FrittonLakeRetreats_6-150x105.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/03/lodgefromlake_FrittonLakeRetreats_6-300x210.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/03/lodgefromlake_FrittonLakeRetreats_6.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 714px) 100vw, 714px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.frittonlake.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fritton Lake</a> has a crystal-clear waters beautiful lake. If you stay here (or buy a membership) you can enjoy all sorts of activities too, including open water swimming.



Stutton beach in Suffolk is the secret wild swimming spot you need to know about. A walk from Stutton Mill to Stutton Ness offers glorious vistas across to Essex and out towards Felixstowe. If you have a boat, you can sail straight across to Manningtree in Essex. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="452" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/06/Flatford_Mill_East_Bergholt_Suffolk_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_878764.jpg" alt="Flatford" class="wp-image-16542" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/06/Flatford_Mill_East_Bergholt_Suffolk_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_878764.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/06/Flatford_Mill_East_Bergholt_Suffolk_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_878764-300x212.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/06/Flatford_Mill_East_Bergholt_Suffolk_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_878764-150x106.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



Or, if you fancy swimming in the most picturesque of places, a dip in Constable Country’s River Stour at Dedham and Flatford is not one to be missed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aqua-parks">Aqua parks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="544" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/cambridge-aqua-park-1000x544.jpg" alt="lidos and splash parks in Cambridgeshire aqua park with boy jumping on pillow" class="wp-image-40598" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/cambridge-aqua-park-1000x544.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/cambridge-aqua-park-800x435.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/cambridge-aqua-park-400x218.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/cambridge-aqua-park.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If lidos are a little tame for your boisterous bunch, let them burn off some energy at one of the region&#8217;s amazing aqua parks (go on squeeze yourself into a wet suit, you know you want to). These have popped up over the last few years thanks to the popularity of TV shows like Total Wipeout. Anyway, us Cambs lot are much more graceful and will totally ace the challenges presented by <a href="https://cambridgeaquapark.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge Aqua Park</a> at Hannam’s Wake Hub near Ely in the fens. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1002" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/southlake-aqua-park-cambridge-.jpg" alt="aqua park in cambridge green and blue inflatables on a lake" class="wp-image-40599" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/southlake-aqua-park-cambridge-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/southlake-aqua-park-cambridge--800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/southlake-aqua-park-cambridge--1000x668.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/06/southlake-aqua-park-cambridge--400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



It&#8217;s fairly water-logged over in West Cambs, with all its beautiful lakes and the Ouse running through it, so it&#8217;s no surprise that there another two brilliant aqua parks on that side of the county. First up &#8211; <a href="https://www.southlakewaterpark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southlake Aqua Park</a> near St Neots.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="682" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/wyboston-aqua-park.png" alt="Ride Leisure Aqua Park" class="wp-image-12514" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/wyboston-aqua-park.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/wyboston-aqua-park-150x102.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/wyboston-aqua-park-300x205.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/07/wyboston-aqua-park-720x491.png 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Just south of St Neots, on the border with Beds is <a href="https://rideleisure.co.uk/aqua-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ride Leisure Aqua Park </a>in Wyboston.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-splash-parks">Splash parks</h2>



Lovely <a href="https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/priory-memorial-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priory Memorial Gardens </a>in Royston has a fabulous water park that is a massive hit every time there&#8217;s a heatwave &#8211; seriously, you can hear the squeals of delight from the A505. There&#8217;s a May pole, interactive water streams and play streams for toddlers to get acquainted with, as well as nearby toilets and easy access to town for a quick bite afterwards. Plus there are two large play areas either side of the splash pad. 



In Cambridge town itself, there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/cherry-hinton-water-play-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cherry Hinton Water Play Area</a> in the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall. It has two paddling pools and a max depth of 0.4m &#8211; so you can take babies and toddlers and even be able to relax a bit yourself. It&#8217;s open from May &#8211; Sept and there&#8217;s an adjoining tennis court and picnic area to enjoy while the kids dry off. 



Just north of the city at <a href="https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/splashpads" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coleridge Recreation Ground</a> there&#8217;s another splashpad to enjoy. There&#8217;s a shallow paddling pool with sprinklers and a tractor-themed play piece, as well as a lovely playground.



Finally there&#8217;s the <a href="https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/splashpads" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abbey Park splashpad</a>, just off Newmarket Road, near the Cambridge football stadium. This one was redone in 2014 so is in pretty good nick and features a variety of ground jets, along with a Dumping Bucket and Water Canons. There&#8217;s also a Toddler Bay to cater for the smaller children with some calmer spray features to provide a gentle introduction to waterplay.



In Suffolk, you&#8217;ll find a splash park in Ipswich&#8217;s <a href="https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/content/bourne-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bourne Park</a>. The paddling pool area is Sahara desert themed and to any children under 8. There&#8217;s also a play area and picnic area. On the other side of the River Orwell, Ipswich&#8217;s <a href="https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/content/about-holywells-park-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holywells Park</a> also has a water play area in the summer which is near the brand new children&#8217;s play area too.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="470" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/05/Thorpeness-Meare.jpg" alt="thorpeness mere" class="wp-image-26301" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/05/Thorpeness-Meare.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/05/Thorpeness-Meare-800x376.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/05/Thorpeness-Meare-400x188.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/05/Thorpeness-Meare-900x423.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Not exactly a splash park or lido, but for proper ‘messing about in boats’ day out, head to the Suffolk coast and Thorpeness Mere – a boating lake that has been attracting tourists since the 1920s. Choose from sailing boats, rowboats, dinghies, kayaks and canoes – there’s a great tea room too.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE&#8230;</h4>



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<li><a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/shop/locally-made-ice-cream-suffolk-cambridge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">It’s a scoop! 10 best locally made ice creams and parlours in Suffolk &amp; Cambs</a></li>



<li><a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/wild-swimming-spots-in-suffolk-and-cambs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Make a splash! 11 wild swimming spots in Suffolk and Cambs</a></li>



<li><a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/jump-into-june-the-best-things-to-do-locally-this-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jump into June: the best things to do locally this month</a></li>
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Greatest lidos, lakes and splash parks you need to jump into

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