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Stunning UK ‘lake theme park' that costs £5 to enter – perfect for families in heatwave school holidays
BRITAIN is basking in scorching temperatures yet again this week, so if you're looking for an alternative to the beach - why not opt for some wild swimming.
Pool Bridge Farm is home to four lakes that are great for wild swimmers - and is just 10 minutes from York city centre.
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Each lake offers something different, making it somewhat of a lake theme park.
For example, you could take a dip in Q Lake - which is the family lake and also the largest lake, spanning across seven acres in total.
For added fun (and to make sure the kids don't get bored) you can paddleboard or kayak on the lake.
However, visitors will need to bring their own equipment and pre-book a time slot.
Or head to one of the other three lakes, which are adults only.
The Monet Lake is known for being calm, where you can swim amongst flowering lilies - hence why it is named after Claude Monet.
It measures 200 metres long and there are large grassy banks to sunbathe on when you don't want to be in the water.
Then at M Lake - shaped like the letter - visitors can enjoy 500 metres of swimming or hop into one of five wood-fired saunas.
Lastly, those who prefer to get a good workout in can head to Horseshoe Lake where they will find a 300 metre circuit.
The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives
The site was originally for fishing, but the current owners decided to turn them into swimming lakes.
It also has outdoor showers and saunas. Visitors that want to use the saunas will also need to book, with each 55-minute session costing £15 or £20 to include lake access.
After a leisurely swim, you can grab a bite and a drink at the Pool Bridge Farm Cafe with homemade meals and wood-fired pizzas.
The attraction also hosts events occasionally, including a sound bath on August 24 and an Equinox Event on September 21.
The attraction is open from 8am to 8pm throughout the summer.
A child swim ticket costs £5 and an adult swim ticket costs £8.
If you work for the NHS, you can get a discounted ticket for £6.40.
Or save a few pounds by getting a family ticket, which costs £20 for two adults and two children.
Pool Bridge Farm also has a campsite for those looking to stay overnight, with pitches from £20 a night.
If you want to extend your stay, the city of York is just down the road to be explored and there are plenty of places to stay near the lakes including campsites and shepherd's huts.
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An afternoon tea at The Principal hotel provides not only delicious food but also a beautiful view of York Minster.
The hotel, located near York station, has a rich history, with original ornate tiles still visible in the corridors.
For a deep dive into the city's food heritage, visit the York Chocolate Story museum to learn about the Rowntree and Terry families, who built confectionery empires there.
The city also offers many contemporary dining options, from the budget-friendly and inventive brunch dishes at Partisan to street food at the shipping-container hub Spark.
Don't miss the lemon curd-filled doughnuts from Cosgriff and Sons bakery, conveniently located across from Clifford's Tower.
Finally, enjoy a nightcap at the Impossible Wonderbar, a grand restoration of a former Terry's shop and ballroom.
The UK is home to many different water attractions, including a park that's perfect for a hot weekend with a splash park, boating lake and miniature railway.
And at another site you will find a 750-acre adventure attraction with six lakes, a zipline and a nature reserve.
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