There are few things as restorative as slipping into cool, clear water surrounded by woodland. The private lake at Tarn Sike is available for guests to swim in throughout their stay — a genuine wild swimming experience, a few steps from your pod.
The lake is up to six feet deep in places, with a natural, uneven lakebed. It is a living, working freshwater habitat — not a managed pool — and swimming here feels exactly like that. The water is refreshing, the surroundings are beautiful, and the experience memorable.
Water Quality
We take the safety and quality of the lake seriously. The water is tested monthly by an accredited laboratory, monitoring for bacteria and when necessary algae. We will always share the most recent test results with guests here on this page.
Because the lake is a natural body of water, conditions can and do change. Heavy rainfall, warm weather or the natural seasonal cycles of the lake ecosystem can occasionally affect water quality in ways that are outside our control. In such circumstances, we may need to close the lake for swimming at short notice — this is always done with guest safety as the priority. We will update this page as quickly as possible if this applies.
Test Results
| Test Date | Total Coliforms cfu/100ml |
E. Coli cfu/100ml |
Intestinal Enterococci cfu/100ml |
pH | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/04/2026 | 27 | 10 Excellent | 0 Excellent | 7.2 | Open |
E. Coli and Intestinal Enterococci are rated Excellent against Environment Agency bathing water standards when below 250 cfu/100ml and 200 cfu/100ml respectively.
Lake Swimming Rules
To keep the lake safe for everyone and to protect the natural environment, we ask all guests to read and follow the rules below before entering the water. By swimming in the lake you are agreeing to these rules.
There is no lifeguard on duty. Swimming is entirely at your own risk and the lake is open to strong swimmers only. A member of staff may not be on site at all times. In an emergency, call 999 immediately.
You are responsible for ensuring that all members of your party are fully aware of and adhere to these rules before entering the water. Anyone not following the rules will be asked to leave the lake area immediately. Repeated or serious breaches may result in removal from the site.
Safety
- No lone swimming. All swimmers must be observed by a responsible adult at all times. If you are alone on site and wish to swim, please contact us in advance so we can arrange for a member of staff to be present.
- Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult in or immediately beside the water.
- Strong and competent swimmers only.
- We strongly recommend the use of boyoncy aids. (not provided)
- No swimming after dark or in conditions of poor visibility, including heavy rain or fog.
- No diving, jumping or running near the water's edge. The lake depth is uneven and the lakebed is a natural surface with roots, rocks and soft ground.
- Footwear such as swim shoes must be worn when swimming. The lakebed and banks are uneven.
- No alcohol or drugs before or during swimming.
- An emergency horn is located at the lakeside. Use it immediately to raise an alert if someone is in difficulty.
The Environment
- Respect the wildlife and habitat. The lake and its margins are home to fish, insects, birds and plant life. Please do not disturb the banks, aquatic plants or any animals.
- No glass or breakable items in or around the lake area.
- No soaps, shampoos or lotions or anything else in the water that should not be there. The lake is a natural, chemical-free environment and we want to keep it that way.
- Please shower before and after swimming using the facilities in your pod.
- Take all belongings and litter away with you when you leave the lake area.
General
- Swimming is for registered guests only. The lake is private and not open to visitors.
- Please be considerate of other guests and of the wildlife using the lake, particularly early in the morning and at dusk when animal activity is at its highest.