Water Sports & Swimming

Nottinghamshire can offer you lots of fun and thrills in many water activities.

Watersports in Nottinghamshire

Having the National Water Sports Centre based in Nottingham, you’ll never be short of something to try out.  Whether it’s Canoeing & Kayaking, Sailing, Power Boating, Rafting or Water Skiing – you’ll be sure to have a ‘splashing’ time. The Centre has an excellent white water course that operates on 700m of adrenaline pumping action.  Used by the British Slalom, Freestyle Kayak and White Water Rafting Teams for training and competitions the course truly is world class.

Nottinghamshire also boasts some beautiful boating lakes for you to enjoy. Hire a boat at Highfields Park over the Summer and enjoy a relaxing turn on the water before heading to Lakeside Arts cafe for a bite to eat. You can also enjoy mini golf, bowls and a play area during your visit. Alternativly, Rufford Abbey has a stunning lake situated in the heart of a Country Park. While you're there, you can explore the beautiful Abbey, try some other adventure sports and take a tour! Please note these boating lakes operate on a sesonal basis.

To help you with your plans, we have put together lots of information within this website to help you find directions to and around Nottinghamshire.  Including information about the surrounding towns and of course the city of Nottingham, ideas of where to stay, eat, nightlife and perhaps places to visit and things to do when you are not busy having a ‘splashing’ time!

Getting here couldn’t be simpler, either by car, bus, tram or train. 

Wild Swimming in Nottinghamshire

Fancy a swim? We’ve got the perfect place to take an outdoor dip in Nottingham!

Wild swimming is available in the West Lake in Colwick Country Park is home to the Nottingham City Open Water Swimming Centre. They offer wild swimming from April to October each year, with coached an non-coached swim sessions available in the open water.

For those looking to get into the sport with a coach, WholeHealth have an annual membership. Juniors can swim for £20, adults for £25. It costs £60 for an annual affiliate membership. You can book sessions via the WholeHealth app. Visit their website for the full info. Prices can vary from £5-6 for a swim depending on your membership status. If you fancy a one off swim, or want to try it out before buying a membership, you can pay £10 for one session. Beginner sessions are run every Tuesday from 6:30pm.

If you are a more confident swimmer and do not need an instructor, you must arrange a session in advance. You can view timetables for swim sessions via the Swim Centre’s Facebook page.

There is parking available at the end of Racecourse road, next to Colwick Hall Hotel, and off Daleside Road East. Paid parking is available on River Road from £2. You can also access the park via bike, or public transport.

We strongly advise that you take proper precautions before wild swimming alone. Always bring a buddy, swim upstream and do not swim in rivers after heavy rainfall.