Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/Wild-Swimming.jpg" alt="Water sports Northants" class="wp-image-28071" /></figure>



<p>Nothing beats that first sun-kissed wash of water hitting your toes, but the Big Blue is more than just a holiday fling, promising such magic as improved sleep and circulation, increased metabolism, boosted immune system and a happier mood. Sign us up! From wild swimming and canoeing to SUP yoga, these local waterways are where to dive in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-swimming-at-castle-ashby"><a aria-label="WILD SWIMMING AT CASTLE ASHBY (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thefalcon-castleashby.com/wellbeing-activities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild swimming at Castle Ashby</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2023/11/THE-FALCON-CA-LBB-004.jpeg" alt="Wild Swimming The Falcon Castle Ashby" class="wp-image-43715" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2023/11/THE-FALCON-CA-LBB-004.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2023/11/THE-FALCON-CA-LBB-004-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2023/11/THE-FALCON-CA-LBB-004-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2023/11/THE-FALCON-CA-LBB-004-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2023/11/THE-FALCON-CA-LBB-004-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Book an hour long open water swimming session at Castle Ashby estate, where you can commune with nature in a Capability Brown designed fresh water lake, safe in the knowledge that a lifeguard is on hand to keep you safe all year round (yes, even in the depths of winter). After your dip, you can warm up in the Sheep Barn, where they serve hot drinks and light bites, or go full on civilised and grab something substantial at in the relaxed East Wing Lounge at <a href="https://thefalcon-castleashby.com/dine-and-refresh/afternoon-tea-east-wing-lounge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Falcon</a>. The vibe here is all about how nature enhances wellbeing, so they also offer nature walks and outdoor yoga sessions too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoor-pampering-in-silverstone"><a href="https://www.thealfrescospa.co.uk/">Outdoor pampering in Silverstone</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="752" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/AL-FRESCO-SPA-01.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-45332" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/AL-FRESCO-SPA-01.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/AL-FRESCO-SPA-01-300x226.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/AL-FRESCO-SPA-01-768x578.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Alfresco Spa at Black Pit Lake is the perfect spot to unwind in the great outdoors, with five natural wood hot tubs, a wood burning sauna, warm showers and changing spaces and a cafe on site serving healthy food and drinks. There&#8217;s also a beautiful natural swimming lake here, with two ingress points as well as the option to jump in from the jetty in the warmer months when it&#8217;s a bit more bearable. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evening-sessions-at-stanwick-lakes"><a href="https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/open-water-swimming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evening sessions at Stanwick Lakes</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/stanwick-lakes-open-water-swimming.jpeg" alt="outdoor swimming session brightwater lake stanwick lakes" class="wp-image-45346" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/stanwick-lakes-open-water-swimming.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/stanwick-lakes-open-water-swimming-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/stanwick-lakes-open-water-swimming-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With over a dozen lakes and stunning scenery, Stanwick Lakes is the perfect place for open water swimming. As a nature reserve, and a designated SSSI, there are a few restrictions on where you can dip your toes in the water but open water swimming sessions on Brightwater Lake are running on nine confirmed dates through the 2024 summer season, with sessions being held on Friday evenings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-wild-at-barehill-lakes"><a href="https://barehilllakes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Go Wild at Barehill Lakes</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/08/Barehill-Lakes.jpeg" alt="Barehill lakes daventry" class="wp-image-49488" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/08/Barehill-Lakes.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/08/Barehill-Lakes-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/08/Barehill-Lakes-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Barehill Lakes in Badby is a privately owned spring fed lake nestled in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside. Swimming sessions are available all year round, come rain or shine and the free-flowing water is regularly tested with outstanding results. It really is the perfect place to be at one with nature, while under the watchful eye of a very experienced lifeguard. Whether you are looking to train for a triathlon or simply bob around in the water, drifting past the dragonflies glinting in the sun, chatting to like-minded swimmers, you&#8217;ll find your bliss here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lido-life-in-ashby-de-la-zouch"><a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/ashby-leisure-centre-lido/outdoor-swimming-pool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lido life in Ashby-de-la-Zouch</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/hood-park-lido.jpg" alt="hood park lido ashby de la zouch leicestershire" class="wp-image-45377" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/hood-park-lido.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/hood-park-lido-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/hood-park-lido-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A fabulous family day out, Ashby-de-la-Zouch boasts the only lido in Leicestershire, Hood Park Lido. The pool first opened in 1929 and has undergone a significant renovation in recent years, transforming it into the perfect place to play in the summer months. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paddleboarding-in-earls-barton"><a aria-label="PADDLEBOARDING IN EARLS BARTON (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.gaiastanduppaddleboard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paddleboarding in Earls Barton</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/gaia-sup.jpg" alt="Water sports Northants" class="wp-image-28072" /></figure>



<p>Kelly McAlinden of Gaia SUP runs group and one to one paddle boarding lessons in Earls Barton for adults and kids from age 9 and up. It&#8217;s a fab way to get active whilst exploring the Northamptonshire countryside from a fresh perspective. It&#8217;s not just for beginners either, Kelly can help with techniques to help you progress and boost your confidence &#8211; great for if you&#8217;re planning on heading out to the sea. Fancy busting out some yoga moves on board? Kelly&#8217;s your gal as she&#8217;s also a qualified yoga instructor and teaches SUP yoga. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canoeing-at-rushden-lakes"><a aria-label="CANOEING ON THE RIVER NENE (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.canoe2.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canoeing at Rushden Lakes</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/Canoe.jpg" alt="Water sports Northants" class="wp-image-27916" /></figure>



<p>Canoeing at a shopping centre? Yep indeedy. Pop your heels in a dry bag and head to Canoe2 for a splash about in the gorgeous, slow flowing River Nene as it winds its way northwards from the Lakes. There&#8217;s a variety of different hire options from a two-hour paddle or half day adventure to a multi-day trip with B&amp;Bs or camping all organised for you and luggage transport included. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pedalo-on-skew-bridge-lake"><a aria-label="PEDALO ON THE LAKE (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.canoe2.co.uk/lake" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pedalo on Skew Bridge Lake</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/swan-pedalo.jpg" alt="Water sports Northants" class="wp-image-28075" /></figure>



<p>Pootle around Skew Bridge Lake at Rushden in a swan or dragon pedalo or a katakanu &#8211; that&#8217;s basically two canoes attached side by side, FYI, so great for families and groups of friends to splash about on sunny summer days (also quite fun when drizzly tbh!). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-to-sail-at-pitsford-reservoir"><a aria-label="LEARN TO SAIL AT PITSFORD RESERVOIR (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.northamptonsailingclub.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Learn to sail at Pitsford Reservoir</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/sailing-pitsford.jpg" alt="Water sports Northants" class="wp-image-28077" /></figure>



<p>Northampton Sailing Club run courses in sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding from their base at Pitsford Water. You can book a two hour taster session with senior instructor Alex Gibbons to find out what it&#8217;s all about, progressing to two-day courses with both a practical and theory element. You can also book a one to one coaching session if you want to focus on a particular skillset. Newbies are welcome and you don&#8217;t have to be a member to take the plunge. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waterski-at-rushden"><a aria-label="WATERSKIING AT RUSHDEN (opens in a new tab)" href="https://nenevalleywaterski.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterski at Rushden</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/waterskiing.jpg" alt="Water sports Northants" class="wp-image-28079" /></figure>



<p>Live the California dream in Northamptonshire as, bikini-clad and hair flowing, you cruise effortlessly through crystal clear waters. Not just a fantasy peeps. Nene Valley Waterski Club offers waterski and wakeboarding tuition on their 32 acre lake at Rushden. You can also qualify as a certified jet ski driver here too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wakeboarding-at-grendon-lakes"><a aria-label="WAKEBOARDING AT GRENDON LAKES (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.xtremewake.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wakeboarding at Grendon lakes</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/wakeboarding.jpg" alt="Water sports Northants" class="wp-image-28081" /></figure>



<p>Crank up the adrenaline with a spot of high octane wakeboarding with Xtreme Wake at Grendon Lakes. 2 of the 12 lakes here are dedicated to watersports (the others are all fishing lakes) and kids as young as 8 can have a go &#8211; eeek! There&#8217;s also an inflatable aqua park to splash about on, as well as paddle boarding. If you&#8217;re after more than just a quick shot of danger, Wake Daze let you get a bit deeper in to it with some stretchy lakeside yoga to warm you up before you get stuck into your wakeboarding sessions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adrenaline-frenzy-at-rutland-water"><a href="https://aquaparkgroup.co.uk/locations/rutland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adrenaline frenzy at Rutland Water</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="643" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/Aqua-Park-Rutland.jpeg" alt="aqua park rutland water" class="wp-image-41571" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/Aqua-Park-Rutland.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/Aqua-Park-Rutland-300x193.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/Aqua-Park-Rutland-768x494.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Make a splash with your crew at Aqua Park, Rutland Water, where climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, rockers, rollers, blast bags and the UK’s biggest slides tick all the boxes for adrenaline junkies. Open every day in July and August and open weekends only in September. Booking essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-to-the-finish-at-six-hills"><a href="https://www.racehub.uk/swim/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Race to the finish at Six Hills</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2019/07/water-parks-splash-pools-open-swim-lidos-beaches-across-leicestershire-and-rutland-muddy-stilettos.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36169" /></figure>



<p>This open water swimming venue in Leicestershire welcomes swimmers of all abilities from complete beginners to athletes, and is used by British Triathlon, local triathlon clubs and hobby swimmers for individual and group sessions, with great water quality and safety in place for every session as well as free parking and a cafe on site. Bonus. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-year-round-swimming-at-stoney-cove"><a href="https://www.stoneycove.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Year-round  swimming at Stoney Cove</a></h2>



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<p>Known for the quality of its spring fed water and on shore facilities, Stoney Cove covers 13 acres and offers a 1000 metre perimeter course in Leicestershire&#8217;s cleanest water and is open all year round for swimmers. It’s also fully-manned with a rescue boat on constant standby and qualified first aiders – handy if you’re not a confident swimmer. There&#8217;s lots to explore beneath the water including&nbsp;fantastic fish life, shipwrecks, skeletons and even characters from The Pirates of the Caribbean. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immerse-yourself-in-stanton-lakes"><a href="https://www.stantonlakes.co.uk/lake.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Immerse yourself in Stanton Lakes</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/stanton-lakes-leicester-wild-swimming.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45373" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/stanton-lakes-leicester-wild-swimming.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/stanton-lakes-leicester-wild-swimming-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/stanton-lakes-leicester-wild-swimming-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Just a stone&#8217;s throw from Leicester, Stanton Lakes is surrounded by woodland and wildlife, making it peaceful and picturesque place to swim outdoors. It&#8217;s open to all swimmers from experts to complete novices – think less swimming club and more of a friendly group of swimmers/triathletes. Sessions take place from may to September and you need to book ahead. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-it-down-on-the-grand-union"><a aria-label="CANAL BOATING ON THE GRAND UNION (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.abcdayboathire.com/locations/gayton-marina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slow it down on the Grand Union</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/canal-boat.jpg" alt="Water sports Northants" class="wp-image-28083" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s a slower-pace of life on the canals, so if you&#8217;re looking for something a bit more chill then head to Gayton Marina where you can hire a narrow boat for the day and drift serenely along the canal towards Weedon or Stoke Bruerne, taking in the picturesque scenery and wildlife with a group of up to 10 people on board. Fancy staying aboard longer and traveling further at a slower pace. There&#8217;s plenty of longer routes to tempt the more laid back traveler. </p>


Splash! Where to hit the water across Northants, Leics and Rutland

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