Caversham Lakes

Official Statement 📢

Caversham Lakes Watersports to officially close with immediate effect.

Caversham Lakes Watersports will cease operations immediately (as of 26th March 2024), following the decision by South Oxfordshire & Reading Council after three remarkable years. It is with deep sadness that we announce the closure, forced upon us by the council's recent decision to terminate our operations due to an unnecessary planning process.

Throughout our journey, Caversham Lakes has touched and inspired thousands of individuals, families, groups, charities, businesses, and clubs. This is testament to the amazing staff who have made it happen, but also the natural beauty of the lake being surrounded by nature at its most natural state for everyone to enjoy.

Regrettably, the council's unwavering stance against our existence, despite overwhelming support and evidence, has led to this unfortunate outcome. We are devastated, both personally and for our community, including the loss of 150 summer jobs, cancelled bookings for local businesses, and the disappointment to thousands of users of the lake that now have nowhere to use locally.

For many of you that have been using the lake since we opened and circa 100,000 visitors each summer that come to the magical shores of this hidden gem, we are sorry we have not been able to stay open.

South Oxfordshire Council has been relentless in its quest to never allow Caversham Lakes to stay open from day one and although the facts, reports and surveys speak for themselves, they just don’t want anyone to enjoy the great outdoors. The lake has always had recreational use for general public access and a retrospective application should not have been needed and was forced on us because they didn’t want such a great leisure venue to exist.

Despite our efforts and the outpouring of support, it seems the council remains steadfast in its opposition to our vision. We believe in the coexistence of humans and nature, yet the council's actions suggest otherwise.

We extend our heartfelt apologies to our loyal patrons and supporters. While we hoped for a different outcome, it seems unlikely given the current state of affairs. However, we remain hopeful for change, especially in this election year. Perhaps with new leadership, there will be a chance to revisit our situation and allow Caversham Lakes to reopen on a smaller scale, in harmony with nature like we have always done and all benefit from this hidden gem. Unfortunately when the Local authority writes that “nature is more important than human life…” you know what you are up against.

Hopefully there will be some significant change whoever gets in and they can see that by supporting the 100,000s of voices and feet that choose to use the lake, that this should be something that no one should be denied access to, when the local authority and the land owner has a contractually signed agreement for Caversham Lakes to be used for recreational use with general public access.

To all those who have cherished our lake, we bid you farewell for now. We are grateful for your support and hope to see you again in the future. Until then, we wish you all the best in finding alternative summer destinations.

Hello 2024! 🥳🎉

There’s still time to book onto our New Years Day Swim & SUP starting at 11:00am. The water temperature is a balmy 9°C so almost double figures 😂🤣

If you fancy a dip to kick start the year then book online and come on down.

See you all soon 🏊🚣🏄😁

Book now: https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/events?date=20240101

We hope everyone has a fantastic New Year! 🥳

We can’t wait to welcome everyone for our annual New Year’s Day Swim & SUP tomorrow morning from 11:00am - 12:00pm. Here’s to a refreshing start to 2024! 💦

Ticket prices are as follows:

🏊 Swim - £8
🚣 SUP (Bring Your Own) - £11
🏄 SUP (Board Hire) - £16

🎟️ Secure your spot now: https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/events?date=20240101

Dive into the new year with enthusiasm! 🎉 Join us for our Annual New Year’s Day Swim & SUP event from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Caversham Lakes in 2024.

Ticket prices are as follows:

🏊 Swim - £8
🚣 SUP (Bring Your Own) - £11
🏄 SUP (Board Hire) - £16

🎟️ Secure your spot now: https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/events?date=20240101

Start the new year with a splash! 💦

Dive into 2024 and join us for the first Swim & SUP of the year with our Annual New Years Day Swim & SUP from 11:00am - 12:00pm. 🏊🏄🎉

Ticket prices are as follows:

🏊 Swim - £8
🚣 SUP (Bring Your Own) - £11
🏄 SUP (Board Hire) - £16

🎟️ Book now: https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/events?date=20240101

Merry Christmas! 🎅

As we gather with our loved ones on this joyous Christmas Day, the team at Caversham Lakes would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support and enthusiasm have made this year truly special, and we are deeply thankful for the incredible community that surrounds us.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to invite you to our annual Boxing Day Swim & SUP event! Join us tomorrow between 10:00am - 11:"00am for a morning filled with laughter, camaraderie, and perhaps a refreshing dip in the invigorating waters of Caversham Lakes. It promises to be a fantastic occasion, and we can't wait to see familiar faces and welcome new friends into our ever-growing community.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Swim £8.00
SUP (Bring Your Own) £11.00
SUP (Board Hire) £16.00
Your ticket includes a mince pie once you exit the water.

Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a first-time participant, our Boxing Day event is an opportunity to embrace the invigorating spirit of the season. Bring your family, bring your friends, and let's make Boxing Day 2023 a day to remember!

Book here: https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/events?date=20231226

Once again, thank you for being an integral part of Caversham Lakes. Your presence and support have made this year unforgettable, and we look forward to creating more cherished memories together in the coming year.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyous Boxing Day!

Boxing Day Swim & SUP! 🎄🏊🏄

Join us on Tuesday 26th December for a festive Swim & SUP from 10:00am - 11.00am. Celebrate with friends and family and take the plunge to kick start your day. 😁

Oh and as an added bonus... everyone will earn themselves a mince pie after exiting the water. 🤤

Ticket prices are as follows:

Open Water Swimming - £8
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Bring Your Own) - £11
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Board Hire) - £16

🎟️ Book now here: https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/events?date=20231226

Please note: all swimmers must wear a tow float. 🛟 NO TOW FLOAT = NO SWIM.

Are you feeling festive?

Our annual Boxing Day Swim & SUP is back! ❄️🏊🏄

Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than a festive Swim & SUP. You’ve opened the presents, sung a carol or two, had an early nibble of something naughty, leftover lunch from Xmas Day is in the oven and now it’s time to take the plunge.

Join us on 26th December for our Boxing Day Swim & SUP from 10:00am - 11.00am. Make sure you bring along that festive gear! 🎅

Oh and as an added bonus... everyone will earn themselves a mince pie after exiting the water. 🤤

Ticket prices are as follows:

Open Water Swimming - £8
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Bring Your Own) - £11
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Board Hire) - £16

🎟️ Book now click here: https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/events?date=20231226

Final Full Moon Swim & SUP 🌕🎉

Join us for our final Full Moon Swim & SUP on Friday 29th September at Caversham Lakes. 🏊🏄‍♂️

Enjoy a unique and visually stunning experience and see the lake in a new light, with this exciting opportunity to Swim & SUP under the Full Corn (Harvest) Moon. ✨

The event will start after dusk at 7:00pm until 8:00pm with each participant fitted with a glow stick and following an illuminated course out on the lake.

This is NOT a race – this is a fun Swim & SUP experience! 😊

Book Now 👉 https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/events?date=20230929

📣 ***OFF-SEASON OPENING TIMES!*** 📣

The Summer might be over but if you're brave enough to keep going throughout the winter months then we are still here from open water swimming & stand up paddle boarding! 🏊🏄

Our off-season Swim & SUP sessions start tomorrow (Tuesday 26th September) with the opening days & times below:

✅ Tuesday (8:00am - 11:00am)
✅ Saturday (8:00am - 11:00am)
✅ Sunday (8:00am - 11:00am)

🔄 During these sessions only the 250m/400m swim loops will be open.

🚫 Unfortunately our cafe will be closed so please bring your hot drinks and snacks for your pre & post Swim/ SUP! ☕️🍰

🗓️ Bookings will open every Sunday for all sessions for the coming week.

🎟️ Bookings must be made online in advanced and booking must be shown at the Swim & SUP beach on arrival.

Book Now 👉 https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/bookings

❗️Please note: To keep sessions open we need a minimum of 25 people per day. If numbers drop below 25 then we may have to cancel sessions.❗️

😁 Thank you all for your continued support and we look forward to seeing lots of you this week.

TOMORROWS SWIM & SUP TIMES UPDATED!

Unfortunately, we have had to reduce the session times for tomorrow (31st August) due to low bookings. Therefore the first few early morning sessions have been cancelled with all sessions resuming as normal from 10am - 7pm.

We also have a Full Moon Swim & SUP event on tomorrow evening (8pm - 9pm). So there’s still plenty of time to get in the water! 🏊‍♂️🏄

Thank you for all your support and don’t forget to book online in advanced via the link below:
https://checkout.roller.app/cavershamlakes/products/bookings

Summer Full Moon 🌕

Join us for another Full Moon Swim & SUP on Thursday 31st August at Caversham Lakes. 🏊🏄‍♂️

Make the most of the final Full Moon Swim & SUP of the Summer with a special evening full of swimming and paddle boarding at the lake held underneath a moonlit sky! ✨

The event will start after dusk at 8:00pm until 9:00pm with each participant fitted with a glow stick and following an illuminated course out on the lake.

This is NOT a race – this is a fun Swim & SUP experience! 😊

Book now link in comments 👇