Roundhay Park
Swimming is definitely not permitted at Roundhay Park. However there are many swimmers who regularly use Waterloo Lake in the early mornings.
This site is provided for information. People do swim at this spot, but this website in no way should be taken as proof that it is ‘safe’ to swim here. You must always make your own risk assessment, based on your own level of swimming competence and the conditions. Swim at your own risk. Always err on the side of caution, particularly if you are new to open water swimming. Educate yourself about the risks.
About
Roundhay Park is apparently one of the largest city parks in Europe. The area was a hunting park in the 13th century. The lakes date from the first half of the 19th century, Waterloo lake is named because it was constructed by soldiers returning from the Napoleonic wars and is on the site of a former quarry. The current layout of the park was created in the second half of the 19th century when the park was bought by Leeds City Council.
In 1907 an open air swimming pool was built at the bottom of the Waterloo lake dam. It was filled in in the 1980s and is now a car park.
Need to know
In 2005 two teenagers died in Waterloo lake. This understandably makes the issue of swimming here a very sensitive one. Swimming is officially permitted only at organised events, such as the Leeds triathlon. Those who do swim here do so early in the morning, leaving before 7.30am. The majority wear wetsuits and have tow floats and use it as swim training, but there are increasing numbers of more social swimmers.
As at other swimspots, people do often complain about and report swimmers to the council and emergency services, so be prepared to have a chat with someone from the fire service.
There is a slipway at the dam end of Waterloo Lake, near to the weir, which is the easiest way to enter and exit the water.
The water in Waterloo Lake is, in my opinion, less pleasant to swim in than at other places. However the park can be a magical place to be on an autumn early morning, listening to the owls and watching the bats.
Getting there
There are two main entry points that swimmers use - by the boathouse / cafe and the slipway.
The slipway at the dam end of Waterloo Lake, near to the weir, is the easiest way to enter and exit the water. The boathouse entry is difficult to get out of without good upper body strength. I sometimes get in at the boathouse, but bring a ladder with me to get out!
This what3words address refers to a 3 metre square location. Tap the link or enter the 3 words into the free what3words app to find it.
Cafe car park (accessed via Park Avenue) ///elite.leaps.fact
Boathouse entry point ///vent.rival.cubs
Lido car park (Accessed from Wetherby Road) ///plan.free.fade
Slipway entry point ///prep.return.choice
