Clevedon Marine Lake
Outdoor Activities
A seawater lake on Clevedon seafront, filled by the tide and open to swimmers at all hours, with no lifeguards, paid parking nearby and a no-dogs rule.
A swimming lake filled by the sea
Clevedon Marine Lake is an enclosed tidal pool on the seafront, filled by the tide and refreshed naturally. Its website shows live water temperature and topping-tide times, and a lake cam. The charity MARLENS looks after the lake. It opened on 30 March 1929 as a purpose-built tidal lake for safe sea swimming, and it sits beside Clevedon Beach and the pier. For the town, see Clevedon.
Wild swimming is the main draw, with paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, model boating and crabbing also listed. Two swimming clubs, the Orcas and the Walruses, meet every week all year round.
Swimming safely
There are no lifeguards. Avoid swimming after the lake has been overtopped in a storm, never swim alone, enter gradually because the water can be very cold, and use the ramps or shallow steps rather than jump. Children need supervising at all times because the lake is deep in places, and inflatables are not allowed. Do not swim if you are unwell.
Water entry is by wide, shallow metal steps with handrails at the south end nearest the Salthouse pub. The steps closest to the pub lead into water under 90 cm deep, while the steps at the far side by the old pump house lead to water over 140 cm. The slipway at the far end is extremely slippery and is not an accessible way in.
Getting there and getting in
The Salthouse car park is nearby, and you need to buy a ticket. There are six disabled bays at Salthouse Fields car park and along the promenade, about 250 m from the south end of the lake. Ramps with handrails at both ends take you from the upper to the lower promenade, wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The concrete surround is smooth. Accessible toilets are in the public block 375 m from the disabled bays.
Dogs and the beach next door
Dogs are not allowed at the lake or on Clevedon beach at any time, apart from guide and assistance dogs, under North Somerset Council rules. On the promenade dogs must be on a lead. Check the current water quality and any alerts on the lake’s website before you swim. MARLENS drains the lake from time to time for cleaning, dredging and repairs, and normal lake activities stop while it is empty; the October 2026 drain-down runs from 18 to 26 October.
Where to stay near Clevedon Marine Lake
Sample dates: 16 October 2026 - 18 October 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Somerset.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Are there lifeguards at Clevedon Marine Lake?
- No. With no lifeguards on duty, swimming is at your own risk. Never swim alone, and supervise children at all times.
- Can I take my dog?
- No. North Somerset Council bans dogs at Clevedon Marine Lake at all times, except guide or assistance dogs.
- Where do I park, and is it accessible?
- The Salthouse car park is nearby and needs a ticket. There are six disabled bays at Salthouse Fields car park and along the promenade, and step-free access from the car park to the promenade and lake edge. There is no accessible water entry for wheelchair users at present.
- Do I need to book or check opening times?
- There are no official opening times and the lake is accessible 24 hours a day. It can get busy, especially at weekends and in warm weather.