Bucks &amp; Oxon

Hi, just to let you know at Benson Waterfront there is a company called AV boats and they hire Canoes, Kayaks, paddle boards and 10 seater day boats, great for a group or family picnic and day out, we have used them a lot. 
<a href="http://Www.AVboats.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc">http://Www.AVboats.co.uk</a>

The mercury&#8217;s rising and the paddling pool just isn&#8217;t cutting it, so here&#8217;s the lowdown on the best spots in Bucks and Oxon for cooling off, whether you&#8217;re looking for water play, lane swimming, aqua aerobics or a latte on a lounger. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-17.jpg" alt="Hinksey splash park" class="wp-image-188836" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-17.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-17-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-17-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-17-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Oxford unveiled a new splash park at Hinksey in April with water jets and fountains plus a scooter and balance bike track nearby. The £300k development is in the park, which already boasts playgrounds, tennis courts, walking trails, a lake and outdoor pool, so <a href="https://www.oxford.gov.uk/directory-record/49/hinksey-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hinksey Park</a> might just be your go-to summer saviour if you have kids of any age (also look out for the super little coffee van that often parks here, The Trading Post). The <a href="https://www.oxfordcityleisure.com/hinksey-outdoor-pool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hinksey Outdoor Pool</a> (below) has been open since 5 April and is a vast 35m kidney-shape pool that&#8217;s heated and has an area for lane swimmers plus a beach area for toddlers and that&#8217;s suitable for wheelchair users. Kids love the fountains and there&#8217;s dedicated family swim sessions as well as times for the fitness crew to do their stuff in peace. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-18.jpg" alt="Hinksey Outdoor Pool" class="wp-image-188837" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-18.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-18-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-18-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-18-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The 25m lido at <a href="http://www.cheshammoorfitness.org.uk/swimming.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chesham</a> boasts a balmy 27 degree dip and re-opened this spring after an extensive refurb that&#8217;s given a gorgeous new look to the café (see below) and on-site gym. The lido also has a busy timetable including aqua fit, toddler and therapy groups and fitness swim sessions, plus keep an eye on socials for events like midnight swims. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-19.jpg" alt="Chesham Lido cafe" class="wp-image-188838" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-19.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-19-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-19-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/Untitled-design-19-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The <a aria-label="Riverside Swimming Pool (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/south-oxfordshire/riverside-park-and-pools/b1782d98-af08-4393-ba4c-7ec02e2047bd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riverside Swimming Pool</a> at Wallingford is heated and right alongside the River Thames, so you can feel like an outdoor swimmer but without the cold and duck poo. The 23m pool has fitness and swim for all sessions and with Wallingford on your doorstep you&#8217;re spoilt for choice with options for eateries (Jim Beans is the best coffee). 



Got a littlie in tow? There&#8217;s a recently refurbished <a href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/south-oxfordshire/riverside-park-and-pools/news/riverside-park-and-pools-2025-season" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">splash park</a> that&#8217;s free to access right next door and opens for the season on 24 May. It&#8217;s got tons of sprinklers, jets, tunnels and buckets to keep them amused for eons. The gorgeous water meadows just the other side of the pretty bridge going into Wallingford are perfect for a riverside picnic and a good spot to launch SUPs if you&#8217;re gunning for a full day on the water. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T135304.897.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-133920" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T135304.897.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T135304.897-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T135304.897-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T135304.897-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



More of a power swimmer? The <a aria-label="anbury Lido (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.leisurecentre.com/woodgreen-leisure-centre/swim" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Banbury Lido</a> (formally known as Woodgreen Leisure Centre) boasts a whopping 50m Olympic standard pool with lane swimming as well as space for fun sessions. And rumour has it the Poolside Café is getting a little makeover in time for summer.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T143853.823.jpg" alt="WOBURN LIDO" class="wp-image-133939" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T143853.823.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T143853.823-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T143853.823-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/Untitled-design-2022-07-11T143853.823-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Adult lane swims are popular at <a aria-label="Woburn Lido (opens in a new tab)" href="https://woburnlido.weebly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woburn Lido</a> where the temperature is kept at a constant 26 degrees all season in the 23m pool (they turn off the heating in the winter for the real masochists to have a go). And like most lidos these days, you&#8217;ve got to book ahead. The summer timetable launches 26 May, so go online to check out the swim times, aqua aerobics, late swims etc, and check socials for special events like a solstice swim. Grab a post-swim ice cream/coffee at the little kiosk on site.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/06/wycombe-rye.jpg" alt="WYCOMBE RYE LIDO" class="wp-image-71228" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/06/wycombe-rye.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/06/wycombe-rye-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/06/wycombe-rye-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/06/wycombe-rye-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Then there&#8217;s the excellent <a href="https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/wycombe-rye-lido/activities/lido/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wycombe Rye</a> which is a 30m heated outdoor pool, heated outdoor children&#8217;s pool, plus grass and terraced sunbathing area if you want to remember what it feels like to have the sun on your skin! There&#8217;s also a gym and astro tennis court if you want a full body workout. Again, book ahead to nab your slot &#8211; and remember you can swim after dark because of the pool lighting. Date night? 



The lovely <a href="https://chippylido.co.uk/">Chippy Lido</a> in Chipping Norton (below) has a 25m pool plus café, lawn for sunbathing, and water temp that&#8217;s currently nudging 28 degrees. It opened on April 17 after a full spruce up and tidy over the winter. Also check out its yoga and pilates classes and plan a dreamy day of me-time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ChippyLido.jpg" alt="Chippy Lido" class="wp-image-165505"/></figure>



Woodstock also has <a href="http://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/west-oxfordshire/woodstock-open-air-pool" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a 25m open-air pool</a> and is currently open for what it calls &#8216;cool water swimming&#8217; (24 May – 20 July) before it ramps up the heating for the summer holidays from 21 July – 30 Aug. It&#8217;s got four lanes plus changing and refreshments on site.



<a href="http://www.willenlake.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Willen Lake</a> in Milton Keynes makes for a great day trip and you can try every kind of water sport going, or just drift around on a pedalo. The <a href="https://www.willenlake.org.uk/activities/open-water-swimming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open water swimming</a> is only on Saturdays 8-11am for over 18s only and needs to be booked in advance. Also at Willen Lake is one of the UK&#8217;s largest splash parks, <a href="https://www.willenlake.org.uk/activities/splash-n-play/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Splash&#8217;n&#8217;Play</a> (below), with 60 water features suitable for children up to 13 years old. Or there&#8217;s the equally fab <a href="https://www.longridge.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Longridge Activity Centre</a> on the river just outside Marlow for kayaking, SUP, dragon boating and more if a splash park is a little too tame for them.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/WillenLakeSplashandPlay.jpg" alt="Willen Lake Splash n Play" class="wp-image-165512" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/WillenLakeSplashandPlay.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/WillenLakeSplashandPlay-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/WillenLakeSplashandPlay-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/WillenLakeSplashandPlay-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Hot in the city? Oxford&#8217;s <a href="https://www.oxford.gov.uk/directory-record/48/cutteslowe-and-sunnymead-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cutteslowe Park</a> splash park is also a corker. It has playgrounds, orienteering, football, table tennis, a café, crazy golf, aviary and miniature railway alongside the splash park. Also check out Abingdon&#8217;s cute <a href="https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/sports-and-activities/getting-out-and-about/parks-open-spaces-and-play-areas/abbey-meadow-abingdon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abbey Meadows</a> splash pad and outdoor pool which reopens on 22 May. The <a href="https://www.witney-tc.gov.uk/services/sports-recreation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leys Recreation</a> splash park in Witney is one to have in the diary. It has been closed since March for a refurb and is expected to cut the ribbon a a new and improved space any day now. Over in Bucks, the splash park and giant sand pit at <a href="https://www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/parsons-close-recreation-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parson&#8217;s Close</a> in Leighton Buzzard are open for the season and are free, with plenty of picnic space for afterwards.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ThamesLido.jpg" alt="Thames Lido" class="wp-image-165509" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ThamesLido.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ThamesLido-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ThamesLido-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ThamesLido-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Hop over the border to Reading in Berks (it&#8217;s worth it) for <a href="https://www.thameslido.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thames Lido</a> (above), a Muddy Award-winning Edwardian Lido and spa that reopened in 2017 after a £3.5 million renovation (<a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/review-thames-lido-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">read our review here</a>). Now, it’s a membership holder’s hotspot and swish restaurant, welcoming guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a variety of value swim and spa packages for non-members. It’s sandwiched between Reading train station and the River Thames – a welcome oasis of calm in a bustling town. It&#8217;s popular though, so you&#8217;ll need to book ahead if you&#8217;re not a member. Muddy&#8217;s booked in for a dip in August.



Also over the border and deserving of a mention is <a href="https://www.watford.gov.uk/cassiobury-park-3/cassiobury-park-activities/3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cassiobury Park</a>&nbsp;and splash pool in Herts. It&#8217;s free and reopens on 24 May, although you can reserve a spot ahead of your visit. There&#8217;s also the park, café and playgrounds on site, so plenty to keep the kids occupied all day. 



Missed your favourite swim spot? Please let us know in the comment box below.

Wet, wet, wet! Best lidos, splash pools and aqua parks near you

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