As summer comes to an end and we head into autumn, the water is getting cooler, the mornings are getting darker, and there’s still plenty happening at Longside Lake.
October is a great time to embrace open water swimming, enjoy a sauna after your dip and make the most of the changing season. Whether you’re a regular swimmer, a sauna lover or simply looking for something different to do this autumn, we’d love to welcome you to the lake.
£2,000+ Raised at Our Full Lake Swim
Our Full Lake Swim brought together an incredible group of swimmers and members of the Longside Lake community for one unforgettable challenge, swimming the full 2km around the lake.
Together, we have raised over £2,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK, in memory of our much-loved community member, Hilary Lucas.
The event was about so much more than swimming. It was about coming together as a community, challenging ourselves and remembering someone who meant so much to those around the lake.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported the event, donated, volunteered and helped make the day so special.
2km. One full lap. Over £2,000 raised. One incredible community.
Get Ready for Our Halloween Swim
Something spooky is coming to Longside Lake...
Halloween Swim | Sunday 1st November 2026 | 4.30pm - 6pm
Join us for a special Halloween-themed open water swim as we get into the spooky spirit.
Swim your way around the lake, embrace the colder water and take home a Halloween swim badge to mark the occasion.
Fancy dress is encouraged, so get creative — but remember to make sure anything you wear in the water is safe and suitable for swimming.
Whether you're a regular open water swimmer or want to experience a themed swim at Longside Lake, this is one you won't want to miss.
Save the date: Sunday 1st November, 4pm–6pm.
Autumn Has Arrived at Longside Lake
The transition from summer into autumn is one of the best times to experience open water swimming.
The air is cooler, the water temperature begins to drop and your swim can feel completely different to those warm summer mornings.
If you're continuing to swim through autumn and into winter, it's important to adapt your routine and make sure you're prepared for colder water.
Think about taking your time getting in, listening to your body, having warm layers ready for afterwards and making use of the sauna to help you warm up after your swim.
If you're new to colder-water swimming, there's no need to rush. Gradually getting used to lower temperatures and understanding how your body responds is key.
New to open water swimming?
We've put together a helpful guide covering how to participate in open water and wild swimming safely around Surrey and London.
Read the full guide here.
October Timetable
As we move into autumn, our swimming and sauna opening hours change slightly.
Why not make a morning or afternoon of it? Enjoy a swim, warm up in the sauna and grab something from the lake café afterwards.
Swimming
|
Day |
Times |
|
Monday |
4pm – 6pm |
|
Tuesday |
No Swim |
|
Wednesday |
7am – 10am |
|
Thursday |
No Swim |
|
Friday |
2pm – 6pm |
|
Saturday |
8am – 10am |
|
Sunday |
8am – 10am |
Sauna Opening Hours
|
Day |
Times |
|
Monday |
12pm – 8pm |
|
Wednesday |
6am – 7pm |
|
Friday |
12pm – 8pm |
|
Saturday |
8am – 8pm |
|
Sunday |
8am – 6pm |
Embrace the Colder Water
There's something special about swimming outdoors as the seasons change.
The crisp autumn air, cooler water and quieter mornings create a completely different experience from summer swimming.
And if you're already a regular swimmer, autumn is the perfect time to start preparing for those colder winter swims.
Swim. Sauna. Refuel. Repeat.
We'll see you at the lake this October.