Looking for the best outdoor swimming spots and paddling places in Yorkshire for families?

From wild swimming in the Yorkshire Dales to free paddling pools, riverside beaches, waterfalls and open-air lidos, Yorkshire is packed with fantastic places to cool down on a warm day.

Whether you’re planning a full family day out, a woodland walk with a paddle stop, or searching for safe places for children to splash and play, this guide includes more than 30 of the best outdoor swimming and paddling spots across North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York and the Yorkshire Coast.

You’ll find:

• Family-friendly river paddling spots
• Outdoor swimming pools and lidos
• Wild swimming locations in Yorkshire
• Waterfalls and shallow streams for paddling
• Free paddling pools for younger children
• Yorkshire beaches perfect for paddling and swimming

Please always supervise children closely around water, check local safety guidance before visiting, and confirm opening times before travelling.

Outdoor Swimming & Paddling in North Yorkshire

Outdoor Swimming & River Paddling at Burnsall | Yorkshire Dales

Where: BD23 6BN
Cost: £8 per car (cash) or £10 by card

Burnsall is one of the most popular family paddling spots in the Yorkshire Dales and a fantastic place for outdoor swimming and riverside picnics on a warm day.

Families can park right beside the River Wharfe in a privately owned riverside field, making it easy to carry towels, picnic gear and paddling toys without a long walk. The shallow areas near the banks are ideal for supervised paddling, while older children and confident swimmers often enjoy deeper sections of the river.

Facilities usually include toilets and an ice cream van during the summer season.

Find out more: Burnsall Swimming Blog Post

River Paddling at Bolton Abbey | Skipton

Where: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AL
Cost: £12.50 per car when pre-booked

Bolton Abbey is one of the best family days out in Yorkshire for riverside paddling, scenic walks and picnics.

Children love splashing beside the famous stepping stones near the Priory ruins, while parents can relax along the banks of the River Wharfe. Although swimming is not currently allowed, paddling remains one of the highlights of a visit during warmer weather.

There are also beautiful riverside walks, woodland trails and open moorland paths to explore, alongside takeaway food, cafés and ice cream kiosks.

Find out more: Our review of Bolton Abbey

Valley Gardens Paddling Pool | Harrogate | Currently Closed

Where: Valley Drive, Harrogate HG1 2SZ
Cost: Free

Valley Gardens is one of the best free family days out in North Yorkshire and a brilliant spot for younger children to cool down in summer.

Alongside the popular paddling pool, families will find beautiful Grade II listed gardens, woodland walks, a skate park, café and a large play area. The shallow paddling area is especially popular with toddlers and younger children during hot weather.

Sunday afternoon band concerts also take place throughout the summer months, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Find out more: Valley Gardens Harrogate

River Paddling at Hackfall Woods | Near Ripon

Where: Grewelthorpe, North Yorkshire
Cost: Free

Hackfall Woods combines one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful woodland walks with a hidden riverside paddling spot perfect for families.

After following scenic woodland trails through the gorge, you’ll eventually reach a sandy area beside the River Ure where children can paddle, play and explore. The ruins of Mowbray Castle overlooking the river make it feel particularly magical.

This is an ideal choice for families looking to combine a walk, picnic and paddle all in one day out.

Find out more: Hackfall Woods Website

Bebra Gardens Paddling Pool | Knaresborough | Currently Closed

Where: Brewerton Street, Knaresborough HG5 8BB
Cost: Free

Located beside Castle Gardens in Knaresborough, the Bebra Gardens paddling pool is a lovely free spot for younger children on sunny days.

The paddling pool overlooks the valley below and is close to the riverside, cafés and castle area, making it easy to combine with a full family day out in Knaresborough.

Buckden Beck Waterfalls | Yorkshire Dales

Hidden behind the main village car park in Buckden, this beautiful series of waterfalls and shallow pools is one of the best wild paddling spots in the Yorkshire Dales.

The beck flows down from Buckden Pike through a small wooded valley, creating lots of places for children to paddle, splash and explore. It’s especially popular during warm summer weekends, although the water can still feel refreshingly cold even on hot days.

Find out more: Buckden Beck Waterfalls Walk

River Paddling at Aysgarth Falls | Leyburn

Where: Leyburn DL8 3TH
Parking: Around £3.50 for two hours

Aysgarth Falls is one of the most famous waterfall walks in Yorkshire and a fantastic place for a family paddle on a warm day.

The walk takes you alongside the River Ure with plenty of viewpoints, woodland paths and quieter spots where children can safely paddle along the riverbank. While the waterfalls themselves can be powerful, there are calmer shallow areas further along the trails ideal for supervised splashing and stone skimming.

Toilets and parking are available nearby.

Find out more: Aysgarth Falls

Linton Falls Paddle | Near Grassington

Where: Near Grassington, Yorkshire Dales
Cost: Free

Linton Falls is a brilliant Yorkshire Dales walk for families and especially beautiful during summer when the water levels are lower and the pools become clearer.

There are opportunities for paddling further downstream from the main waterfall and lots of places to sit for a picnic beside the river. The walk itself is relatively short and easy, making it ideal for younger children.

Find out more: Linton Falls Waterfall Walk

Helmsley Open Air Pool | Helmsley

Where: Baxton’s Sprunt, Helmsley YO62 5HT
Cost: Child £3.95, Adult £6.25, Spectator £2.50

Helmsley Open Air Pool is Yorkshire’s only heated outdoor swimming pool and one of the best places in Yorkshire for outdoor family swimming.

The 25m heated pool is surrounded by lawns perfect for relaxing, sunbathing or picnicking while children swim. Families will also find free parking and a nearby play area.

It’s a great option if you love the idea of outdoor swimming without the cold temperatures of rivers and lakes.

Find out more: Helmsley Open Air Pool

Borrage Green Pool | Ripon | Currently Closed

Where: Harrogate Road, Ripon HG4 2JH
Cost: Free

Borrage Green Pool is a simple but popular free paddling pool near Ripon town centre.

Located beside a play area and open green space, it’s a good option for younger children during warm weather and easy to combine with a visit into Ripon itself.

Stream paddling | Kettlewell, North Yorkshire

Where: Kettlewell BD23 5QX
Parking: Around £3.50 for two hours

Kettlewell is one of the prettiest villages in the Yorkshire Dales and a lovely place for riverside paddling and a relaxed family day out.

Families will find shallow areas along the river perfect for paddling, alongside cafés, pubs, ice cream stops and a village playground. It’s especially popular during summer holidays thanks to its combination of scenery and easy access to the water.

Find out more: Kettlewell

Janet’s Foss Paddle | Malham

Where: Malham, Skipton BD23 4DG
Cost: Free

Janet’s Foss is one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful waterfall walks and a popular place for paddling and wild swimming.

The walk from Malham village is relatively easy and mostly flat, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the stream for a paddle before reaching the waterfall itself. Brave visitors often swim beneath the waterfall pool during warmer weather, although the water remains cold year-round.

This is one of the most picturesque outdoor swimming spots in Yorkshire.

Find out more: Janet’s Foss Walk

Ingleton Open Air Pool | Ingleton

Where: Near Ingleton Youth Hostel LA6 3EG
Cost: Under 3s £1, Children £5.50, Adults £7.50

Ingleton Pool is a heated outdoor swimming pool in the Yorkshire Dales and a brilliant family-friendly lido during summer.

The 20m outdoor pool sits beside a playground and grassy picnic area, with direct river access nearby for paddling too. Advance booking is usually essential during warm weather and school holidays.

It’s one of the best outdoor pools in Yorkshire for families wanting a full day out.

Find out more: Ingleton Pool

Outdoor Swimming & Paddling in West Yorkshire

Ilkley Lido | Ilkley

Where: Ilkley Pool and Lido, Denton Road, Ilkley LS29 0BZ
Cost: Adult £9.50, Junior £4.90

Ilkley Lido is one of Yorkshire’s best-known outdoor swimming pools and a favourite summer destination for families.

The large unheated outdoor pool is surrounded by grassy areas ideal for picnics and relaxing. There is also a café on site and family changing facilities available.

Located in the spa town of Ilkley, it’s easy to combine with cafés, parks and riverside walks nearby.

Find out more: Ilkley Lido Website

Outdoor Swimming at Jerusalem Farm | Halifax

Where: Halifax HX2 6XB
Cost: Free

Jerusalem Farm is a hidden gem in West Yorkshire for families looking for woodland walks and quiet riverside paddling.

After a short walk from the car park, you’ll reach a peaceful stretch of river ideal for paddling, picnics and wildlife spotting. The surrounding woodland trails are perfect for den building and exploring too.

This is one of the quieter paddling spots in Yorkshire and feels wonderfully tucked away.

Find out more: Jerusalem Farm Website

Outdoor swimming at the Highest beach in England at Gaddings Dam | Todmorden

Where: Near Todmorden
Cost: Free

Known as the highest beach in England, Gaddings Dam is one of Yorkshire’s most unique wild swimming spots.

Located high on the moors between Todmorden and Walsden, this reservoir has a small sandy beach and attracts swimmers during hot summer weather. It’s more suited to older children and adults due to the steep walk and lack of facilities.

The hike up is worth it for the views alone.

Find out more: Gaddings Dam

River Paddling at Hardcastle Crags | Hebden Bridge

Where: Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AP
Cost: Free entry, parking £5

Hardcastle Crags is a fantastic National Trust family walk with riverside paddling spots throughout the valley.

Children love crossing the stepping stones near Gibson Mill and paddling in the shallow sections of Hebden Water. There are woodland trails, picnic spots and a café, making it an easy full day out.

It’s especially beautiful during summer when the trees provide shade along the valley floor.

Find out more: Hardcastle Crags 

Mirror Pool at City Park | Bradford

Where: Sunbridge Road, Bradford BD1 1SD
Cost: Free

City Park’s Mirror Pool is the largest urban water feature in the UK and hugely popular with younger children during summer.

Jets of water spray up from the ground throughout the day, creating a fun splash zone in the centre of Bradford. It’s ideal for toddlers and younger children who want to cool down without deeper water.

The surrounding cafés and city centre location also make it easy for a quick family outing.

Find out more: City Park Bradford

Outdoor Swimming & Paddling in York

Water Wars at York Maze | York

Where: Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT
Cost: Tickets from £24.50

York Maze is packed with outdoor summer fun for families, including one of the best water play areas in Yorkshire.

Alongside giant slides, jumping pillows and adventure play, children can take part in Water Wars — a hilarious water balloon battle game where players try to hit targets using water cannons. There is also a dedicated sand and water play area for younger visitors.

Perfect for families wanting an action-packed summer day out.

Find out more: York Maze

Outdoor Swimming & Watersports at Allerthorpe Lake | York

Where: Melbourne Road, Allerthorpe YO42 4RL
Cost: Admission from £3 plus activity charges

Allerthorpe Lake Park is one of the best watersports destinations in Yorkshire for families.

Visitors can try paddleboarding, kayaking, pedalos and open water swimming, while younger children can paddle in the designated shallow areas during summer. There’s also an aquapark, play area, café and lots of green space around the lake.

The sandy-bottomed lake is popular with both families and outdoor swimmers.

Find out more: Allerthorpe Lake Park

Outdoor Swimming & Paddling in South Yorkshire

Stream Paddling at Glen Howe Park | Sheffield

Where: Wharncliffe Side, Sheffield S35 0DG
Cost: Free

Glen Howe Park is a lovely woodland park in Sheffield with a shallow stream perfect for supervised paddling.

Families will also find woodland trails, open green space, a playground and picnic areas. It’s particularly good for younger children wanting a safe place to splash and explore.

River Paddling at Rivelin Valley Nature Trail | Sheffield

Where: Sheffield S6 5FG
Cost: Free parking

Rivelin Valley Nature Trail combines waterfalls, stepping stones and riverside paddling with one of Sheffield’s best family walks.

There are lots of shallow spots to paddle, quiet picnic areas and nearby cafés and playgrounds. Some sections are also suitable for pushchairs if starting near the café entrance.

Find out more: Rivelin Valley Nature Trail

Clifton Park Splash Area | Rotherham

Where: Doncaster Road, Rotherham S65 2BH
Cost: Free

Clifton Park is much more than a paddling stop — it’s a full family day out.

Alongside the free splash area, families can enjoy rides, playgrounds, green space and Clifton Park Museum. It’s one of the best free water play areas in South Yorkshire for younger children.

River Paddling at Padley Gorge | Peak District

Where: Hope Valley S32 1DA
Parking: Free roadside parking or nearby paid parking

Padley Gorge is one of the best woodland paddling spots near Sheffield and perfect for adventurous families.

Children can climb rocks, paddle through shallow streams and explore beneath the trees while adults enjoy the peaceful Peak District scenery. The water is generally shallow rather than suitable for swimming, making it ideal for paddling and splashing.

Find out more: Padley Gorge

Outdoor Swimming & Paddling – Yorkshire Coast

Whitby Paddling Pool | Whitby

Where: West Cliff, Whitby
Cost: Free

Whitby’s free paddling pool on West Cliff is one of the most popular family splash spots on the Yorkshire coast.

Located close to the beach, toilets and snack kiosks, it’s ideal for younger children wanting to cool off without heading into the sea.

Bridlington Paddling Pool | South Beach

Where: South Beach, Bridlington
Cost: Free

The South Beach paddling pool in Bridlington overlooks the seafront and is a brilliant stop for younger children.

Families can combine the pool with beach walks, arcades, fish and chips or a traditional seaside day out.

Sea Paddling at Danes Dyke | Flamborough

Where: Flamborough YO15 1AA
Parking: Around £2.90 all day

Danes Dyke is a beautiful sheltered beach near Bridlington with shallow water ideal for paddling and exploring rock pools.

The wooded walk down to the beach adds to the adventure and there are toilets and a snack bar nearby during busy periods.

Find out more: Danes Dyke

Where: Flamborough, Bridlington YO15 1AA

Wild Swimming at Saltwick Bay | Whitby

Where: Whitby YO22 4JU
Parking: Around £7 for six hours

Saltwick Bay is one of the best Yorkshire coast beaches for older children and sea swimming.

At high tide, the water becomes deep enough for confident swimmers fairly quickly, while low tide reveals rock pools and shallow areas ideal for paddling and exploring. It’s also a great spot for fossil hunting and wildlife spotting.

Find out more: Saltwick Bay

Filey Paddling Pool | Filey

Where: Royal Parade, Filey YO14 9JY
Cost: Free

Filey’s paddling pool is a fantastic free option for younger children visiting the Yorkshire coast.

The gated pool sits close to the beach and promenade, making it easy to combine with a traditional seaside day out.

More places For Outdoor Swimming & Paddling in Yorkshire

The following places were suggested by Yorkshire Tots to Teens Readers

• Eastergate Bridge in Marsden
• Experience Barnsley: Museum & Discovery Centre water fountains
• Newmillerdam Country Park “There’s a nice bit by the bridge at the far end to paddle in,” says Claire.

Looking for more places for outdoor swimming? Jenny Lynn from Peak District kids has complied a post for wild swimming in the Peak District. She says “Youlgreave, Chatsworth and Slippery Stones are best for kids. Youlgreave is easily the best though as there’s a designated swim area in the river and a little further up, paddling.”

More Places to go Swimming in & around Yorkshire

Have we missed your favourite spot for cooling down on a hot day?  Let us know in the comments below!

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