Staying cool in the heat takes more than just fans and ice; it needs a calm state of mind. You will find the ultimate wellness retreat at the Watersedge, an hour from Birmingham, which boasts not only a huge wild-swimming lake but also everything from fire and ice therapy to yoga and Pilates.
Taking the plunge…
The 11-acre lake offers 750m, 300m, and 150m swim loops, but there’s a dipping area for those less confident—meaning every type of swimmer is welcome (over 18s only, though, I’m afraid). If you’re squeamish about wild swimming, be assured that the water quality has only ever been rated as ‘excellent’.
Heat up and cool off…
What sets Watersedge apart from the multitude of other outdoor swimming spots around Birmingham is that it comes with its very own saunas. Three, in fact. Two six-person saunas and one 10-person sauna sit lakeside, coming with ice cabin access and lake immersion.
This back-and-forth switching between heat and cold (also known as fire and ice therapy) is an ancient recovery technique that’s shown to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, support muscle recovery, and boost your mood. You can also book one of the wood-fired hot tubs on your visit.
Leave your stress behind…
From paddleboarding to spa treatments, what doesn’t Watersedge offer? You may go one day for a Reiki session, then return the following week for an aerial sound bath. The on-site studio runs weekly fitness sessions (from yoga to bungee fitness), as well as hosts regular special events (like the recent Solstice silent disco).
Spend the night…
If you think that it might be too far away a journey for just a day trip, then turn your trip into a mini-break. Watersedge has its very own lakeside hot tub lodges, shepherd huts, and a luxury 3-bed lakeview apartment where you can stay. Whatever you end up doing, you will leave your troubles behind at Watersedge…
You can learn all about Watersedge by heading to its website here.
