South Elmham Lakes Wild Swimming

South Elmham Lakes is a farm swim at Old Hall Farm on the Norfolk–Suffolk border, NOWCA pin Harleston IP20 0PS. Three spring-fed trout lakes in a wildflower meadow; one dedicated acre for swimming. Susie sells pre-booked group sessions on the farm site. Peak Open Water Sports run a separate NOWCA lifeguarded product on the same farm, 400m loop, from 2026. You go because the Waveney Valley actually has a ticketed spring-fed lake, not a river pin. You also go knowing the farm’s own sessions have no lifeguard. Deep water, out of your depth the whole time, group only, videos first.

Getting in

Farm bookings: swimming open July–October. “Swimming is open” on the homepage, 25 August 2026. Book at least an hour ahead, longer for popular slots. Open session, two people: £15 for one hour plus £5 each extra person; two hours £20 plus £8 each extra. Max 12, and that count includes spectators. Private: from £40 an hour or £60 for two hours. From seven people the open and private prices meet. Strong, confident swimmers only. Minimum age 14; 14+ with an adult 1:1. Named on the form or you are not on the land. No under-14s even as watchers.

No lone swimming. Watch both RLSS safety videos before the first visit. Tow float they provide, worn. Enter and exit only at the marked point. No wading the shallows — flint, weed, mud. Swim to the middle. No dogs, alcohol, boards, tents, BBQs.

Peak NOWCA sessions are the lifeguarded, coached option: ACTiO, £20 NOWCA year, tap in, tap out. That is Nicola Butler’s club, not Susie’s web form. Do not mix the two calendars.

The swim

A one-acre spring-fed hole in a meadow, trees round it, trout in the next lakes. Excellent water, regularly tested, they say. Temperature follows the weather. Basic changing. Parking is a five-minute walk. Often nobody else there when you arrive, which is the point and the risk. Safety kit is for a land-based rescue by your own group. Leave on time.

Peak’s 400m loop and “lake lanes” are the supervised version if you want a lifeguard and a coach rather than a private acre. Same farm, different rules, different ticket.

Worth knowing

This is not Lake 32. It is a farmer sharing a trout lake under insurance T&Cs. If you need a rescue boat and a café, book Peak or drive to Pitsford. If you want a quiet acre with your people and you can live with no lifeguard, this is the East of England pin that is not Waresley.

Membership sits on the farm site as a separate product; the live offer on 25 August was the group booking. Season ends October. After that you are waiting for July, or you are on a NOWCA band at Peak if they are still running. Phone 07879 697427. Do not turn up.