Clevedon Marine Lake

A Brief History of the lake we use:

Early Beginnings

Sea bathing became popular in Clevedon from 1823, when bathing machines appeared adjacent to the Pier. In 1828, Samuel Taylor built a private sea pool north of the pier, which later collapsed by 1905.
In 1896, a proposal to enclose Salthouse Bay to create a marine lake was dismissed by local authorities as unrealistic.

Councillor Frederick Robert Nutting revived the idea in October 1926, leading to full approval by mid-1927.
Construction by J Moore & Co. of Nailsea began in early 1928. The lake opened for use by August 1928, fully inaugurated on 30 March 1929 by Bristol’s Lord Mayor W. H. Eyles.
The lake featured an 875 ft promenade, changing rooms, diving boards, decking huts, deckchairs, bandstand — becoming a flagship Victorian seaside attraction.

The Clevedon Amateur Swimming Club (CASC) formed in January 1929, hosting major galas and affiliating with the ASA. A water‑polo team thrived until the 1950s.
Every summer saw vibrant boat, swimming, and recital events.

With overseas holidays more affordable in the 1970s–80s, visitor interest plummeted. Financial support waned, rains went unrepaired, steps removed, and swimming was eventually banned.
Nevertheless, the Clevedon Sailing Club continued using the lake, helping maintain its presence in the community.

In 2004, Councillor Arthur Knott founded MARLENS (Marine Lake Enthusiasts) to restore the site. A community programme brought back sailing, canoeing, open‑water swimming, model‑boat sailing and annual festivals.
A £800k–£1m Heritage Lottery-funded refurbishment took place in 2015, reinforcing the seawall, re‑installing sluices, resurfacing the promenade, adding a toddlers’ splash pool, accessibility ramps, and a swimmers’ island.
The reopening was timed for April, to honour its 1929 anniversary, and MARLENS received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2016.

Today, Clevedon Marine Lake is recognised as the UK's largest seawater infinity pool, free to visit, open year-round, and cherished for its heritage and scenic location.
The MARLENS charity continues managing the site, with recent £95k lottery funding (2024) focused on sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement.
It’s popular with long-distance swimmers, paddleboarders, canoeists, model boaters, and schools; it's also a filming location for TV shows like Broadchurch and Sanditon.