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Lakes, Reservoirs & Riversides in Cardiff

If you fancy swapping the paddling pool for proper open water, Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs is the obvious start. It is free to get in, sits a short drive out from the centre, and covers sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming across two stretches of water, with walking trails looping round if you'd rather stay dry. Ages 6 to 18 covers most of the activity there, and there's a cafe and buggy-friendly bits like baby change if you're bringing younger ones along too. For something different, it's a longer trip out to Henleaze Lake in Bristol, a spring-fed lake with proper springboard and high diving. That one comes with a catch: you need to be able to swim 50 metres unaided before they'll let you in, so it suits confident older kids and adults rather than beginners. Booking is required too. Between the two, Lisvane & Llanishen is the easier, cheaper choice for a family morning; Henleaze is the one for stronger swimmers wanting something a bit more daring.

✓ 2 places✦ 1 free to visit