Somewhere for wild swimming Howardian Hills/ Yorkshire moors

[wherethewildthingis]

Hi,
We are soon having a week in a lodge at Griffon Forest just outside York.
I would really like somewhere nice with shallow water to take our son for a paddle or a little swim.
All of the places recommended seem to be up by Skipton which is a long way from where we are. Does anyone know someone over on the Eastern side of Yorkshire?
Thanks

Cod beck reservoir near osmotherley is lovely. You can't really paddle in it but if you head past it away from the village there's a beck that's lovely for paddling. Bit shallow for actuel swimming but great for kids and picnics.

www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/gormire-lake/ Not been myself but have a friend who is keen.

How old is your son?
You can paddle at Dalby Forest or Thornton le Dale but definitely too shallow for swimming! There's also supposed to be a little beach on the River Ouse near Benningborough Hall and also a bit of the river at Tadcaster that I've seen lots of pictures of on Facebook in the last couple of months.
Not been but there is paddling and lake swimming at Allerthorpe Lake but entry needs pre booking.

Or just go to the coast as you are staying close to the A64, just go really early before it gets too busy!!

You can easily swim in the river at Kirkham Abbey - it's quite a popular spot for it, and the nearby pub - The Stone Trough - has reopened and has a fab beer garden.

There are plenty of spots for paddling east of York - Sinnington, Hovingham (there's a great park here too), Howsham, Settrington, Menethorpe (although I think some of the roads around there are closed this week).

Allerthorpe Lake has reopened (I think you'll still need to book though) and Wykeham Lake is also open.

If you're staying at Griffon Park then Howsham or Kirkham are probably the closest to you.

Second Allerthorpe lake - we go there lots, but you do have to book. You can hire pedalos etc, feed the fish, and go paddling and swimming.

Bit further away is Falling Foss - not been but dying to, there's a lovely little tea shop (check its open), and you can paddle or swim there by the waterfall.