A HOTEL near Bicester has opened purpose-built fitness facilities to bring in a new kind of punter.

Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa, in Chesterton, welcomed visitors to its outdoor 500m grass running track, a custom-made 200m swimming lake and an assault course on Saturday.

It will also open a new 'performance' gym soon, featuring 'premium' equipment that aims to appeal to training enthusiasts, amateur sports people and professional athletes.

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For the first time, people swam in the lake which is naturally fed by a borehole. Users can hire wetsuits as well as have swimming coaching.

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Visitor Eileen Percival used the site and left a positive review saying she would return.

She said: “Immaculate set up, clean and well organized facilities. Greeted immediately upon arrival to the new lake and felt very safe as measures were in place for Covid procedures. Beautiful surroundings, great time swimming and I cannot wait to come back.

“’I’m not the best swimmer, but I felt very safe with the buoy they gave me and the many exits along the lake and lifeguards constantly on watch.”

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Another user, Nick Brits, commented: “New outdoor lake is clean and well life guarded.

"Excellent information upon arrival and guidance for a first time open water swimmer.

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"Couldn’t recommend enough. Great job team.”

The lake is currently open from 7am to 7pm every day of the week with full lifeguard cover.

People can also challenge their fitness, strength and endurance at the hotel’s new 150m military-style assault course.

Supervised sessions are available and team building day options are on offer too.

Simon Banwell, general manager for spa health and fitness, said: “With this exciting launch, we are planning to attract a new demographic to our site. Those that are really serious about their training and performance improvement.

“To match the goals of this audience, we needed to ensure we could provide the highest quality of equipment.” The lake and assault course is open to members and non-members and visitors do not have to book.