Outdoor swimming pools have been told they can reopen for the summer. Here are 11 in Devon - check their websites for information about their reopening plans.
Outdoor pools provide all the pleasure of swimming outdoors, without waves and jellyfish. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, please check lido websites for the latest opening times, which may alter as lockdown restrictions fluctuate.
1. Shoalstone Seawater Pool, Brixham
This 53-metre saltwater swimming pool sits on the edge of the ocean. Built into a natural rock pool that the Victorians used for bathing; in 1896, walls were erected to contain water brought in by the tide, then in 1926, rock was removed to transform it into its current form: a unique outdoor pool.
Entry: £2 voluntary donation per swim
Facilities: Shower, changing rooms and cafe overlooking the bay
Satnav: TQ5 9FT
2. Tinside Lido, Plymouth
Voted one of Europe’s best outdoor pools, this Grade II-listed, art deco lido was built in 1935 and restored in 2005. The pool is a good size (55m wide), filled with saltwater and contains fountains, but best of all, it overlooks the ocean.
Entry: £5 per adult, £4 per child
Facilities: Access for disabled swimmers, changing rooms and cafe.
Satnav: PL1 3DE
3. Mount Wise Pools, Plymouth
A series of free pools beside the ocean , including a 25m main pool, a paddling pool and an activity pool for kids that contains a whirlpool, bubble pool and fountains.
Entry: Free
Facilities: Cafe; changing area; shower; level access with a ‘beach-style’ entry to the activity and paddling pools.
Satnav: PL1 4HG
4. The Rock Pool, Westward Ho!
A tidal seawater pool at the southern end of Westward Ho! beach. Used for bathing by the Victorians, this pool was renovated in 2003 and 2015. Surrounded by rocks and the ocean (when the tide is in), taking a dip here is an unforgettable experience. Check tide times before heading out: avoid the highest tide when the pool is submerged for two hours.
Entry: Free
Facilities: The Rock Pool Cafe is close by.
Satnav: EX39 1GZ
If these pools are not open yet why not try these great Devon beaches for swimming?
5. Teignmouth Lido
A 25m heated outdoor pool on the seafront close to the train station. This family friendly pool is lifeguarded, offers regular kids swimming sessions and has a kids play area.
Entry: £4.90 per adult; £2.60 per child
Facilities: Refreshment kiosk
Satnav: TQ14 8TA
6. Moretonhampstead Pool, Dartmoor
A 25m heated outdoor pool in this small moorland town. The high moor is a ten minute drive to the west, so why not head up there for a walk or a meal at the Warren House Inn (PL20 6TA) before your swim. ‘General’ swim sessions for families are in the afternoon.
Entry: £4 per adult; £3 per child
Facilities: Changing area; showers; refreshments; cafes and pubs in Moretonhampstead.
Satnav: TQ13 8LG
7. Chudleigh Pool, nr Newton Abbot
A 20m heated outdoor pool at Chudleigh Primary School that is run by the community and open to the public (in the evening and during the afternoon at weekends and during school holidays). The pool currently has a disabled changing room and ramps and is raising money for a hoist to allow full access.
Entry: £4.50 per adult; £3 per child
Facilities: Drinks and snacks at the kiosk
Satnav: TQ13 0LS
8. Dartmouth Pool
A 25m heated outdoor pool on the edge of Dartmouth. This is a family friendly, lifeguarded pool with floats and inflatables available to hire and swim gear for babies for sale. Swimmers are welcome to picnic on the grass area.
Entry: £4.50 per adult; £3.70 per child
Facilities: Changing rooms; hot showers; refreshments and snacks.
Satnav: TQ6 9HW
9. Cornwall House Outdoor Pool, Exeter
A 25m heated outdoor pool behind Cornwall House on the university’s Streatham Campus. The pool is lifeguarded and open to members of the public. There is a large grass and patio area, where swimmers are welcome to sunbathe and enjoy a picnic.
Entry: £4 per adult; £3 per child
Facilities: Changing rooms; showers.
Satnav: EX4 6TG
sport.exeter.ac.uk
10. Ashburton Pool, nr Totnes
A heated, 21-metre, outdoor pool on the southern fringe of Dartmoor . Ashburton is a small town, known for its antique shops and proximity to the moor. There is no parking at the pool, so park in the town, which is a 5 minute walk.
Entry: £4.50 per adult; £2.50 per child
Facilities: Games and picnic field; cafe
11. Chagford Pool, Dartmoor
This gem is a heated, river-fed pool in north-east Dartmoor . Situated on the banks of the River Teign, with hills in the distance, it is run by the locals of Chagford town, which is a ten minute walk away and well worth visiting.
Entry: £4 per adult; £2 per child
Facilities: Tea shed; hot showers; Chagford’s pubs and cafes close by.
Satnav: TQ13 8DA
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