Five of the best outdoor pools in Gloucestershire

If you fancy taking a dip in one of Gloucestershire’s very best outdoor swimming pools, catch some sun while perfecting your backstroke at one of SoGlos.com’s favourite alfresco venues this summer.

When the weather heats up, there’s nothing like diving into the watery depths of an outdoor swimming pool to cool off with a leisurely lap or two.

Whether you’re looking for a serene place to paddle in peace, somewhere to soak up the sun, or a place to let the kids splash away their energy in the great outdoors, Gloucestershire has plenty of prime pools to pick from.

With SoGlos.com’s five favourite outdoor swimming pools all opening their doors in May, there’s never been a better time to take a deep breath and dive in.

Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham

Sandford Parks Lido is Gloucestershire’s most popular place for an outdoor swim. The lido has welcomed bathers into its waters for 70 years this summer, with its popularity with serious swimmers and families alike showing no signs of slowing down.

With slides, a 50 metre main pool, children’s pool and a paddling pool, as well as four acres to run around, Sandford Parks Lido is a prime place to take the kids – with admission prices costing £4.10 for adults and £2.10 for children.

For more information see Sandford Parks Lido, call (01242) 524430 or visit sandfordparkslido.org.uk directly.

Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud

When the sun starts to shine, Stroud’s swimmers head to Stratford Park Leisure Centre which will be celebrating its 75th anniversary this summer. As well as being home to indoor facilities galore, a 50 metre outdoor pool also welcomes those wanting to take a dip, with a trio of diving boards tempting the brave or showy.

Situated within the stunning surrounds of Stroud’s Stratford Park (one of Gloucestershire’s finest) pack a picnic for tucking into after a long swim – and with pool admission prices costing a very reasonable £2.80 for adults and £1.55 for children, a cheap and cheerful summer day out will be complete.

For more information see Stratford Park Leisure Centre or call (01453) 766771.

Wotton Pool in Wotton-under-Edge

First opened in 1961, the 20-metre Wotton-under-Edge Pool was originally built by teachers and pupils at a local school. It’s a lot warmer now (thanks to solar heating), and continues to be enormously popular with locals.

No longer at the mercy of the meteorologist, the pool was fitted with a retractable roof a number of years ago – which can be opened on hot days and shut on colder ones. So even if the British weather is playing up, swimmers can still count on a fun day out in Wotton.

For more information see Wotton-under-Edge Pool or call (01453) 842086.

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool

One of the oldest outdoor swimming pools in the UK, Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool was built in 1870 and continues to attract the crowds from May to September – thanks to its friendly atmosphere and balmy 27 degrees natural spring water.

Admission costs £3.80 for adults and £2 for children, and as well as a 28-metre main pool, there’s also a children’s paddling pool and tuck shop, not to mention the glorious Cirencester Park surroundings to take in.

For more information see Cirencester Open Air Pool or call (01285) 653947.

Bathurst Swimming Pool in Lydney

Given as a present to the ‘inhabitants of Lydney and Ashburton’ by the Bathurst family in 1920, Bathurst Swimming Pool in Lydney is considered to be one of Gloucestershire’s best kept secrets. So secret, in fact, that 2010’s opening times are still closely guarded – predicted to open at the end of May in 2010.

Spanning 41 metres, the Forest of Dean outdoor pool is run by volunteers and is open for ten weeks during the summer each year. Costing £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children, while exact opening times were to be confirmed at the time of publishing, judging by previous year’s popularity, this pool is one to keep an eye on as the weather warms up.

For more information see Bathurst Swimming Pool or call (01594) 842036.

Michelle Byrne
26 April 2010