
Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool
A historic 1870s lido offering a refreshing outdoor swimming experience with family-friendly facilities and a relaxed holiday vibe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Quieter swims await

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool
Best Time
Quieter swims await

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1870s lido offering a refreshing outdoor swimming experience with family-friendly facilities and a relaxed holiday vibe.
"This pool feels like a holiday!"

🚗 Parking Strategy
No on-site parking. Use Abbey Grounds car park & walk 5-10 mins.
🧺 Bring Your Own Food
Cafe available, but feel free to pack a picnic!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Lido Charm
Main Pool
Experience one of the UK's oldest lidos, offering a refreshing dip with a touch of history.

Family Fun Zone
Children's Pool
A dedicated shallow pool with toys and a small slide in the main pool for younger swimmers.

Relaxed Atmosphere
Poolside Seating
Enjoy ample seating and a laid-back vibe, perfect for a summer's day out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Parking & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
No on-site parking. Use Abbey Grounds car park & walk 5-10 mins.
🧺 Bring Your Own Food
Cafe available, but feel free to pack a picnic!
⏰ No Time Limits
Enjoy your swim without rushing; stay as long as you like!
💧 Water Temperature
Heated to ~26°C, can feel cool initially.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
No on-site parking. Use Abbey Grounds car park & walk 5-10 mins.
🧺 Bring Your Own Food
Cafe available, but feel free to pack a picnic!
⏰ No Time Limits
Enjoy your swim without rushing; stay as long as you like!
💧 Water Temperature
Heated to ~26°C, can feel cool initially.
💳 Shower Costs
Showers are available but require payment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool for its historic charm, clean facilities, and friendly, helpful staff and volunteers. The dedicated children's pool and lack of time limits are highlights for families. Some find the water temperature a bit cool initially, and parking requires using nearby car parks.
"Great first experience and swim. I was a bit wary about trying, but couldn't have been more impressed. From Ian helping on the phone with extra accommodations to greeting me in person. Thanks also to Tam and Sally for helping me set up an account with patience.
The pool was lovely and clean, changing rooms spotless and a lovely atmosphere.
I am recovering from a slipped disc in my back, the whole team were lovely and caring to the point that a male lifeguard took the time to check in that I was ok.
Really lovely place with a great vibe.
Thank you!"
Cécile Petas
"Visited on 26/8/25 bank holiday Monday (28 degrees) , arrived around 4.30pm and only had to wait 5 minutes to get in. The staff were lovely and the pool was clean and well maintained. Water did feel a little chilly but once you was in it soon warmed up.
Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area."
Crystal
"Excellent place; staff, lifeguards and volunteers are very friendly and helpful; pool is large, clean and warm and; pools have a good range of depths, from a baby/toddler pool to a pool with shallow and deep sections for all swimming abilities. Facilities are on site including: changing areas, toilets, lockers, showers, benches, floatation devices and a food and drink shack.
Online booking and drop-in sessions are both easy to do.
However, no parking is available dedicated to the Open Air Pool, so car parks nearby must be used to then walk to the destination."
Chloe Kennington
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The pool is located in Cirencester. While there's no dedicated on-site parking, visitors can use nearby car parks such as Abbey Grounds and enjoy a short 5-10 minute walk to the pool.
Parking is not available directly at the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool. You'll need to use public car parks in the town, with Abbey Grounds being a convenient option.
While specific bike racks aren't mentioned, cycling is a great option for locals. You can cycle to the vicinity and secure your bike nearby before heading to the pool.
For those driving, plan to use town car parks. If you're local, cycling or walking are excellent, eco-friendly ways to reach the Cirencester open air pool.
Cirencester has bus services, and you can check local routes to see if they stop near the town center, from where it's a manageable walk to the open air swimming pool.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book sessions online in advance or opt for drop-in sessions, subject to availability. Online booking is recommended, especially for busy periods.
Opening hours vary seasonally and by day. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date Cirencester swimming pool opening times.
No, there are no time limits on your stay once you've entered for a swimming session, allowing you to relax and enjoy the facilities.
Admission prices can vary. A family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) paid around £16 for an extended swim, but it's advisable to check their current pricing for the most accurate information.
While online booking is encouraged, it's wise to confirm their payment methods for drop-in sessions. Some facilities may prefer card payments.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The pool offers clean changing areas, toilets, lockers, paid showers, a children's pool with toys, a small slide in the main pool, and a snack shack. Plenty of seating is also provided.
The pool is heated to approximately 26°C. While heated, some visitors find it can still feel a little cool initially, but it warms up once you're in.
Yes, lifeguards are present to ensure safety. Staff and volunteers are also noted for being friendly and helpful.
Absolutely! Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. There are no bins provided, so you'll need to take your rubbish home with you.
Yes, there's a dedicated children's pool with toys, making it a great spot for families with little ones. The main pool also has shallow sections.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic architecture of the lido, the vibrant atmosphere of swimmers enjoying the water, and the surrounding greenery. The poolside seating areas also offer nice framing.
Generally, personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are permitted. Always be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
Action shots of people swimming, candid moments of families enjoying themselves, and wider scenic shots of the pool on a sunny day are all great options.
Drone usage is typically restricted at public swimming facilities to ensure safety and privacy. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more pleasant photography conditions. Sunny days will bring out the vibrant colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to factor in the parking situation, as you'll likely need to use a nearby car park and walk a short distance. Bringing your own picnic is a great idea, as the pool encourages it and it can help manage costs. The friendly staff and lifeguards contribute to a safe and welcoming environment, making it a stress-free experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's a small charge for showers, the overall admission price is reasonable, especially for families. By utilizing public car parks and packing a picnic, you can significantly reduce your expenses while still enjoying a fantastic day out at this historic lido.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Dip into History
Visiting this historic site provides a nostalgic experience, transporting you back to a simpler time of outdoor recreation. It’s more than just a swimming pool; it’s a community hub that has served generations. The blend of historical significance and modern-day enjoyment makes it a special destination for both locals and visitors seeking a unique outdoor swimming experience.
Family-Friendly Fun
The pool's commitment to family enjoyment is evident in its thoughtful facilities. While showers incur a small fee, the overall experience, including the availability of flotation devices and the absence of time limits, makes it a stress-free outing. Visitors often praise the friendly staff and lifeguards, who contribute to a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
Practicalities for Your Visit
While there's a snack shack, the pool welcomes visitors to bring their own food and drinks, which can be a great way to save money. Be aware that you'll need to take all your rubbish home with you, as bins are not provided, reflecting a commitment to recycling and cleanliness. Showers are available but come with a charge, so factor that into your plans if you intend to use them.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit