Over looked by the Cecily Hill Barracks, another Victorian building.
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Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool

4.6
·415 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter swims await

CrowdLow
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Over looked by the Cecily Hill Barracks, another Victorian building.

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter swims await

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(415 reviews)

"This pool feels like a holiday!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Lido Charm

Historic Lido Charm

Main Pool

Experience one of the UK's oldest lidos, offering a refreshing dip with a touch of history.

Instagram
Family Fun Zone

Family Fun Zone

Children's Pool

A dedicated shallow pool with toys and a small slide in the main pool for younger swimmers.

Reddit
Relaxed Atmosphere

Relaxed Atmosphere

Poolside Seating

Enjoy ample seating and a laid-back vibe, perfect for a summer's day out.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

To enjoy the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool with fewer people, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends and bank holidays, especially on warm days, can get busy, so booking ahead is wise if possible. Reddit

Parking & Facilities

On-site parking is limited, so be prepared to use nearby car parks like Abbey Grounds and walk a short distance. The pool offers clean changing rooms, showers (paid), and a snack shack, but you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter swims await
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Less crowded sessions
Crowd
Medium
When
Warm weekends
Why
Popular with families
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This pool feels like a holiday 🌞💦 #summer2025 #bankholidayvibes #cirencester #swimming #openairpool Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool
susanpaget
0 likes • 30 views

🚗 Parking Strategy

No on-site parking. Use Abbey Grounds car park & walk 5-10 mins. Reddit+1

🧺 Bring Your Own Food

Cafe available, but feel free to pack a picnic! Reddit

☀️ Summer in Cirencester just got better! 🌊 Looking for the perfect getaway with friends or family? Our beautiful holiday home sleeps 8 and is just a short stroll from the iconic Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool – one of the oldest lidos in the UK! 💦 📍 Whether you’re diving into history, soaking up the sun poolside, or exploring the charming Cotswolds, this is your ideal base. 🏡 Spacious, styl...
the_barbers_shop_holiday_let_
4 likes • 797 views

⏰ No Time Limits

Enjoy your swim without rushing; stay as long as you like! Reddit

💧 Water Temperature

Heated to ~26°C, can feel cool initially. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

No on-site parking. Use Abbey Grounds car park & walk 5-10 mins. Reddit+1

🧺 Bring Your Own Food

Cafe available, but feel free to pack a picnic! Reddit

⏰ No Time Limits

Enjoy your swim without rushing; stay as long as you like! Reddit

💧 Water Temperature

Heated to ~26°C, can feel cool initially. Reddit

💳 Shower Costs

Showers are available but require payment. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(415 reviews)

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

Historic lido atmosphere
Clean facilities
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Cool water temperature

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

While online booking is encouraged, it's wise to confirm their payment methods for drop-in sessions. Some facilities may prefer card payments. Reddit

🎫 🏊 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, lifeguards are present to ensure safety. Staff and volunteers are also noted for being friendly and helpful. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are permitted. Always be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool is a gem for families. The dedicated children's pool is a major draw, complete with toys to keep toddlers and younger children happily occupied. Reddit The main pool also features a small slide, adding an extra layer of excitement for kids. Parents will appreciate the ample seating areas for supervision and the fact that there are no time limits on your stay, allowing for a relaxed and unhurried family day out. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool offers excellent value. The no time limit policy means you can make the most of your admission fee, enjoying a full day of swimming and relaxation without feeling rushed. Reddit Furthermore, the pool allows visitors to bring their own food and drinks, which is a significant cost-saver compared to relying solely on on-site cafes. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Dip into History

The Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool is a cherished piece of local heritage, originally opening its doors in 1870. Instagram This makes it one of the oldest lidos in the UK, offering a unique chance to swim in a place steeped in history. The atmosphere is often described as feeling like a holiday, a testament to its enduring charm and appeal. Instagram

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. Instagram

Family-Friendly Fun

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool is a fantastic destination for families. It features a dedicated children's pool that is shallow and often equipped with toys to keep the little ones entertained. Reddit For slightly older children, the main pool offers a small slide, adding an extra element of fun to their swim. The overall environment is welcoming and relaxed, with ample seating areas where parents can supervise and enjoy the day. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Practicalities for Your Visit

When planning your visit to the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, keep a few practicalities in mind. Parking is a key consideration, as there is no dedicated on-site facility. Most visitors utilize nearby car parks, such as Abbey Grounds, and enjoy a short walk to the pool. Reddit+1 This means arriving a little earlier to secure a parking spot and make the short trek. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit Showers are available but come with a charge, so factor that into your plans if you intend to use them. Reddit

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