Outdoor pools, paddling pools and lidos across Kent to enjoy this summer as The Strand, Gillingham is set to open

A popular outdoor pool has announced when it is opening again for the 2022 season.

The Strand in Gillingham celebrated its 125th anniversary last year and remains a firm favourite with families. It boasts a leisure pool, 25-metre swim area, 300-metre lazy river and children’s slides.

The Strand outdoor pool in Gillingham reopens later this month
The Strand outdoor pool in Gillingham reopens later this month

The outdoor lido is not artificially heated and is a saltwater pool. It is said to be unique in the UK as the only riverside pool that uses filtered salt water.

The pool will open for the season on Saturday, May 28. It will be open weekends only until Monday, July 25, when both the lido pool and outside paddling pool will be open daily for the summer holidays until September 1.

You must prebook a session online before you arrive and days will be split into two sessions - 10.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

To book click here.

We've picked five other places in Kent where you can enjoy some outdoor fun in the water this summer.

Faversham outdoor paddling pool

The outdoor pool at Faversham Picture: Poppy Boorman/Faversham Pools
The outdoor pool at Faversham Picture: Poppy Boorman/Faversham Pools

The hugely popular heated pool is now open all year-round for outdoor swimming. Faversham Pools' heated lido was formerly in use for just four months of the year. But the popularity of open-air swimming prompted new manager Jon Lazenby to trial opening for ‘sunset swims’ at the end of last year.

It was a success and now the pool - which is heated to approximately 19 degrees - is now open throughout the year for adult-only swims at dusk.

From April 1, these opening hours have extended to include more evenings, along with weekend and family sessions.

To book your swimming slot click here.

Walmer Padding Pool

Families pictured enjoying Walmer Paddling pool Photo: Matt McArdle
Families pictured enjoying Walmer Paddling pool Photo: Matt McArdle

The community facility is open from May until September.

There is an ice cream kiosk, plenty of inflatables and water shooters. A new adventure golf course alongside the paddling pool is due to open later this year

The site in Marine Road, Walmer, is open from 10am.

Go to the Facebook page to find out more.

Tonbridge Pool

The outdoor pool at Tonbridge Swimming Pool Photo: Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
The outdoor pool at Tonbridge Swimming Pool Photo: Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

This outdoor has opened for the season and will be open until September. It is a heated pool with water arch, beach area and a swim through channel to the indoor pools. A booking band system is in place and customers are limited to a maximum 90 minute stay.

To book click here.

Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Cliftonville

Walpole Bay tidal pool
Walpole Bay tidal pool

Walpole Bay is the largest tidal pool in the UK at 1,600 sq m. Built so people can bathe in the sea at all states of the tides, this listed four acre site is owned by English Heritage was designed in 1937.

It's Facebook page warns swimmer to be prepared: "Please note that this tidal pool is cold so come prepared, there are no changing rooms and it does not have a lifeguard. It is wild, free and filled by the sea."

Find out more by visiting the Walpole Swimmers Facebook page.

The Beach, Bluewater

The Beach has been running at Bluewater for the last five years
The Beach has been running at Bluewater for the last five years

Bluewater has yet to announce if its popular attraction The Beach will be back this summer. The outdoor family attraction has paddling pools and water balls for extra fun, along with deck chairs to relax on and fairground rides. The attraction has been running for the last five years and usually opens in July in time for the school holidays.

For updates, check the Bluewater website.

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