Kent’s outdoor pools and open-water swimming lakes

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

Whether you want to splash around in open lakes or lazily float around the pool on a lilo, a dip in the water can be just what you need on a hot summer’s day.

Dive headfirst into Kent’s outdoor swimming spots, from kids’ pools to beautiful lakes, with our handy guide…

Cool off this summer with a spot of open-water swimming or a dip in an outdoor pool

ACTION WATERSPORTS, Lydd

Enjoy a bracing swim in the freshwater lake at Action Watersports, an affordable aqua park with facilities for all ages. The lake is around 650 metres long, with markers to help you follow the course and regular exit points. You’ll get two hours to swim, there are toilets and changing rooms on-site, and you can hire wetsuits for £5. You can even bring your dog along to swim alongside you for free.

Details: Action Watersports at Lake 1, Dengemarsh Road, in Lydd. Prices start from £7. Book online here.

BEWL WATER, Lamberhurst

Take a moment to admire the spectacular views as you paddle around the picturesque Bewl Water. The open-water swimming sessions run every Saturday morning, with a chance to refuel afterwards with breakfast at the Waterfront Cafe overlooking the lake. On Saturday, June 21, there will be a special evening session to celebrate the summer solstice.

Details: Bewl Water at Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, in Wadhurst. Prices start from £8. Book online here.

The main outdoor pool in Faversham at sunset. Picture: Megan Carr

FAVERSHAM POOLS

Splash around with your mates, brave the diving boards and soak up the summer vibes at Faversham’s outdoor swimming pool. It’s heated, so even if the sun isn’t shining you can still enjoy a dip in the water, and there’s a rapids pool and shallow pool for the kids. On select dates, there are also sunset swim sessions during the summer months.

Details: Faversham Pools at Leslie Smith Drive in Faversham. Prices start from £8.30. Book online here.

LEYBOURNE LAKES, Aylesford

This 30-acre freshwater lake hosts a great range of watersports, including kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding and scuba diving. It’s also available for open-water swimming with inductions for beginners and beautiful views of the surrounding country park. There are four courses, ranging from 400 to 1,330 metres, to choose from.

Details: Leybourne Lakes at Leybourne Country Park, Larkfield, in Aylesford. Prices start from £9. Book online here.

St Andrew's Lakes has picturesque turquoise water for swimming and aqua sports

ST ANDREW’S LAKE, Rochester

This former quarry has been transformed into a stunning blue lake and reserve with lots of different activities, from zipwires and climbing walls to inflatable courses and sailing. The spring-fed water has been given the stamp of approval with its consistent ‘Outstanding’ rating, so it’s perfect for open-water swimming. There are two courses – 300 and 600 metres – and a sandy manmade beach if you fancy a spot of sunbathing after your swim.

Details: St Andrews Lakes at Quarry Grove, Halling, in Rochester. Prices start from £9. Book online here.

The newly refurbished Strand Lido and Leisure Park opened for the season in May

THE STRAND, Gillingham

After spending £250,000 on a brand new splash pad, this outdoor swimming centre has reopened for the summer. The Strand, which first opened to the public in 1986 and is the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country, includes an outdoor leisure pool, six 25 metre lanes, a 300 metre lazy river, a cafe and children’s play areas.

Details: The Strand Lido and Leisure Park at Pier Road in Gillingham. Prices start from £7.20. Book online here.

TONBRIDGE SWIMMING POOL

The heated outdoor pool in Tonbridge is a great place to spend a day during the summer holidays. There’s a water arch where the kids can play and a beach area for adults to sit back and relax in between swims. There is also a cafe where you can pick up hot and cold snacks during your 90-minute session and, if the weather turns, you can duck into the indoor pool.

Details: Tonbridge Swimming Pool at The Slade in Tonbridge. Prices start from £9.50. Book online here.

WALPOLE BAY, Margate

One of the biggest tidal pools in the country can be found just a stone’s throw from Margate in Walpole Bay. The four-acre, six-foot deep pool dates back to the 1930s and is a Grade II-listed structure that fills with water when the tide comes in, leaving a peaceful pool for people who want to spend the day on the beach but don’t fancy battling the waves.

Details: Walpole Bay Tidal Pool at Walpole Bay, Hodges Gap, in Margate. Free to use, no need to book.