Nestled amid picturesque landscapes and charming towns, West Somerset boasts a collection of delightful swimming pools that cater to all ages and aquatic enthusiasts. From serene countryside settings to vibrant community hubs, the swimming pools in this beautiful region offer a refreshing escape and a range of amenities for everyone to enjoy. In this blog, we dive into the top swimming pools in West Somerset, highlighting their unique features, water offerings, and the enriching experiences they provide for locals and visitors alike.
1. Knights Templar Swimming Pool, Watchet
Knights Templar Swimming Pool in Watchet is an indoor, 12.5m long pool, kept at a balmy 30 degrees!
It is a school pool that is available for un-lifeguarded, private hire on weekends and school holidays. Membership is £25 (essential) and 1-hour private bookings are £25 for up to 25 of your friends and family.
It is enclosed in a warm, cabin-style building. Facilities include showers and baby-changing. On-site parking is very convenient. They do not offer walk-in swimming sessions, but they have a range of classes and fitness courses.
2. St Michael's Swimming Pool, Minehead
St Michael's Pool in Minehead is a domed, 12.5m long pool, also kept around 30 degrees!
It's another school pool, available for un-lifeguarded, private hire on weekends and school holidays. There is a waiting list for annual membership, which costs £25. One-hour private bookings are £25 and you can take up to 20 friends and family.
It is enclosed in a glass dome which is lovely and bright in the summer. While warm, it can get a bit humid and wet in the winter. They do not offer walk-in swimming sessions. Nor do they have showers. They have a good range of classes and fitness courses. There is on-site parking at weekends and holidays, but not until 5pm during the week in term time.
3. Watchet Lido
Overlooking the stunning Bristol Channel, the Watchet Lido is a salt-water, open-air swimming pool that dates back to the 1960s. This no-frills, un-lifeguarded lido is perfect for basking in the sun and enjoying a refreshing paddle while taking in the coastal views. Not for the faint-hearted: while water temperatures have been known to reach 25 degrees in summer, they're as low as 5 degrees in winter!
4. Wivey Pool
Wivey Pool in the heart of Wiveliscombe, is a 27-metre, lifeguarded, outdoor heated pool, kept around 25 degrees.
The pool is open from May to September. Opening times are 7am to 7:30pm. While walk-in swims and payment at the gate is permitted, we recommend checking availability online or by phone. Adult swimming is £6. Discounts available with annual membership, ranging from £30 to £115.
Individual and communal changing rooms available for men and women with baby changing facility. There is a small car park at the side of the pool and a free car park on the main road. Wivvy Pool also offer a range of lessons and fitness courses.
5. Butlin's Splash Waterworld
Entry to Butlins Splash Waterworld is mostly reserved for Butlin's paying visitors. However there is limited access to off-season lane swimming and swimming lessons.
This highly-chlorinated swimming facility is a pool of two halves: one half is a 25m swimming pool and the other a plethora of slides and lazy-rivers!
To find out more about lane swimming and lessons at Butlin's pool, visit Minehead and West Somerset Swimming Club at Somerset ASA.
6. St Audries Bay Holiday Club
St Audries Bay Holiday Club swimming pool is available to hire 7 days a week.
For details or bookings please contact Barkers Leisure on 0333 200 3333, select option 4 and ask for St Audries or email staudries.reception@barkersleisure.com.
Facilities: unknown.
7. Northfield Hotel Leisure Club
The swimming pool at Northfield Hotel on the lower slopes of North Hill in Minehead is a real gem. It's not particularly big, but it's immaculately kept and is a great place to unwind.
Facilities in the Northfield Leisure Suite include a gym, changing rooms, showers and a steam room. And it's not just for hotel guests. Membership is around £35 per person per month. There is ample parking on site, but it sometimes gets busy during peak season.
8. Duddings Country Cottages Swimming Pool
The swimming pool at Duddings Country Cottages near Timberscombe is an eco-friendly, indoor pool kept around 30 degrees.
Open all the year, the pool is 11m long, with changing and shower facilities.
Unique to the area, this pool is heated by a wood chip biomass boiler. For bookings, telephone 01643 841123 or email richard@duddings.co.uk.
West Somerset is home to an array of swimming pool treasures, each offering its own unique experiences and attractions. Whether you prefer modern amenities and fitness programs or the quaint charm of open-air lidos, West Somerset's swimming pools are waiting to welcome you with open waters. So, pack your swimsuit and towel, and embark on a journey of aquatic adventures in this enchanting region. Dive in, make a splash, and create unforgettable memories in the swimming pools of West Somerset.
Have we missed any? Have you swam in all of them? Please let us know in the comments below!
Blue Anchor is open to locals in school term times too.