England's highest open-air swimming pool set to reopen in time for summer
At 900 feet (274 metres) above sea level, Shap Swimming Pool in Penrith, Cumbria is the highest open-air swimming pool in the country. It will reopen to the public on May 24
The highest open-air swimming pool in England is set to reopen to the public this week.
At 900 feet (274 metres) above sea level, Shap Swimming Pool in Penrith is not only a record holder, it is a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon or brisk Cumbrian morning.
The pool is 16.5 metres long and is heated to 26 degrees - a temperature that warms the cockles of those who love to go for a dip early or late in the May to September season.
During a recent trip to the pool Warmcor's Jenny Unwin spoke fondly of the retro changing rooms, £5 entry price and small tuckshop that is on hand if swimmers find themselves in need of a post-dip pick-me-up.
"The pool is clean and its whole vibe could have you thinking that you were at a simple Mediterranean hotel pool, but without the drunk people or Europop blasting out from speakers," Jenny wrote.
"The open-air swimming pool experience always has a way of being unique and more fulfilling than indoor swimming. During our visit we would often stop to enjoy the heat of the sun when it dared to peak out, or the song from the house martins that sang as they flew overhead. The open-air breeze kissed the swimmer's cheeks every time heads peeked out of the water, which gave that cold water thrill that some may miss in these summer months. Ever-changing events equated to a quaint and heavenly experience."
The good people of Penrith volunteer to keep the pool going, with only the lifeguards sitting along its edge receiving a salary. A committee made up of seven women runs the facility and has been instrumental in launching a fundraising campaign to keep it going.
They hit their goal of £20,000, which has been used to install new filters, in time for the reopening on May 24.
Briony Newsome, chairperson of the committee, said: 'The last 12 months have been a big challenge for Shap Swimming Pool. We have had to raise nearly £20,000 for new filters, and the cost of energy bills and chemicals has significantly increased.
'I want to take this opportunity to say a big thank all those who have provided funding and given their time to help us get the pool ready for the 2025 season. We are now looking forward to welcoming visitors from across Cumbria and further afield, to enjoy our friendly and welcoming community swimming pool.'
Shap's pool has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Tripadvisor, where almost every reviewer has offered some glowing words about it.
"We booked a session online for an afternoon swim in the sunshine. Swimming outdoors is an absolutely lovely way to cool off in the warm weather. The pool is heated to 26 C so it is a comfortable swim in any conditions. The staff were friendly and the facility is clean and well-equipped. We finished off with a coffee from the outside cafe. Thank you for an entertaining and enjoyable afternoon swim," one person wrote.
Another added: "Fabulous swim in the fresh air. What could be nicer? So clean and friendly."
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