Jesus Green Swimming Pool

Almost 100m long, this stunning outdoor pool runs parallel to the river in the centre of town and beware, it’s unheated. Surrounded by trees and walls it’s very private. Great place to bring a book and sunbathe. If the weather’s overcast you’ll have it to yourself (well, along with a few triathletes)

A truely enjoyable way to spend one of the (sadly rare) hot summer days when not at work. Bring sandwiches, cold drinks, plenty to read and something to sprawl on, and prepare to be transported back to the 1920s in this perfect example of an old fashioned Lido. The site is low tech, with baskets instead of lockers, creasoted wooden cubicles and benches (gorgeously warm in the sun), and is without the slides and playthings seen in many places.
It is a long pool at 100 yards, and the deep end is actually in the middle. Half is usually roped off for lane swimming, while small children and families cluster at the two shallow ends. The water isn’t the warmest you’ll find (although it is heated), but once you start swimming, it is refreshing. The long benches soak up the sun and are usually full of people sunbathing, talking and generally enjoying themselves. Word of warning, it does get crowded so on particularly hot days arrive early.

On of the largest open air pools in the uk (possibly the largest), it is unheated and as such only open in the summer. Their defination of summer is very generous though… I have been swimming there at the end of september!
It is very popular on a warm summers day, on other days it is used by the strange type who train for triathlons. Generally a good day out where others swimmers are friendly and very cheap too.