5 outdoor swimming locations open now in Cheshire

Surely, the weather must get warmer soon — and when it does we will all be looking for ways to cool off again.

Thankfully, Cheshire has a number of great outdoor pools perfect for the long, hot summer days that have been so elusive this year.

CheshireLive has rounded up some of the county's best outdoor swimming offerings, from free-to-use paddling pools to wild swim sessions in vast lakes.

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Nantwich Brine Pool

A local favourite, opened in 1935. The 30 metre pool has six lanes, is 2.3 metres at its deepest with a 0.9 metre shallow end and is kept above 22°c, but is usually warmer in the summer.

One of the few remaining inland brine pools in the UK, brine is pumped into the pool from an underground source. Users have previously expounded the healing qualities of the pool .

The pool is open for lane swims in the morning (6.30am to 8.45am), general swimming from 10.30am to 5pm, and lane swimming again in the evening (5.15pm to 7.30pm).

The outdoor pool is open May to October. The neighbouring indoor pool is open all year round.

Swim sessions cost £7.25 for adults and £5.85 for under-12s.

Northwich Church Walk Paddling Pool

The popular Church Walk paddling pool off Chester Way reopened on May 25 and will remain open until early September. Time slots must be booked through the Visit Northwich website, but visitors can attend free of charge.

Visitors travel from miles around to use the pool, which is paid for with the Town Council’s precept. Visitors from outside of Northwich are asked to pay a donation.

The paddling pool is open from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm.

Percy Street, Northwich, CW9 5QG

Congleton Paddling Pool

Also opened on May 25, Congleton’s paddling pool has been a favourite spot for the town’s children since the 1930s. Like Northwich’s paddling pool, the attraction is free to visit.

Pre-booking is not required, with the pool available on a first-come, first-served basis, and has a capacity of 140 people. The pool is open every day during school holidays and Wednesday to Sunday during term time.

The pool will close Sunday, September 1. The Town Council says the pool is designed for children aged 11 and under.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. There are two sessions a day, from 10am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm.

Opening is weather dependent.

19 Park Road, Congleton CW12 1DP

Marbury Park Swimming Pool

Set amongst lush, green lawns in Marbury Country Park, this members-only swimming pool was also built in the 1930s and is open from May to mid-September. The pool is surrounded by woodlands, the poolside is dotted with picnic benches and there is a paddling pool for children adjacent.

Built for members of Marbury Hall Country Club, the pool was later owned by ICI for use by their employees. It has been operated by Marbury Park Swimming Club since the early 1970s.

The pool is only open to members and their guests. Adult season passes are available for £80, with child passes costing £45.

‘Pay as you go’ memberships are available at £45 for adults and £30 for children, and members pay £5 per visit for children or £3 for children.

Season pass members can sign up two guests, who can attend the pool for £8 for adults or £5 for children.‘Pay as you go’ members can sign up one guest each.

Sessions must be booked in advance.

Marbury Country Park, Marbury Road, Comberbach, CW9 6AT

Boundary Water Park, Allostock

Wild swim sessions are held at Boundary Water Park, Allostock, twice a week. Sessions at the lake, near Holmes Chapel, run on Sundays 10am to 1pm and Thursdays 5pm to 7.30pm.

Adult tickets can be purchased in advance through Uswim’s website £7. On-the-day tickets can be purchased at the site in cash at £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s.

Wetsuits can also be rented at the site for £10 for adults (plus a £20 deposit) and £5 for kids (with a £15 deposit). Memberships are also available.

Boundary Water Park, London Road, Allostock, CW4 8HT

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