Hidden gem Woodup Pool boasts natural saltwater swimming experience with its own beach

If you're seeking a unique way to cool off during the summer heatwave, this might just be the spot for you. While Essex is renowned for its stunning beaches, there's something a bit different that could pique your interest.

Woodup Pool, also known as Woodrolfe Pool in Maldon, offers a simple yet charming saltwater bathing experience, complete with its own mini beach at one end! The pool is filled solely by the tide and controlled by a sluice gate, and it's flushed out and replenished every 10 days or so.

Located adjacent to Woodrolfe Park flats and Woodrolfe Creek, this back-to-basics natural pool is free of chlorine, so appropriate for children with skin conditions. It is open from May through September and doesn't cost a penny to visit, making it an ideal family outing this summer, reports Essex Live.

Visitors can enjoy swimming in a green-grey expanse of water, surrounded by tilting masts, peeling hulls, and rickety sail lofts. Facilities include a toilet, barbecue area, and picnic tables.

While there's no cafe on site, several are within a short walking distance. However, it's important to note that there's no lifeguard on duty, so children and less confident swimmers should be supervised.

Since the 1950s, an annual fundraising event has been held each summer to contribute towards the maintenance of this beloved public swimming pool. It's not only a treasured local amenity but also an interesting educational topic to discuss with the kids!