Whatever the weather, Cirencester residents always know that Summer has arrived when the open air pool opens its gates each May, writes Robert Heaven.

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, located on the edge of Cirencester Park, is the UK’s oldest open-air pool, having been in continual use every summer since 1869.

It is a UK registered charity, operated and managed entirely by volunteers in their spare time.

Volunteers rescued the pool after it fell derelict in the 1970’s, and turned it into the successful enterprise it is today.

The pool is fed by natural spring water and heated to an average temperature of 27C.

Together with a children’s paddling pool and sunbathing patio, the pool offers a wonderful swimming experience in a fantastic location.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions all sessions are timed entry with each session 1 hour long, apart from family sessions which are 1 hour and 30 minutes.