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Kent's outdoor swimming pools open this summer

For those scorching hot days when all you want is to jump into cool water, the county has a selection of outdoor pools.

Now the weather is finally warming up, we have found the best places to pull on your swimsuit and make a splash under the sun.

In fact there are six to choose from.

Blossom Fentiman, 10, enjoying a swim at the reopening of Faversham Pool last year
Blossom Fentiman, 10, enjoying a swim at the reopening of Faversham Pool last year

Swanley Park, New Barn Road

Set within 60 acres of parkland, this free paddling pool has been refurbished ready for summer.

After issues with the floor breaking up last year, it has been dug up, reinforced and weather proofed.

It opened on April 6, and will stay open from 11am seven days a week until the end of September.

Swanley Park pool
Swanley Park pool

Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Castle Street

The heated pool just off Tonbridge High Street, with a water arch and beach area, opened on April 9.

A cafe offers a variety of sweet and savoury snacks and a kiosk serves ice-creams on really hot days.

Tonbridge Pool is heated
Tonbridge Pool is heated

Open from 6.30am on weekdays and 7am weekends, the 20m pool closes at 9pm daily.

Adult entry is £6, concessions £4.30 and a family ticket (two adults and two children) will set you back £15.

Faversham Pools, Leslie Smith Drive

The town's most visited attraction will open their heated outdoor pools for the summer on Saturday, May 4.

With two spring boards and a diving board, the main pool stretches 33m long and up to 3.7m deep.

The fun pool has a splash zone and wild water rapids and the toddler pool slide has been re-vamped ready for summer.

The fun pool and toddler pool at Faversham
The fun pool and toddler pool at Faversham

There is a cafe and kiosk or you can bring your own snacks to enjoy on the grass picnic area.

Open seven days a week from 9am until around 6.30pm, entry is £4.60 for adults and £3.60 for children. An extra £1 will be added during the summer holidays.

Walmer Paddling Pool, Marine Road, Deal

Next to the beach and surrounded by lawns, this paddling pool will be splash ready from May 6.

Entry is free and it will be open every day from 10am-6pm until September time.

Walmer Paddling Pool
Walmer Paddling Pool

There is a refreshment kiosk serving hot and cold snacks all day and deck chairs for hire.

Strand Pool, Strand Approach Road, Gillingham

Described as one of the town's most popular leisure attractions, this pool will open from May 26 on weekends 11am-5pm.

For the school summer holidays, it will open all week.

Strand Pool, Gillingham
Strand Pool, Gillingham

Medway residents under 16 or over 60 can bag a free swimming card to be used here.

For others, adults pay £5.20 and children and seniors £3.30.

If you fancy a peaceful evening swim, there are sessions every Wednesday in August from 5.30-7.30pm, at £3.

Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate

If you want a dip but are not fond of getting chlorine in your hair, maybe take a trip down to this grade II listed tidal pool.

Built so people can bathe in the sea at all states of the tides, it covers four acres, with walls on three sides and a chalk beach floor.

Around since 1937, the pool has been providing locals with an alternative swim spot for more than 80 years.

A second, smaller tidal pool sits in Marine Terrace, also in Margate.

Read more: All the latest Kent news

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