From wild swimming in the sea to family-friendly lidos, we have found the best places to take an alfresco dip in Kent.
If you live in Kent and fancy taking a dip outdoors while the sun is still shining, then you're in luck!
We've found a number of places where you can swim outside, from family-friendly lidos to rivers and wild swimming in the sea, dotted all over the county.
When it comes to truly 'wild' swimming in rivers and the sea, we have taken suggestions from swimmers at Wildswim.com .
Of course, you should take special care when swimming outdoors and adhere to the recommendations of the website that suggest where to head to.
Walmer Paddling Pool
Where: The Strand, Walmer CT14 7HX
Contact: 01304 373399
Tickets: Entry to the facility is free. Although there is a surcharge for deck chairs, bouncy castle and putting green.
This traditional paddling pool has a very attractive setting on the Walmer Green surrounded by lawns and next to the beach. Young families travel for miles to take advantage of the free facilities.
The pool has qualified lifeguards, a refreshment kiosk serving hot and cold snacks all day, changing rooms and toilets, and deck chairs for hire. Adjacent to the pool is a putting green, a play area with large children's games and a bouncy castle.
Hellfire Corner
Where: The Bay, St. Margaret's Bay, Dover, CT15 6DX
St Margaret's developed as a holiday resort in late Victorian times when it was seen as a place to retreat for the rich and famous. During the war the local people were evacuated and the area was occupied by the troops. It became known as 'Hell Fire Corner' because of the continual bombardment.
The little cove of St Margaret's Bay is well off the beaten track down a very narrow, windy road and in the shadow of the huge chalk cliffs on a balmy summer evening there is nothing better than hobbling across the tumbled flint pebbles and swimming out into the English Channel to look back at the lights coming on in the houses along the cliff.
Gillingham Strand Leisure Pool
Where: Pier Road, Gillingham, ME7 1TT
Contact: 01634 333927, leisure@medway.co.uk
Tickets: adults £4.90, child £3.10
This outdoor 25 metre pool includes a lazy river built alongside built when the 122 year-old pool was refurbished in 1994.Open every day from 11am -5pm.
Make the most of it during the long summer school holidays. Outside these times the pool is only open at weekends.
Tankerton beach
Where: near Whitstable
This rural Blue Flag shingle beach is backed by steep grassy slopes,. According to regulars,this is a beach for serious swimming as well as relaxing.
In the summer, there is a small swimming area that has lifeguards and swimming is possible for at least two hours either side of high water and, at springs, for up to three hours.
There are several markers along the beach (red metal "baskets" on poles) as well as buildings and landmarks that are used as turning points. The distance swum can be set from these marks so the only limits here are your own!
Things to do in Kent in the sunshine
The regulars have a beat of about 1.5k and may do several "laps" on a good day. There are cafes, pubs, ice creams and toilets along Marine Parade above the beach and Tankerton has a wide range of shops, including fish and chips and a real sports shop in case you have forgotten your kit.
Tonbridge Swimming Pool
Where: Lower Castle Road, The Slade, Tonbridge, TN9 1HR
Contact: 01732 367449, tonbridge.swimmingpool@tmactive.co.uk
Tonbridge's indoor/ outdoor pool is a great place to combine the joys of the outdoors with the knowledge should the weather turn there's somewhere with a roof where you can continue with to swim without rain. There's a small green "relaxation" zone and arch to swim through. Open 6.30am until 10pm.
Tickets: adult non-member £5.20, concessions £3.20, under 3 free, family £13.50
Can get crowded so on a warm day arrive early to ensure a space.
Leybourne Lakes
Where: near Aylesford
Tickets: £5.00 for open water swimming, more for other activities.
Formerly gravel pits, Leybourne Lakes now form the bulk of an award-winning Green Flag country park.
One of the very few inland bodies of water in the county where swimming is still possible, the park is open from 10am until dusk in the summer. Swimmers are encouraged to use the main lake, where scuba, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking are also practised.
The lakes are primarily used by triathletes and a test must be taken to ensure proficiency in the very deep, very cold water. It is also stipulated that wetsuits must be worn for all water-based activities, including swimming.
There is also a charge for using the lakes for each swim, payable at the watersports hut.
Holborough Lakes
Where: Snodland, Kent ME6 5GN
Contact: 0750 762 4911
Open water swimming is now a very popular sport and swimmers can enjoy the clean water at Holborough Lakes where they have a 400m swim circuit and water temperatures currently up to 23 degrees.
All swimmers must first complete an induction with one of their staff, which also includes a 200m swim.
They have coaches who are available to book for group sessions or one-to-one coaching and their Wednesday night swim club is the place to be to meet like minded swimmers, meet new friends and get a few free hints and tips. All levels of swimmers are welcome tri-athletes, channel swimmers and those that like a leisurely dip can all play side by side, it's always a very friendly atmosphere.
Faversham Outdoor Pools
Where : Leslie Smith Drive, Faversham, ME13 8PW
Contact: 01795 532426, comments@favershampools.com
Tickets: adult £5.10 peak, £4.10 off peak, child £3.60 peak, off peak £3.10.
Modern 33 metre outdoor pool with indoor 25 metre pool alongside. The complex also includes another heated outdoor pool and rapids ride and one, three and five metre diving boards. Open every day from 9am until past 6pm (times vary).
Plenty to keep the whole family busy. Under twos go free.
Great Stour at Fordwich
Where: Fordwich
Swimmers can enter from a mooring platform between benches and the Fordwich Arms pub.
Strong swimmers will be able to swim upstream under the bridge and a little way up before floating back down.
The water is lovely and clear and with goggles, swimmers will be able to see several different kinds of fish in the river.
Walpole Bay sea pool
Where: Fifth Avenue, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2JN
Contact: 01843 577577
Walpole Bay is ideal for investigating fascinating rock and tidal pools. This long bay has a sandy beach, promenade and tidal pool, there is a small area of beach at high tide. If the tide catches you out there is plenty of on-land activity with mini golf, tennis and indoor bowls.
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