Popular outdoor pool to remain open year round

An outdoor pool is set to remain open through autumn and winter for a second year following "a positive response" from customers.

Tonbridge swimming pool - which operator tmactive said was England's first heated outdoor pool - has served the town since 1910.

The extended season will run from October to March 2027, with the pool maintained at 20-21C (68-69.8 F).

Emma Wood, chief executive of tmactive, said the reaction to the outdoor pool remaining open has "shown us how much our customers value having this option".

The operator gave an example of one regular swimmer, called Annie, who said keeping the pool open had "totally changed" her life.

"I really struggle with my mental health at this time of the year," she explained.

"I've been coming at least three times a week and it's making such a difference."

According to tmactive, more than 7,000 additional swims were recorded in the outdoor pool between October and March, highlighting the facility's popularity beyond the summer season.

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