The Best Outdoor and Tidal Pools in Kent 2026
Kent’s historic towns and coastal communities are home to a small but distinctive collection of outdoor swimming pools, traditional lidos and tidal bathing pools.
From heated family pools with diving boards and water slides to historic saltwater swimming spots overlooking the Kent coast, these outdoor pools offer a refreshing alternative to the county’s beaches during the warmer months.
Whether you are looking for a family day out in Faversham, a traditional riverside lido in Gillingham or an invigorating sea swim in Margate, here is our guide to the best outdoor and tidal pools in Kent.
Last updated: 5 August 2026
1. Faversham Pools
Faversham Pools
Address:Leslie Smith Drive, Faversham, Kent ME13 8PW
Pool type: Heated outdoor lido and family leisure pools
2026 season: Main outdoor season from May to September, with selected outdoor swimming at other times
Summer opening times: General swimming sessions usually run from 9am to 12pm, 12pm to 3pm and 3pm to 6pm
Admission: Adults £8.50; children aged 3 to 15 £6.80; children aged two and under £1.30; family tickets from £21.50
Booking: Online booking required during the summer holidays
Best for: Families, diving and heated outdoor swimming
Why visit: Faversham Pools is one of the best outdoor swimming destinations in Kent, offering three heated outdoor pools within walking distance of the town centre.
The main 33-metre outdoor pool is suitable for both recreational swimming and lane swimming. It also has one-metre and three-metre springboards together with a five-metre diving board, making it one of the county’s most distinctive public swimming pools.
Families with younger children can use the heated toddler pool, which has small slides and shallow water. There is also a wild water rapids pool and splash area for older children looking for something more energetic.
The outdoor pools are normally open seven days a week during the main summer season. Dedicated adult sessions include evening Sunset Swims and an early Sunday lane-swimming session, with the water remaining heated.
Tides Café serves drinks, homemade food, cakes and snacks. Visitors can also relax on the grassy outdoor area overlooking the pools. Family changing spaces, accessible facilities and room for pushchairs are available.
Visit Kent Guide tip: Book online before travelling during hot weather and the school holidays. The pools can reach capacity, particularly during afternoon sessions.
2. The Strand Lido, Gillingham
Address:Pier Rd, Gillingham ME7 1TT
Pool type: Unheated riverside saltwater lido
2026 season: Weekends from 23 May, followed by daily opening during the school summer holidays
Opening times: 10.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Admission: Adults £8.15; juniors and seniors £5.35; children under three free
Booking: Advance online booking required
Best for: A traditional family lido experience
Why visit: The Strand is a historic riverside saltwater pool that has welcomed swimmers since 1896.
Located beside the River Medway, it is the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool of its kind in the country. Unlike Faversham Pools, the water is not artificially heated, making it a better choice for visitors comfortable swimming in cooler conditions.
The Strand includes an outdoor leisure pool, a central 25-metre swimming area, a toddler pool, children’s slides and a 300-metre lazy river running around the main pool.
The surrounding leisure park adds plenty of activities for a longer family day out. Facilities include children’s play areas, tennis courts, crazy golf, picnic areas, a miniature railway and a café.
A free beach-themed splash pad is also available during the pool’s opening hours. It has more than 30 ground-level water jets and can be used without purchasing a ticket for the lido.
Changing areas, toilets and a poolside café are available. Visitors can bring their own food and portable seating, although glass, alcohol and barbecues are not permitted within the pool area.
Visit Kent Guide tip: Bring extra layers and warm towels, even on a sunny day. The saltwater pool is unheated and can feel considerably cooler than a standard indoor swimming pool.
3. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate
The tidal pool in Margate
Address:Margate CT9 3AB
Pool type: Unheated tidal seawater pool
Season: Accessible throughout the year, subject to tides, weather and temporary restrictions
Opening times: No fixed opening hours
Admission: Free
Booking: Not required
Best for: Experienced outdoor swimmers and historic coastal scenery
Why visit: Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is one of Kent’s most unusual outdoor swimming spots and is believed to be the largest tidal pool in the United Kingdom.
The Grade II-listed pool opened in 1937 and covers approximately four acres. It measures around 450 feet in length and reaches depths of approximately six feet in places.
The pool fills naturally with seawater as the tide rises. Freshwater springs also emerge through the beach within the pool walls, creating an outdoor swimming experience that changes according to the tide, weather and sea conditions.
Unlike a conventional lido, Walpole Bay does not have heated water, controlled depths or poolside lifeguards. The pool is completely submerged during high tides and can become rough when the sea is unsettled.
There are currently no dedicated toilet facilities or lifeguards at the tidal pool. Cafés, tennis courts, mini golf and other facilities can be found nearby around Walpole Bay and Cliftonville.
Visit Kent Guide tip: Check the tide, weather and latest bathing-water information before entering. Visit during daylight and do not treat the pool as a supervised or controlled swimming facility.
Can you swim in the Marine Terrace Tidal Pool in Margate?
Margate’s Marine Terrace Tidal Pool is another historic Grade II-listed pool, but swimming and diving are not permitted.
The pool was constructed in 1937 alongside Walpole Bay Tidal Pool and originally provided access to seawater when the tide had moved away from the beach.
Its uneven and constantly changing depth now makes it unsuitable for public swimming. Visitors looking for an accessible tidal swimming pool in Margate should use Walpole Bay instead, while still checking the latest sea conditions before entering.
Which outdoor pool in Kent should you visit?
Choose Faversham Pools for warm water, family facilities, diving boards and the most traditional public swimming-pool experience.
Choose The Strand Lido for a historic saltwater lido, children’s facilities and a longer day out within a riverside leisure park.
Choose Walpole Bay Tidal Pool for free outdoor swimming in a historic coastal setting. It is most appropriate for confident swimmers who understand tides, cold water and changing sea conditions.
Tips for visiting an outdoor or tidal pool
Outdoor swimming conditions can change quickly, even during summer. Check the attraction’s latest opening information before travelling, particularly following storms, maintenance work or periods of poor weather.
Book Faversham Pools and The Strand Lido in advance during weekends, school holidays and hot weather. Entry may be limited once the venue reaches capacity.
Bring suncream, drinking water and a hat during warm conditions. Warm clothing, a large towel and a changing robe can still be useful after swimming, particularly at The Strand and Walpole Bay.
Tidal pools should not be treated in the same way as managed swimming pools. Check tide times and bathing-water updates, avoid swimming alone and remain within your ability.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best outdoor swimming pool in Kent?
Faversham Pools is the best all-round outdoor swimming pool in Kent. It offers heated water, a 33-metre lido, diving boards, a toddler pool and a family rapids pool.
Are there any lidos in Kent?
Kent has two notable public lidos. Faversham Pools has a heated outdoor pool complex, while The Strand in Gillingham is a historic unheated saltwater lido beside the River Medway.
Where is the tidal pool in Kent?
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is located at Hodges Gap in Margate. The Grade II-listed pool covers approximately four acres and is believed to be the largest tidal pool in the United Kingdom.
Is Walpole Bay Tidal Pool free?
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is free to use and does not require advance booking. There are no lifeguards at the pool, and visitors should check tides, weather and water conditions before entering.
Is Faversham outdoor pool heated?
The outdoor pools at Faversham Pools are heated. The complex includes a 33-metre main pool, a toddler pool and a wild water rapids pool.
Is The Strand Lido heated?
The Strand Lido is not artificially heated. It is a saltwater outdoor pool and can feel cold, even during warm summer weather.
Do you need to book Kent’s outdoor pools?
Advance online booking is required for The Strand Lido and during the summer holiday programme at Faversham Pools. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is free and does not require booking.
Can children use Walpole Bay Tidal Pool?
Children can enter the tidal pool under close adult supervision, but there are no lifeguards and the depth and conditions can change. Families wanting a managed swimming environment may find Faversham Pools or The Strand more suitable.
Discover more summer days out in Kent
Kent’s outdoor and tidal pools offer something different from a traditional day at the beach, whether you are looking for heated family swimming or a historic coastal dip.
You can also combine your visit with one of Kent’s beaches, family attractions, pick your own farms or seaside towns for a complete summer day out.
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