Outdoor Pools in South Devon

We don’t know about you, but we love a spot of outdoor swimming when the weather starts warming up! What can be better than taking a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear pool after enjoying the glorious summer sunshine South Devon has to offer? 

Although South Devon is ‘swimming’ with great indoor pools all year round, it’s good to know where you can cool off outside too. Whether you’re a super-focused lane swimmer, a shallow-end paddler or an all-round splish-splasher, we’ve highlighted our picks of outdoor pools, waterparks, and lidos below for you to choose from. 

Top Tip - Make sure you check pool timetables before leaving and be aware that most outdoor pools will be closed during bad weather.  

Burgh Island Hotel’s Outdoor Mermaid Pool (Hotel Guests Only) 

We’re kicking off with something super special! 

Burgh Island Hotel is home to a beautiful outdoor mermaid pool, with natural seawater acting as a refreshing alternative to the chlorine-filled indoor pools common in other hotels. 

As the sun rises, spend the morning enjoying an invigorating swim in the rugged surroundings of the mermaid pool, before taking full advantage of the other hotel amenities at Burgh Island, such as a spa treatment or a visit to the steam room, knowing that your relaxation time will have been well earned. 

Lympstone Manor’s Pool House (Residents and House Members Only) 

A luxurious heated outdoor swimming pool with beautiful views across a vineyard to the Exe estuary, Lympstone Manor’s Pool House offers casual poolside dining for residents and house members. 

When the sun is shining, settle down for the day, be as active or as relaxed as you like, and let Lympstone Manor take care of your every need. This is possibly the best place in the world for a ‘sundowner’ cocktail, as the sun drops down over the Haldon Hills. 

The Pool House Menu is available to residents and House Members for lunch and dinner – Monday to Sunday. 

Langstone Cliff Hotel’s Outdoor Pool (Residents Only During Summer Months) 

Langstone Cliff’s heated outdoor swimming pool is roughly 12m by 6m and features a classic ‘Roman End’ – allowing guests easy access for a relaxing dip.  

With an adjacent paddling pool, the hotel’s outside offering is larger than the pool indoors, giving you ample space to do your laps under the sky and be at one with nature. 

The hotel’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools are closed to non-residents for a period in summer, so be sure to check dates before you visit.   

The Grand Hotel’s Outdoor Pool (Hotel Guests & Non-Residents) 

Sensitively decorated in a contemporary Victorian chic style, the ideals of comfort and relaxation are a priority at The Grand Hotel in Torquay.  

Guests and Non-Residents alike can enjoy a refreshing swim in the heated outdoor pool during the summer season. Relax to the sounds of the sea and soak up the holiday atmosphere in the hotel’s crystal-clear aquamarine pool right on the coast.  

The Grand’s leisure facilities feature both indoor and outdoor pools as well as a fully equipped gym, providing guests with plenty of options to relax and stay active during their stay. With a variety of facilities available, including an on-site spa, there's something for everyone to enjoy here.     

Thurlestone Hotel’s Outdoor Pool (Hotel Guests Only) 

Besides the draw of Thurlestone Beach and a par 3 golf course, guests at Thurlestone Hotel can enjoy a wonderful selection of things to do out in the fresh air, including taking a dip in their luxurious heated outdoor swimming pool. 

With an average temperature of 27°C, the outdoor pool is ideal for taking a gentle paddle well into the evening of balmy summer days. The Rock Pool ‘al fresco’ dining area is located next to the outdoor pool serving a variety of poolside snacks, meals, drinks, and ice creams. 

Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark (Open to Public) 

For those looking to make a bit of a bigger splash, Splashdown Quaywest is a great day out for all the family.  

Choose from 8 adrenalin-pumping, tumbling, twisting slides and rides. Get all ‘tyred’ out on the fantastic Surf Lagoon flume and Raging Rapids and if you like your white-knuckle thrills you could, if you dare, give the Devil’s Drop a go - but be warned it lives up to its name! 

For the less adventurous, the Swimming Area and Sun Terraces situated in the heart of the park are perfect spots to relax in the sunshine after a hectic spell on the waterslides.  

Ashburn Springs (Hotel Guests & Non-Residents) 

Ashburn Springs Gym and Pool is the fantastic pool, fitness centre and gym complex at Cofton Holidays, near Dawlish, just outside of Starcross on the Exeter Road. 

Over the summer months, Ashburn Springs open their outdoor pool for guests to enjoy a cooling dip during the warmer season. It’s the perfect cool down on the hottest of days and can provide endless entertainment for you and your family.  

Keep an eye out for special activities and classes, such as mermaid swimming experiences and scuba scooter lessons for the little ones during the summer holidays.  

Teignmouth Lido (Open to Public) 

Teignmouth Lido is a stunning outdoor pool located in the charming seaside town of Teignmouth.  

The 25-metre pool is heated, hosts a variety of swimming activities and is open from May to September each year. When the doors open in May 2023, swimmers and visitors can rest assured in the knowledge that the lighting and heating systems are among the most eco-friendly of any pool thanks to decarbonisation investments made last year. Cost savings from cutting out carbon energy means the pool can run without facing the pressure of increased energy costs.  

Teignmouth Lido offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you want to take a leisurely swim or have a splash with your family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. 

Plymouth Lido (Open to Public) 

A modern affair but nonetheless steeped in tradition courtesy of the wonderful art-deco style, if you’re after a cold-water fix then this is the place to head to!  

Built in 1935 and Grade II listed, there’s plenty of charm to this jewel in Plymouth’s historic waterfront. Gazing out through your sunglasses, it’s easy to be transported back to a bygone era and your worries soon float away in the calming salty waters. 

Shoalstone Seawater Pool (Open to Public) 

Shoalstone Pool is a 53-metre swimming pool situated in a stunning position on Brixham sea front and one of only a few seawater pools left in the country. It’s built into a natural rock pool that has been popular for bathing since Victorian times. 

The pool is very popular with both local people and tourists, so it’s a good idea to check timings and parking arrangements before visiting. The shallow end is known to be great for kids but there is still plenty of space for some serious swimming too! 

Shoalstone Pool is open for general swimming from May to September, when there are lifeguards on duty between 10am-6pm every day. There is no entry charge to swim, but the pool does ask for a voluntary donation of £2.50 per swim or £6 per family to help cover their running costs.  

We hope you have fun swimming in South Devon’s stunning outdoor pools! If you do get out and about this summer, share your swimming photos with us on Instagram by tagging us using @visitsouthdevon or #SouthDevon – we might even feature you on our page!