Portishead Open Air Pool — Attraction in Portishead

I have been in lots of lidos around the uk and this one was the best value. The water was 28C, the max depth 2.5m, the pool almost olympic sized, but it only cost £5 per person for the 1:30pm till 6:30pm family swim, and of that 5 five hour session we swam for 3 hours. Many indoor pools charge more for 1 hour sessions, lidos tend to allow longer swims, but I have not been to another lido with heating that has 5 hour sessions. We went on a sunny Monday during half term, there were quite a few kids, but it was not that full compared to some other lidos, especially from about 4pm. The guards were relaxed, I was amazed the lockers are free, there was a drinking fountain, and they even lent out googles to people who had forgotten to bring their own for free, and the whistle hardly blew. However the pools has no diving boards which is a shame (the ones you see in the phots are deactivated), nor did they allow they any rubber rings or other toys except dive sticks and balls for the kids to play with, they also ban fins and snorkels. That means it was less fun for kids than some lidos i have been too, and I think that had an impact on numbers, so my 7 year old son was slightly disappointed there were not as many kids to play with as he was hoping for. I have never been to Portished before, we went for a beautiful walk along the beach and grass lands, also we went to the beautiful park with ponds and a playground, and the architecture around the sea front was stunning. I also went into Portished town for a McDonalds meal, it, by complete contrast, seemed...

Portishead Open Air Pool, situated along the picturesque Portishead coastline, is a delightful retreat for those in search of a refreshing swim in a serene natural setting. During my recent visit, I was thoroughly impressed by the pool's friendly staff, pristine water quality, and efficient organization.

The staff at Portishead Open Air Pool are truly welcoming, offering assistance with a warm smile and sharing their knowledge about the pool's history and operations. Their friendliness added to the overall pleasant experience.

The cleanliness of the pool's water is remarkable. It's clear that the maintenance team takes great care in ensuring the water is crystal clear and hygienic, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for swimmers.

The organization of the facilities and operations is exceptional. The layout is user-friendly, with easy access to changing rooms and lockers. The pool's schedule and booking system are well-maintained, allowing visitors to plan their visit hassle-free.

In addition, the pool offers amenities such as picnic areas and a café, providing opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. The pool's location overlooking the Bristol Channel adds to its charm.

In summary, Portishead Open Air Pool is a top-tier destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty with excellent service. The friendly staff, pristine water, and well-organized facilities make it an ideal choice for a day of relaxation and leisure. My visit left me refreshed and eager to return to this...

Before 2020 you could turn up on busy days pay for your swim ok there can be a wait on busy days for the water which I know happens and they do manage a good busy day policy when this happens. Those days would have been a 5 star review. Lovely on a beautiful day like today if you can get in.

Sadly, tried to get in for a swim today pool doesn't look that busy or as busy as I have known it. Spoke to the lady on reception today July 28th only to be told it’s fully booked.

Sadly, this I find extremely off putting and made this abundantly clear and that I will not book to use a facility that we used to be able to turn up on a day and time of choice - to be told this when in the past pre 2020 you could turn up on a day and time of choice. Sadly now this is not the case so I feel my support and custom are not welcomed. Sadly a local asset I have used for years has now been ruined because of pre booking cant even use the facility on a day or time of my choice. I doubt I will return or support the open air pool in the future now. I would rather travel to an open air pool that would accept walk in customers and custom. Until pre booking is removed at Portishead open air pool I don’t intend to return anytime soon if ever to be honest. Doesn't even deserve a 1 star review...