Name: Pells Pool Location: East Sussex Current status: Open Date built: 1860 Architect: Not known Listed building status: Not listed Lead organisation: Pells Pool Community Association
Description
Built in 1860 on land gifted to the people of Lewes, Pells Pool is the oldest public open-air, freshwater swimming pool in continuous use in the UK since opening in 1861. Close to the historic town centre of Lewes (the county town of East Sussex) and the train station, it is in a beautiful setting surrounded by trees and with views of the South Downs.
Facilities
25 x 50 yard unheated pool. Lawned area and sun terrace where visitors can relax and have picnics. Paddling pool for young children. 1950s kiosk sells light refreshments, ice creams and drinks. There are changing rooms and toilet facilities as well as hot and cold showers. In June 2024, a 12-person sauna was introduced, situated within the pool grounds.
Notable fact
The pool lies next to Pells Lake on one side and the Pells Recreation Ground on the other, all created on land given by benefactors to the town who wanted to provide healthy and recreational spaces for the people of Lewes. The pool is bordered on one side by a fine example of a Sussex flint wall.
Current plans
The Pells Pool Community Association (PPCA) was set up in 2001 to run the pool after it had been saved from closure by a public campaign, which formed when there were plans to turn Pells Pool into a skateboard park. The pool is owned by the Town Brook Trust and administered by Lewes Town Council as trustee. The Town Council granted a licence to PPCA to oversee the running of the pool throughout the year.
The pool is a much-loved feature of the town and very well supported by the local community. The increased popularity of cold water swimming means that the open season is now from mid-April until the end of November, with some winter events taking place.
