Jubilee Pool Reopens for Summer 2026

Penzance, Cornwall – Britain’s largest and most celebrated Art Deco seawater lido, Jubilee Pool, will fully reopen on 31 March 2026, just in time for the Easter holidays and the start of the summer season.

Overlooking the spectacular waters of Mount's Bay, the iconic triangular pool returns with an exciting programme of activities, new facilities, and extended opening hours, continuing its proud tradition as one of the UK’s most unique outdoor swimming destinations.

Winter Behind the Scenes

Like many coastal landmarks, Jubilee Pool faced a challenging winter. Storms across Mount’s Bay brought damage that required essential repair work to protect the historic structure and ensure a safe reopening for visitors.

Despite the difficult weather, the winter season also brought several positive developments. The pool secured new funding (from the National Lottery Heritage Fund) to support ongoing maintenance and future sustainable improvements, received a prestigious wellbeing award recognising the benefits of its sauna and swimming experiences (from the Cornish Tourism Board), and welcomed a new Chief Operating Officer, Giles Gould, strengthening the leadership team as the organisation looks ahead to a busy summer season.

What’s new for Summer 2026

Visitors returning this year will find several new additions and improvements designed to enhance the Jubilee Pool experience:

• New Sauna Membership, including a sea pool dip to cool down – launched to celebrate the pool’s recent wellbeing award
• Extended Opening Hours throughout the peak summer season
• A new poolside take-away venue, offering quick refreshments for swimmers and sun-seekers

These additions complement the pool’s growing reputation as a destination for both recreation and wellbeing.

Continuing the Traditions

Alongside the new features, Jubilee Pool continues to offer the much-loved activities and experiences that have made it a favourite with locals and visitors alike:

• Swimming in both the Sea Pool and Geothermal Pool
• Aquafit classes
• Sauna sessions
• Relaxed poolside chill-out areas
• The café terrace and seasonal menu
• Popular pizza evenings
• A programme of events and community activities
• Aquathlon and Sea Swim events
• Inflatable course and Kids Pool during the summer holidays
• The Pool Shop for swimming essentials and Jubilee Pool souvenirs
• And the much-anticipated Dog Day to close the season

About Jubilee Pool - A Treasured Local Landmark

"For over 90 years, Jubilee Pool has been at the heart of Penzance's identity," said Susan Stuart, Director of Jubilee Pool Penzance. "The pool has weathered storms both literal and figurative – from wartime challenges to devastating winter damage – yet thanks to the community's unwavering support, it continues to thrive as a beloved swimming destination and architectural treasure."

The triangular pool, designed to withstand the force of powerful waves from Mount's Bay, stands as one of the finest examples of Art Deco coastal architecture in the country. Its elegant lines and modernist aesthetic have made it a favourite subject for photographers and artists throughout its history.

Community Ownership Success Story

Since transitioning to community ownership in 2017, Jubilee Pool has become a national success story for community asset management. The pool now operates as a community benefit society, owned and operated by and for the local community, ensuring its place at the heart of Penzance's cultural and recreational life.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

What: Jubilee Pool 91^st Season – Summer 2026

When: 31.03.26 – 1.11.26

Where: Jubilee Pool, Battery Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4FF

For more information and to book tickets please visit www.jubileepool.co.uk##### or email [email protected].

About Jubilee Pool

Opened in May 1935, Jubilee Pool is the UK's largest seawater lido and one of the few remaining Art Deco lidos in the country. Located on the promenade in Penzance, Cornwall, it offers breathtaking views across Mount's Bay. The pool is operated as a community benefit society and features both unheated seawater swimming and a geothermally heated section. The facility includes a poolside café, changing facilities, and accessibility features for swimmers of all abilities.

• It is triangular with the longest side 98m long and 56m width in the widest part.
• The main pool depths range from approx. 0.9m to 2.25m depending on the tides.
• The learner pool depth is approx. 0.6m.
• The geothermal pool depth ranges from approx. 0.85m to 1.35m.
• The whole pool contains 5 million litres of sea water.
• The main and learner pools are not heated, they are usually is 1-2 degrees above sea temperature.
• It has no mechanical filtration and minimal chemical treatment for a natural sea water bathing experience and a robust cleaning regime to keep it clean and safe.
• The geothermal pool is partially heated to 28-30 degrees via a 410m deep geothermal well.
• The geothermal system operates by extracting warm water from the geothermal well taking heat out of that water using heat pumps and distributing it to the pool via a heat exchanger, before re-injecting the cooler water back into the ground.
• Jubilee Pool has a capacity of up to 600 swimmers, depending on lifeguard levels. The geothermal pool can accommodate up to 35 persons per session.

Press contact:

Liz Kay - Marketing and Communications Officer

01736 369224 / [email protected]