The best outdoor swimming pools in Staffordshire

With the summer holidays well underway, your kids are no doubt looking for fun outdoor activities to fill the coming weeks with. While the weather in Staffordshire isn’t always guaranteed, the county has plenty of outdoor swimming pools that are great for cooling off on hot summer days. 

In this article, we’ve selected the best lidos and splash pads located throughout Staffordshire and in neighbouring counties. 

The best Staffordshire lidos and splash pads 

Here are some Staffordshire pools that are worth visiting during the summer holidays: 

Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent 

Address: Festival Park, Festival Wy., Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5PU

If you’re looking for an outdoor swimming pool in Stoke-on-Trent, your nearest option is the Waterworld water park. Since 1989, this park has been attracting kids from all over Staffordshire throughout all seasons. While it is mostly known for its indoor water attractions and flumes, many people forget about its outdoor swimming pool option. 

This outdoor pool area comes with a lazy water river attached to it, allowing swimmers to lie back and let the water carry them around Waterworld’s outdoor area. There are also sun loungers around the perimeter of the pool which are perfect for grown-ups. 

The outdoor area is generally only open during peak days of the summer months. 

Given that the park attracts over 400,000 visitors per year, you may find it to be on the slightly busier side. 

Ravenhill Park, Brereton

Address: Main Road, Rugeley WS15 1DU

If your kids are looking for a quick cool-down in the Cannock-Chase area should head to Ravenhill Park, where you’ll find a small paddling pool amongst other outdoor features. The pool has been a feature of the park since 1962 and has been a favourite amongst Staffordshire families during the summer months. 

Ravenhill Park also features open grass and woodland areas, an outdoor gym, a play area, a football pitch, and tennis courts. 

Alton Towers Waterpark 

Address: Alton Towers, Alton, Waterpark ST10 4DB

You don’t have to purchase a full Alton Towers pass to enjoy its indoor and outdoor waterpark. Instead, you can buy a separate ticket that grants you access to just the water features. Adults and kids can both explore the tropical lagoon-themed park, with plenty of splashes, slides, and other water-based fun along the way. 

Some of the indoor slides lead right out to the outdoor pool area and jacuzzis can be found both inside and outside. There’s also a lazy river that allows guests to relax as they take in the sights, sounds, and whacky attractions of this park. Huge buckets fill up with water until they tip over, providing a refreshing splash for those who stand underneath. 

Victoria Park Splash Pad, Stafford 

Address: Tenterbanks, Stafford ST16 2QF

Although not a swimming pool, this splash pad in Victoria Park is a great place to keep kids cool in the summer. Located right in the centre of Stafford’s town centre and near the River Sow, this is a must-visit if you’re visiting Staffordshire with kids on a particularly hot day. 

There are plenty of water sprinklers and buckets to keep kids entertained for an afternoon. Near the splash pad, kids can also explore the 8-metre-high tower, a slide, a rope bridge, a trampoline, and a climbing net. There’s also a skate bowl and concrete diggers. 

Walsall Arboretum Splash Pad

Address: 139 Broadway N, Walsall WS1 2QB

Another premium splash pad can be found just outside of Walsall town centre. Surrounded by great picnic areas, this splash pad gives kids a great place to cool down and play. It comes complete with several fountains, water canons, and spray jets. 

Walsall Arboretum is a Victorian park that comes complete with a lake, play areas, and sports facilities. The public paths make it easy to explore this 170-acre park. 

Nantwich Brine Pool 

Address: Wall Lane, Nantwich CW5 5LS

Although the Nantwich Brine Pool isn’t technically in the county, we’ve included it in this list of best outdoor swimming pools in Staffordshire because it’s really close. If you’re located in Stoke-on-Trent, it’s definitely worth making the half-hour drive to this pool, which is one of the last remaining brine pools in the whole of the UK! 

If you take swimming seriously, this is definitely the pool for you. It comes with six lanes and has dedicated lane swimming between 6.30am and 8.45am and between 5.15pm and 7.30pm. General swimming is allowed throughout the late morning and afternoon. 

Congleton Paddling Pool

Address: 19 Park Road, Congleton CW12 1DP

This is another pool that’s located slightly outside the county, but worth going to if you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids. Designed for kids aged 11 and under, Congleton Paddling Pool is open every day throughout the summer and has a capacity of 140. 

It’s been part of the town since the 1930s and still, to this day, attracts families from all around the Midlands. 

The pool is open from 10.00am to 1.00pm and then from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.