Mount Wise Swimming Pools
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Mount Wise Swimming Pools

4.4
·41 reviews·, United Kingdom

Plymouth's beloved Mount Wise Pools offer free entry to three diverse swimming pools with stunning views of the River Tamar.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
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Mount Wise Swimming Pools

Mount Wise Swimming Pools

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Plymouth's beloved Mount Wise Pools offer free entry to three diverse swimming pools with stunning views of the River Tamar.

4.4
(41 reviews)

"One of Plymouths best kept secrets. Free admission!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Free Parking Nearby

Park for free on the road outside Hamoze House and enjoy a short walk down to the pools. :car:

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy all three pools without an entry fee – a fantastic budget-friendly option. :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Three Diverse Pools

Three Diverse Pools

Main complex

Enjoy a lazy river, bubble jets, and a large fountain for family fun, plus dedicated lanes for serious swimmers.

Stunning Seafront Views

Stunning Seafront Views

Poolside

Swim with breathtaking views across the River Tamar towards Cornwall. A truly picturesque spot.

Family-Friendly Fun

Family-Friendly Fun

Kids' pools

Designed for all ages, with features that guarantee smiles and splashes for the little ones.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry & Seasonal Opening

Mount Wise Pools offer free admission, a huge plus for families! However, they are seasonal, typically opening from late May to September. Check opening dates as they can vary.

Beat the Crowds

While free entry is fantastic, it means popular times can get busy. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are often less crowded than weekends or peak summer holidays.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon weekdays
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#summerholidays #plymouth #swimmingpool #rollsroyce
@eyeswideshut1966
9.5K likes • 114.9K views

🚗 Free Parking Nearby

Park for free on the road outside Hamoze House and enjoy a short walk down to the pools. :car:

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy all three pools without an entry fee – a fantastic budget-friendly option. :moneywithwings:

Rate all of the uni of plymouths societies water polo catches 🤽#plymuni #upsu #swimming #waterpolo @Plymouth Students’ Union @University of Plymouth
@upsaswp
4.9K likes • 225K views
Mount Wise Swimming Pools and Tinside Lido open tomorrow 🏊‍♀️ 🎥 Cabinet member Sue Dann and local councillors popped in at Mount Wise for a sneak peek – and no, they couldn’t resist a quick dip to kick off the summer season! All the outdoor pool information you need is in the news page of our website 📲 #plymouth #mountwisepools #tinsidelido @tinsidelido | @plymouthactiveleisure
plymouthcitycouncil
60 likes • 1.4K views

☀️ Check Opening Times

Pools are seasonal, typically open May-September. Always confirm exact dates before visiting. :calendar:

Respect the Space

Help keep the pools enjoyable for everyone by treating the area with respect. :pray:

🌊Splashing into summer! Plymouth's beloved Mount Wise Pools open for the season from today and sessions remain free! The complex consists of 3 swimming pools suitable for families and lane swimming. Fantastic views across River Tamar into Cornwall make this one of the best swimming spots in Devon. ⭐For session times and more info, head over to @plymouthactiveleisure #BestOfPlymouth
oneplymouth
1.2K likes • 41.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Free Parking Nearby

Park for free on the road outside Hamoze House and enjoy a short walk down to the pools. :car:

💰 Free Admission!

Enjoy all three pools without an entry fee – a fantastic budget-friendly option. :moneywithwings:

☀️ Check Opening Times

Pools are seasonal, typically open May-September. Always confirm exact dates before visiting. :calendar:

Respect the Space

Help keep the pools enjoyable for everyone by treating the area with respect. :pray:

Pack Your Swim Gear

Don't forget your swimwear, towels, and sunscreen for a full day of fun. :sunwithface:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(41 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mount Wise Swimming Pools are widely praised as a fantastic, free family attraction with beautiful sea views and diverse pools. While many highlight the enjoyable experience and good value, some recent reviews mention concerns about maintenance and supervision, suggesting a variable experience.

"One of Plymouths best kept secrets. Free admission!
Good size pool for the adults for lane swimming.
Fun pools for kids of all ages. Includes a lazy river, bubble jets seating area, and a big water fountain.
Changing rooms and toilets are well kept.
They also have a reasonably priced cafe/snack shop.
You can park for free on the road outside Hamoze House and take the 5 minute walk down the steps to the pool.
Staff are relaxed and friendly in my experience.
A must visit with the kids, I couldn't recommend more!"

Merlin Kraft

"Well this is our first visit here. It literally only opened yesterday and I can honestly say I won't be visiting again! I used to love coming here. The area around the pools are clean enough but there has been the bare effort put into anything else! The walls are drab and not repainted, the same for the pools. The toilets are flooded. The lifeguards are letting the young kids vape,swear and fight each other. What was once an enjoyable place to come is now somewhere I want to avoid. Such a shame"

Donna-Marie Wade

"The best thing our taxes pay for in Plymouth. Always had fun here since I was a kid, I hope it always remains open for future generations"

Not Gandalf

What People Like

Free admission
Great for families
Seafront views

What People Dislike

Maintenance issues
Supervision concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mount Wise Swimming Pools are located in Plymouth. Many visitors find it convenient to drive and park for free on the road outside Hamoze House, followed by a short walk down the steps to the pools.Reddit Public transport options are also available within Plymouth, though specific routes may vary.

Yes, free parking is often available on the road outside Hamoze House, which is a short walk from the pools.Reddit It's advisable to arrive early during peak times to secure a spot.

The pools are described as disability positive and accessible.Reddit Specific accessibility details, such as ramp access or changing facilities, can be confirmed with the venue directly.

While specific cycle racks aren't always highlighted, cycling is a great way to explore Plymouth. You can cycle to the vicinity and secure your bike nearby, then walk the rest of the way.

Information on the nearest bus stops can be found on local transport websites for Plymouth. It's recommended to check these for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

One of the biggest draws is that Mount Wise Swimming Pools offer free admission! This makes it an incredibly popular and budget-friendly destination for families and individuals alike.Instagram

Generally, advance booking is not required for Mount Wise Swimming Pools due to their free entry policy. However, during exceptionally busy periods, entry might be managed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The pools are seasonal and typically open from late May to September. Opening hours are usually from 10 am to 6 pm, but it's best to check the official Plymouth Active Leisure website or social media for the most current times.Instagram

No, Mount Wise Swimming Pools are not open all year round. They operate seasonally, primarily during the warmer months of late spring, summer, and early autumn.Reddit

As the pools are free to enter, there are no tickets to refund. However, if the pools are closed due to unforeseen circumstances or maintenance, there will be no cost incurred.

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The complex features three pools: a lazy river, bubble jets, and a large fountain for family fun, alongside lanes for adult swimmers. Changing rooms and toilets are also available and generally well-kept.Reddit

Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty to ensure swimmer safety. However, there have been some reports of lifeguards not enforcing rules strictly, so vigilance is advised.Reddit

Absolutely! Mount Wise Pools have dedicated lanes suitable for adults looking for quality lane swimming sessions.Reddit

Yes, there is a reasonably priced cafe or snack shop on-site offering refreshments.Reddit This is convenient for a quick bite or a drink during your visit.

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends and peak holiday periods can get very busy due to the free entry.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, taking photos for personal use is fine. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Some TikTok videos showcase the pools, indicating photography is common.TikTok

The poolside offers fantastic views across the River Tamar, making for scenic shots. Capturing the different pools and families enjoying themselves also makes for great memories.

Professional or commercial photography may require prior permission from the management. It's always best to check with Plymouth Active Leisure if you plan on extensive filming or photography.

Drone usage is typically restricted in public areas and near swimming pools for safety and privacy reasons. Check local regulations and venue policies before flying a drone.

Visitors often share photos of the pools themselves, the scenic views, and families having fun. Some creative shots, like a car parked in a pool (though not at Mount Wise), highlight the unique potential of water features.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mount Wise Swimming Pools are a dream destination for families, primarily because of their free entry and the dedicated kids' pools.Instagram The lazy river, bubble jets, and large water fountain are guaranteed to keep children entertained for hours. The variety of pools means there's something for toddlers to teenagers. The nearby free parking and on-site cafe also add to the convenience for parents.Reddit

To make the most of your family outing, consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure the little ones have plenty of space to splash around. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, or utilize the reasonably priced on-site cafe.Reddit Remember to supervise children closely, especially in the deeper lanes, and embrace the fun!

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Mount Wise Swimming Pools are an absolute gem. The free admission is a significant draw, allowing you to enjoy a full day of swimming and relaxation without any cost.Instagram This makes it an ideal activity for those looking to save money while still experiencing a popular local attraction.

Combine your visit with a picnic lunch and the free nearby parking,Reddit and you have a nearly cost-free day out. The stunning seafront views also provide a beautiful backdrop that rivals more expensive tourist spots. It's a perfect example of how to enjoy Plymouth's attractions on a shoestring budget.

🏊‍♀️ Fitness Swimmers

Dedicated swimmers will appreciate the lane swimming facilities available at Mount Wise Pools.Reddit These lanes offer a great opportunity for a structured workout, allowing you to get in your laps without the usual distractions of a busy public pool. The refreshing water and the scenic views can make for an invigorating training session.

While the pools are seasonal, during their operating months, they provide a valuable resource for maintaining your fitness routine. Aim for weekday mornings when the lanes are likely to be less occupied, allowing for uninterrupted swimming.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Community Gem: The History and Appeal of Mount Wise Pools

Mount Wise Swimming Pools are more than just a place to swim; they are a cherished community asset in Plymouth. Described as 'one of Plymouth's best kept secrets' and 'the best thing our taxes pay for,' the pools hold a special place in the hearts of locals.Reddit The appeal lies in its free admission and the variety of pools catering to different ages and swimming preferences. From dedicated lanes for serious swimmers to a lazy river and bubble jets for family fun, there's something for everyone.

The picturesque location overlooking the River Tamar adds another layer of charm. This scenic backdrop transforms a simple swim into a mini-getaway, offering stunning views towards Cornwall.Instagram The pools have been a source of enjoyment for generations, with many visitors recalling fond childhood memories and hoping the tradition continues for future generations.Reddit

While the pools are a beloved attraction, it's important to note that experiences can vary. Some reviews mention a decline in maintenance and supervision, with issues like flooded toilets and rule-breaking by younger visitors.Reddit However, many still find the pools to be a great quality swimming experience with easy, free parking nearby and a welcoming atmosphere.Reddit

Making the Most of Your Visit: Tips from Locals and Visitors

To truly enjoy your day at Mount Wise Swimming Pools, a few insider tips can make all the difference. Firstly, arrive early, especially during peak season or on weekends. While entry is free, the popularity means popular spots can fill up quickly.Instagram Consider visiting on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.Reddit

Parking is a common concern for many attractions, but Mount Wise offers a convenient solution: free parking is often available on the road outside Hamoze House, followed by a short, scenic walk down to the pools.Reddit This saves on potential parking fees and adds to the overall value of the visit.

When it comes to enjoying the pools, remember to respect the space and other visitors. The pools are a community resource, and looking out for each other ensures everyone has a great day.Instagram While the facilities are generally well-maintained, some reviews have noted occasional issues, so keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings is always a good idea. Don't forget to pack essentials like towels, swimwear, and sunscreen for a comfortable and fun-filled day out.TikTok

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