The Exmouth Open Air Bath was opened on 11th May 1932 by the Chairman of the Council. It was built on a site that was previously used for tennis courts. It started out as a sea water pool but was converted to freshwater in the 1970’s.
The pool was 150’ long by 50’ wide. Some sources give 60’.
The pool hosted regular water polo tournaments and was host to the Exmouth Swimming and Life Saving Society.
The local authority gave up the running of the pool in 1985 and it passed into private hands. The pool was reduced in length by half and a slide was added in 1987.
The pool closed for good circa 1989 and appears to have been filled in whilst the buildings were left derelict.
An indoor pool was built on the site. Word commenced in 2008 but was stopped as it was not built to planning consents. Work restarted in 2010 and the pool eventually opened in 2012.
| Name | Exmouth Open Air Baths Queens Drive, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 2AY, England |
| Coordinates | 50°36’50.0″N 3°24’37.9″W |
| Built / opened | 11th May 1932 |
| Cost | £7,000 |
| Dimensions | 150′ x 50′ |
| Capacity | |
| Water type | Originally sea water. Converted to fresh water in 1970’s. |
| Depth(s) | From 3′ to 7′ |
| Diving | Five step fixed platform. 9′ diving pit |
| Changing facilities | |
| Second pool | Small octagonal paddling pool |
| Spectator seating | N/A |
| Designer | |
| Date closed | 1989, filled in and demolished 2008. |
| Status | Demolished |
| On site now | Indoor pool |
| Last updated | 8th February 2026 |
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette – Wednesday 03 February 1932
SWIMMING POOL COMPLETED
Mr. Berry asked if the cubicles at the new swimming pool would be numbered, and if there would be a distinction between those for males and those for females.The Surveyor replied in the affirmative. Capt. Shrubb asked if any water had yet been let into the bath. The Surveyor: Yes, sir. Some was pumped in to-day. Capt. Shrubb: And went in all right?The Surveyor:Yes, sir.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette – Tuesday 23 February 1932
EXMOUTH SWIMMERS – Club’s View of the New Bathing Pool.
The report to be presented to the annual meeting of Exmouth Swimming and Life- Saving Society on March 2nd states that the Committee wish to express its gratitude to the Council for the provision of the fine swimming pool erected on the sea front. It was up to date and one of the finest, if not the best of its kind, in the West of England. It should prove great acquisition to the town, and they intended to support the Council whole-heartedly to make it a paying concern. The opening date was fixed for May 11th, and a gala was to arranged to celebrate this.
