Helmsley is the only heated open air pool in Yorkshire. The pool, opened in 1969 by the Duke of Norfolk and built by the Feversham Memorial Trust at a cost of £8,000-£9,000, was described in the June 13, 1969, edition of the Gazette & Herald as “fulfilling a long awaited amenity in Ryedale”. It was a memorial to the Third Earl of Feversham, who was keenly interested in swimming and sport in general and built on land donated by the fourth earl.
The pool is currently managed by a registered charity.
It has been through highs and lows over the years, facing the threat of closure in the late-80s and mid-90s. The pool received a £180,000 refurbishment to the tank and surrounds during the 2018 to 2019 closed season that saw a complete re-tiling by Moody Construction.
In June 2025, the pool’s iconic orange sausage inflatable suffered a catastrophic and potentially fatal puncture. The pool team are looking for someone to take on the repair. Watch this space!
| Name | Helmsley Open Air Pool Baxton’s Sprunt, Helmsley, York YO62 5HT |
| Built / opened | 9th August 1969 by the Duke of Norfolk |
| Cost | £8,000 |
| Dimensions | 80′ x 30′ |
| Water volume | 78,500 gallons |
| Water type | Heated freshwater |
| Depth(s) | 3′ to 10′ |
| Diving | |
| Changing facilities | |
| Second pool | N/A |
| Spectator seating | |
| Designer | Sir Martyn Beckett – architect Built by Swimming Pools Construction Co Ltd of Staines, Middlesex |
| Date closed | N/A |
| Status | Open |
| On site now | The pool |
| Notes | Built by Swimming Pools Construction Co Ltd of Staines, Middlesex |
| Links | |
| Last updated | 15th March 2025 |
