New Cumnock Outdoor Swimming Pool
Gill Sherry
There aren’t many towns in Scotland that can boast an outdoor swimming pool. New Cumnock, however, can not only boast of its heated facility, it can really shout about it! Not least because it is the only public, outdoor freshwater heated pool in the country.
The pool was first opened in June 1968 but was extensively refurbished in 2017 and is now a first-class lido-style pool, with colourful beach-style changing huts, modern shower and changing facilities, and sheltered patio area.
At 25-metres long and 10-metres wide it’s an impressive size and large enough to accommodate those wishing to swim lengths as well as those just looking to splash around in the water.
The summer 2025 season saw the pool open six days a week (closed Fridays) from 29th March, with the closing date yet to be confirmed. This could be as late as November, weather permitting.
Advance bookings are recommended as some sessions are reserved for Adult Swimming, Aqua-Fit, Float Fun, Swimming Lessons, Parent and Baby, and Learning Support Groups. It’s also possible to hire the pool for private sessions so always check before planning your visit.
Managed by The Dumfries House Trust, this community-run, energy-efficient pool is also a Royal Life Saving (RLSS) UK officially registered Lifeguard Training Centre, putting this invaluable East Ayrshire facility well and truly on the map.
The pool’s refurbishment and continued popularity would not have been possible without the financial support of philanthropists, Sir Tom Hunter, himself a New Cumnockian, and Bob and Tamar Manoukian. Tamar was also responsible for funding the Outdoor Residential Centre at Dumfries House and, indeed, both that and New Cumnock Outdoor Swimming Pool are named after her.
I was lucky enough to take advantage of the pool’s facilities on a hot and sunny day in July. It was an hour well spent. Floating in the water with the sun on my face, it could easily have been mistaken for a hotel pool in the Costa del Sol. Granted, the somewhat ‘rural’ smell drifting across from nearby fields reminded me I was in East Ayrshire, but the combination of exercise and relaxation meant I was in no hurry to leave.
One thing was for sure, though, I would definitely be back. Maybe next time I could join the Adults Only ‘Swim Under The Stars’ session. Imagine floating beneath the dark skies, gazing at the Milky Way, followed by a steaming cup of hot chocolate. What a perfect way to spend an evening!
Located in the heart of the town, opposite the Town Hall, there’s no denying that the pool is a valued community facility, bringing people together for fun and learning, with benefits to both physical and mental health. It also brings visitors to the town. Just a ten-minute walk from New Cumnock Train Station, it’s a popular destination for people from across Ayrshire and beyond, boosting the local economy not just in the summer months, but during all four seasons. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for details of upcoming events, including those over the festive period.
Following my own visit, I left the pool feeling invigorated and refreshed with the biggest smile on my face. All that was left was to choose which flavour ice-cream to indulge in!
Find out more on Facebook: New Cumnock Swimming Pool
Tel: 01290 333891
