Taking the plunge at The Jubilee Pool
- christenpears
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Whether you're braving the bracing water of the main pool or basking in the warmth of the geothermal, The Jubilee Pool is a highlight of any visit to West Cornwall. The jewel in Penzance's crown, it's the largest saltwater lido in the UK and an art deco masterpiece. The structure suffered catastrophic storm damage in 2014 but a restoration programme spearheaded by the local community ensured its survival and this year it celebrates its 90th birthday.
History
Battery Rocks, just off the Penzance promenade, was already a popular spot for swimming but in the 1930s the town council commissioned borough surveyor Captain Frank Latham to design an open-air pool. There was some initial opposition due to the site's proximity to the town war memorial but building went ahead and the pool was opened in 1935, the year of King George V's Jubilee.
The pool is roughly triangular in shape and although undeniably elegant, its art deco lines were designed to withstand the force of the Atlantic. A guide book from 1938 had this to say about the design:
"In many respects the design is unique architecturally, partly from a point of view of necessity in conforming with existing conditions of wave elements and rocks which controlled the outline. Streamlines have been used to the greatest advantage in meeting the direction of the storm waves, while a Cubist style has been adopted in the interior in providing diving platforms and steps..."
The Jubilee Pool has changed very little over the last 90 years. It was originally designed with a main pool and a shallow pool although. Sadly the original diving boards and central raft have long gone but the large observation terrace and changing rooms remain.
A New Era
Like most of Britain's lidos, The Jubilee Pool suffered a period of decline as holidaymakers started to go abroad in greater numbers in the 1970s. It was becoming more and more difficult to stay afloat financially and in 2014 disaster struck when the pool was almost destroyed by storms.
Faced with the loss of the pool, the people of West Cornwall came together and formed a charity to secure grants and community funding that enabled it to be restored to its former glory. It was reopened in 2016 to great fanfare.
Since then there have been a number of innovations including the construction of a geothermal pool and a sauna. There's a great little cafe where you can watch what's going on in the pool and enjoy spectacular views across Mount's Bay. There are also a number of events throughout the year, many of which are aimed at the local community but there are also plenty that can be enjoyed by visitors such as live music nights and inflatable events for kids.
The Jubilee Pool will celebrate its 90th birthday on 31st May and the management team have big plans to mark the occasion. You can find out more about The Jubilee Pool here.
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