Yorkshire open-air pool drops temperature to 14°C for cold water swimming sessions

Yorkshire’s only heated open-air swimming pool is turning down the temperature for a month of cold water swimming – complete with hot drinks and a poolside sauna.

Instead of closing for the season, Yorkshire’s only heated open-air pool is dialling down its temperatures.

Between Friday (Oct 2) and Sunday (Nov 1), Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool is running its annual Cool Pool sessions.

To allow swimmers to acclimatise to the colder water, temperatures will drop gradually on a week-by-week basis, starting at 23°C and finishing at 14°C.

Cold water swimming has grown in popularity, with regular swimmers reporting benefits including improved mood and reduced inflammation.

Since launching its Cool Pool sessions in 2017, Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool says it has seen increasing interest from visitors.

Last year, the outdoor pool remained open until November 22. This year, depending on demand, the pool could remain open for longer.

Tickets start at £6.75, including a 75-minute pool session and a complimentary hot drink. There is also an optional £6.50 upgrade for access to a poolside sauna.

The outdoor pool is located in the North York Moors National Park, and cold water swimmers can warm up afterwards with lunch in Helmsley or Rievaulx.

Alternatively, Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool is only a five-minute drive from The Flower Belt, which is offering seasonal pumpkin picking every weekend in October.