Refurbishments completed as outdoor pool opens for summer

People of all ages and abilities can enjoy an open-air swim at Banbury's Woodgreen pool from next week.

Published: Thursday, 15th May 2025

People of all ages and abilities can enjoy an open-air swim at Banbury's Woodgreen pool from next week.

Cherwell District Council has been preparing for the new swimming season at Woodgreen Leisure Centre by investing £130,000 in new showers, toilets, and improvements to changing rooms. The much-loved 50-metre facility reopens on Monday, 19 May.

Councillor Rob Pattenden, Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: "The Woodgreen pool first opened to swimmers in 1939 but with this year's renovations and the addition of an eco-friendly solar thermal heating system in 2022, it is very much moving with the times.

"Swimming is such an accessible and beneficial form of exercise and so it's a brilliant way for us to invest in our communities' health and wellbeing. With the warm weather we're having, I fully expect people to be making the most of Banbury's wonderful outdoor pool as it opens its doors for another summer."

The improvements at Woodgreen include an accessible, step-free shower for people with disabilities. The changing rooms and lockers have been reconfigured for ease of use and new showers are now also in place.

The improvements have been paid for by Section 106 monies secured through legal agreements with developers.

In addition to the pool itself, the outdoor areas at Woodgreen also have a flume, an interactive aqua splash zone for toddlers, and a snack bar.

Entry to the pool for a single session will cost £5.65 for an adult or £3.70 for a child or senior citizen. Family tickets are also available.

The Woodgreen outdoor pool is operated by Legacy Leisure on behalf of Cherwell District Council with financial contributions from Banbury Town Council.

The pool will be operating its term-time timetable from Monday, 19 May. The full summer timetable will run from Monday, 24 July until Sunday, 3 September, with extended opening hours to meet the additional holiday demand.

For the full details of sessions and opening times click below:

Woodgreen Leisure Centre

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