Early opening days announced for Abbey Meadow Pool ahead of June heatwave
Published Tuesday 17 June 2025
Summer in the Vale is well underway and there is great news for families and swimmers with the Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon set to open early this season!
The pool would ordinarily open on 19 July ready for the summer holidays – the most popular time of the year for use – and run through to early September when the schools return.
Now, Better UK, who manage the site on behalf of Vale of White Horse District Council, has made the decision to trial ‘weather dependent’ opening in the run up to the usual July opening. This would open the pool at weekends – and potentially during the week – if the weather is good.
Better has made the business decision to open the pool, at no additional cost to the council.
This week Better has been focussed on all the hard work required to get the pool and the surrounding area ready and raring to go in time for the good weather.
The pool will now open on Thursday 19 June. It will remain open on Friday 20 June 2025 and over the coming weekend.
After 22 June and until 19 July, the open-air pool on the banks of the Thames will open when the weather and staffing allow. Decisions will be taken around four days prior to opening and advertised on the pool’s Facebook page with booking available on the Better website.
For dates and opening times, visitors will need to check the Better Uk App, visit the Better website and or check social media.
Visitors are urged to make sure they check if the pool is open ahead of any visits and follow the pool’s Facebook account for the latest updates.
As well as family swimming, the pool also offers fitness swimming, aqua classes and swimming lessons for both adults and children.
Peckish visitors will be able to get ice-creams, cold drinks and snacks from the kiosk and local families will love the splash pad.
The Abbey Meadow splash pad and kiosk, also managed by Better UK on behalf of the council, opened at the end of May.
Councillor Andy Crawford, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Leisure Facilities, said: “This is such welcome news – and I’m sure it will be positively received by everyone who looks forward to enjoying the pool in the warm weather.
“I’d like to thank our leisure partners, GLL, who have taken a business decision to trial the early opening at no extra cost to the council. This means the pool can open outside the usual school holiday opening hours for the first time in years without us having to divert funding from other important council services.
“With the warm weather on its way – I’d encourage families and keen swimmers to take a dip this coming Thursday! Remember for future visits to check ahead on the Better website if the pool is open before the full official opening on 19 July.”
Kevin Williams, Better Partnership Manager – South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, added: “At Better, we know that the pool and splashpad at Abbey Meadow Outdoor Pool are hugely valued by local residents and visitors and after a very successful 2024, we’ve been pulling out all the stops for this new early opening to capitalise on the great summer weather too.
“It’s always great to see how much enjoyment children and families get from the pool at Abbey Meadows – swimming is not only fun – it’s a great way to get active.
“Combined with the splash pad and the kiosk, we’re proud that we can provide local residents with such a fantastic way to spend their leisure time, ahead of – and during – the summer holidays.”
Last season, Better launched swimming lessons, diving classes, and aqua aerobics sessions, all of which attracted participants of various ages and skill levels – with many sessions fully booked early in the season.
The debut of the ‘End of Season Dog Swim’ was a roaring success. This sold-out event allowed dogs to take a splash in the pool, accompanied by their delighted owners.
The hope is to run event more events and activities like this during the 2025 season.
