Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool

Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool is open throughout the week and it’s not necessary to book. Just check the timetable on their website and turn up. It’s only a small complex but has everything you need: changing rooms, lockers, showers and a small seating area where you can get drinks from the vending machines.

The pool itself is 20m x 8.5m so is decent for lane swimming, but it’s also family friendly and balls and floats were available. There are free communal showers or you can choose to buy a token for a private shower cubicle. Prices are reasonable, with the family ticket being particularly good value.

The swimming baths are set in pleasant surroundings with plenty of free parking and there’s also a small play area for young children.

The swimming pool is about a 40 minute drive from the lodge at Barend, but you can always combine it with a trip into Kirkcudbright town, where there’s an assortment of independent shops, galleries and cafes. There’s also the Dark Space Planetarium that’s worth a visit.