One of the finest sights in historic Penzance has to be the iconic art deco Jubilee Pool, down off the Penzance promenade beside the pier where the Scillonian docks.
The inviting entrance gates
Solid sea defences
History
Designed in 1930 and opened in May 1935 in the year of King George’s Silver Jubilee, beside a popular bathing spot off the battery rocks it is definitely a ‘must see’ if not a ‘must do’!
Triangular in shape, with steps and Cubist style changing rooms the pool is of considerable architectural interest.
Plenty of space for sunbathing
This great recreational asset was in use for over 50 years until 1992 when it fell into disrepair. A restoration programme followed and it re-opened in 1994 and continued in use until the tragic storms of February 2014. Battered by the crashing waves it was in a very sorry state. A massive repair of the pool itself and strengthening of the sea defences programme followed and it re-opened in May 2016. In Feb 2017 it was transferred into community ownership, from Council owned and hopefully its future will now be stable.
“The transfer of Jubilee Pool is a great example of devolution in action. Devolution at its most worthwhile is about finding the best long term local custodians of an asset, in this case a pool that is valued and used by the local community. I applaud the Friends of Jubilee Pool for taking up the challenge.”
Cllr Adam Paynter, Cornwall Council.
Penzance Jubilee Pool
The pool today
So worth a visit https://www.jubileepool.co.uk/plan-your-visit. The water is cold – it’s seawater that comes in and out with the tide but you will soon warm up again, sitting on those warm walls. It’s a bit of nostalgia for many of us. Back in the 1960’s it was the only pool for miles and many of us learnt to swim there – myself included!
Entry is only £5 for adults £3.50 for juniors and concessions. You might like to take a picnic or enjoy the recently opened Jubilee Pool café. The pool is 5 minutes drive from Boscrowan or a twenty minute walk downhill and maybe add another five minutes for the return journey!
