Pells Pool

Apologies (especially to Christiaan) for the radio silence of late - I've been so busy swimming it's left little time for writing about swimming. But by way of compensation I have two juicy posts in store! Beginning with the singular delight of Pells Pool in Sussex - the country's oldest freshwater public pool at the grand age of 152, and destination of choice for Brockwell Icicle Fran to celebrate her birthday back in August.

Following our usual swim at Brockwell lido to show due deference and loyalty, 'Polar Bear' Peretz and I beetled off to Victoria, where we hopped on a train that set us on the mat in Lewes an hour later.

         

A very British scene en route

A quick 15 minute walk through the pleasant town of Lewes, and here we were at Pells Pool receiving a warm welcome from pool manager Phil and convening with Fran and family.

And what a wonderful space! The pool is 46 x 23 metres, so a bit shorter and considerably slimmer than Brockwell. The water (which comes from a local spring and is treated and mildly chlorinated before admittance) certainly feels special - light and bursting with restorative properties. The edges of the pool are curved and tilt slightly upwards, and in the deep end you can balance on the sloping wall if you put your mind to it.

The vibe was pretty family orientated, with most children availing themselves of the blue lilos provided by the lido, and just the one lane. But plenty of room for all in the Zone of Bewilderment if you don't mind dodging the odd inflatable.

We set up camp on one of the picnic tables scattered on the grassy area by the pool, and set ourselves to the business of swimming. I even picked up some top tips from Fran's husband, Alfonso, who swims so effortlessly as to confer the impression that you and all your surrounding are actually moving backwards.

Picnic lunch, aquatic chats, then time for another swim (a triple-dip day!).

Fran's patented front-crawl technique

And what's that we spy? Could it be... commemorative Pells Pool t-shirts!!

Splashion show

If this post has inspired you to head on down... well I'm afraid you'll have to wait until next spring, as it's closed for the winter. Ha! But do go - it's well worth the trip.