Illustration — photo coming soon
This village property in Cumnor, just outside Oxford on the edge of the Cotswolds, has an unusual story worth knowing about.
The name alone hints at what it once was: a thriving open-air swimming pool that opened in the 1920s. For several decades, it served as a vital community gathering place where locals and visitors would come on warm days to swim and socialise. The pool was very much at the heart of village life, providing an important leisure facility that people looked forward to visiting throughout the year.
By the 1980s, like many public pools of that era, it had closed to the public. The building was then converted into a private residence, though its distinctive character and that telling name still reflect what it was. You won't be able to swim there or visit inside these days, but walking past gives you a real sense of Cumnor's social history. There's something quite engaging about seeing how a place transforms while keeping its past alive in its identity. The location makes it easy to include in a wider exploration of the area, particularly if you're spending time in Oxford and want to venture out to understand the villages that surround it.
Visitor reviews
Every review has a sheep rating. If you have dogs on your account, you can add an optional dog-friendly paw rating when you post.