Outdoor swimming pools and splash pools in Kent

For those scorching hot days when all you want is to jump into cool water, the county has a selection of outdoor pools.

Now the weather is finally warming up, we have found the best places to pull on your swimsuit and make a splash under the sun.

Here's our guide to Kent's outdoor pools for swimming, paddling and splashing!

Swanley Park, New Barn Road

Set within 60 acres of parkland, this free paddling pool has been refurbished ready for summer.

After issues with the floor breaking up last year, it has been dug up, reinforced and weather proofed.

It opened on April 6, and will stay open from 11am seven days a week until the end of September.

Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Castle Street

The heated pool just off Tonbridge High Street, with a water arch and beach area, opened on April 9.

A cafe offers a variety of sweet and savoury snacks and a kiosk serves ice-creams on really hot days.

Open from 6.30am on weekdays and 7am weekends, the 20m pool closes at 9pm daily.

Adult entry is £6, concessions £4.30 and a family ticket (two adults and two children) will set you back £15.

Faversham Pools, Leslie Smith Drive

The town's most visited attraction opened their heated outdoor pools for the summer on Saturday, May 4.

With two spring boards and a diving board, the main pool stretches 33m long and up to 3.7m deep.

The fun pool has a splash zone and wild water rapids and the toddler pool slide has been re-vamped ready for summer.

There is a cafe and kiosk or you can bring your own snacks to enjoy on the grass picnic area.

Open seven days a week from 9am until around 6.30pm, entry is £4.60 for adults and £3.60 for children. An extra £1 will be added during the summer holidays.

Walmer Paddling Pool, Marine Road, Deal

Next to the beach and surrounded by lawns, this paddling pool was splash ready from May 6.

Entry is free and opening hours should be every day from 10am-6pm until September but the attraction is weather dependent so visitors are advised to check before they travel.

There is a refreshment kiosk serving hot and cold snacks all day and deck chairs for hire.

Strand Pool, Strand Approach Road, Gillingham

Described as one of the town's most popular leisure attractions, this pool will open from the end of May on weekends 11am-5pm.

For the school summer holidays, it will open all week.

Medway residents under 16 or over 60 can bag a free swimming card to be used here. For others, adults pay £5.20 and children and seniors £3.30.

If you fancy a peaceful evening swim, there are sessions every Wednesday in August from 5.30-7.30pm, at £3. Visit the facebook page for more details.

Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate

If you want a dip but are not fond of getting chlorine in your hair, maybe take a trip down to this grade II listed tidal pool.

Built so people can bathe in the sea at all states of the tides, it covers four acres, with walls on three sides and a chalk beach floor.

Around since 1937, the pool has been providing locals with an alternative swim spot for more than 80 years.

A second, smaller tidal pool sits in Marine Terrace, also in Margate.

• If swimming isn't your thing or the weather looks a bit chilly for a dip outside take a look at our best parks and playgrounds for a cycle and a scooter with the family. You can find our complete guide here.