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La Vallette Bathing Pools: A Victorian Seaside Escape

Historic Victorian bathing pools in Guernsey offering a unique saltwater swimming experience with stunning coastal views and family-friendly facilities.

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La Vallette Bathing Pools, located on Guernsey's east coast, offer a unique and historic swimming experience. These Victorian-era tidal pools provide a safe, contained area for saltwater swimming for all ages, with stunning views of Castle Cornet and the surrounding islands.

A brief summary to La Vallette Bathing Pools

  • Monday 7 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-4 pm
  • Friday 7 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check tide times before visiting to ensure the pools are sufficiently full for swimming.
  • Arrive early during peak season to secure a good swimming spot.
  • Bring appropriate footwear as the pool floors can be stony and may contain seaweed.
  • Enjoy a meal or snack at the café, which offers beautiful views of Havelet Bay and Castle Cornet.
  • Note that parking is limited, especially during peak hours; consider using public transport.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the St Peter Port bus terminus, walk south along the seafront. Continue along the coastal path past the Guernsey Aquarium. La Vallette Bathing Pools will be on your left, approximately a 15-minute walk.

  • Public Transport

    All bus routes serve the St Peter Port bus terminus. From there, follow the walking directions to La Vallette Bathing Pools. A single bus fare within St Peter Port costs around £1-£2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in St Peter Port. A taxi from the bus terminus to La Vallette Bathing Pools will cost approximately £7-£10. Ride-sharing services are also available.

  • Driving

    From St Peter Port, follow the signs towards La Vallette. Parking is available on the road near the pools, but spaces are limited and may have time restrictions. Parking is free. Be aware that the road past the parking area is single-lane, requiring drivers to pull in to allow others to pass.

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Discover more about La Vallette Bathing Pools

La Vallette Bathing Pools, affectionately known as 'The Bathing Pools', have been a cherished destination for locals and tourists alike for over 150 years. Originally built in 1844 to compensate for the loss of swimming facilities due to the expansion of St Peter Port harbour, these pools offer a refreshing escape into Guernsey's coastal history. The complex consists of four unique swimming areas: the Ladies', Gent's, and Children's pools, and the Horseshoe Pool, a U-shaped pool providing easy access to the sheltered bay. While the pools retain their original names, they are now open to all swimmers. The pools are filled naturally by the sea at high tide, offering a unique, chlorine-free swimming experience. The walls retain the water as the tide recedes, providing a safe and calm swimming environment. In their early years, the pools were frequented by notable figures such as Victor Hugo and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The facility also offers changing rooms, hot showers (payment required), and a café with panoramic views. The site has undergone recent rejuvenation, with a focus on accessibility and community use. Visitors should be aware of the natural forces of the sea and weather and exercise caution when entering the water. Tide times can be found online.

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