Broomhill Pool

A community pool on the outskirts of Ipswich that's fighting for its life. Broomhill Pool has been a local fixture for decades, serving families and swimmers who'd otherwise have to trek into town. The outdoor setting gives it a proper charm - the kind of place where generations have learned to swim and regulars know the lifeguards by name.

What you get here is straightforward: lap swimming, shallow end for kids, and the sort of no-nonsense atmosphere you find at working pools rather than fancy leisure complexes. On a warm day it's genuinely lovely. On a grey one, well, you're outside in Suffolk.

The catch is the uncertainty. The pool's future has been precarious - hence the Save Broomhill Pool campaign - so before planning a visit, you'll need to check the website or ring ahead. Opening hours and admission fees aren't confirmed at present, which tells you something about its current state.

For families staying at nearby parks like Wheathill or Suffolk Steel House, it could be a useful cooling-off spot on a hot afternoon rather than a destination in itself. It's the sort of pool that matters most to locals, and that's not a small thing. Worth ringing to confirm it's actually open before you make the trip from your holiday base.