Fancy a dip? 13 historic pictures of Preston’s pools including Saul Street Baths

The sights, sounds, and chlorine-riddled smells of the swimming baths provoke some of the most nostalgic memories for countless people.

By Jack Marshall

Published 5th Jun 2023, 04:55 BST

Updated 16th Nov 2023, 09:10 BST

And, whether its learning to swim as a child alongside your young friends or taking your own kids down to the pool for a dip, Preston’s swimming baths have played host to many a laughter-filled day. Take a look at a few images from the city’s historic pools from across the decades.

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Nearly 100 children made quite a splash when they took to the water at a special life-saving gala at Preston's Saul Street Baths. It is the first time that the annual event organised by the Lancashire branch of the Royal Lifesaving Society has been held outside Blackpool

1. Preston Pools

Nearly 100 children made quite a splash when they took to the water at a special life-saving gala at Preston's Saul Street Baths. It is the first time that the annual event organised by the Lancashire branch of the Royal Lifesaving Society has been held outside Blackpool Photo: RETRO

Youngsters showed off their swimming skills in pursuit of a special award. Students from Preston's Moorfield and Elms Schools and Preston College have been training all term for the Amateur Swimming Association Bronze Challenge. The award demands a number of water skills and a 400-metre swim - all to be acheived without any rest and without touching the side of the pool. The keen swimmers are pictured

2. Preston Pools

Youngsters showed off their swimming skills in pursuit of a special award. Students from Preston's Moorfield and Elms Schools and Preston College have been training all term for the Amateur Swimming Association Bronze Challenge. The award demands a number of water skills and a 400-metre swim - all to be acheived without any rest and without touching the side of the pool. The keen swimmers are pictured Photo: RETRO

Haslam Park swimming pool, in Preston, in August 1958

3. Preston Pools

Haslam Park swimming pool, in Preston, in August 1958 Photo: n/a

The Mayor of Preston, Coun Ian Hall, taking a dip in Saul Street municipal baths' new £12,000 learner pool, after officially declaring it open. The pool is named after baths superintendent Tom Aldridge who started work with the authority almost 40 years ago

4. Preston Pools

The Mayor of Preston, Coun Ian Hall, taking a dip in Saul Street municipal baths' new £12,000 learner pool, after officially declaring it open. The pool is named after baths superintendent Tom Aldridge who started work with the authority almost 40 years ago Photo: RETRO