Shoalstone Pool in Devon is one of the few remaining seawater pools in the UK, and has been open to the public since 1896 – but in recent weeks, locals have been left fuming
One of the UK’s most treasured seawater pools is under siege due to anti-social behaviour tarnishing the beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
The issue comes as an interactive map shows which areas of the UK are most blighted by anti-social behaviour.
The beautiful Victorian swimming pool, located in another renowned ‘fish town’, sits at the sea’s edge and is replenished by the high tide daily. It’s even free to use.
The lido is a gem in this Devon community, adored by tourists, but some individuals have been ruining the experience for others this summer season.
Shoalstone Pool in Brixham is one of the few remaining sea pools of its kind in the country, nestled in a town also known for its bustling fishing industry, reports the Express.
Since 1896, the public has enjoyed this seawater pool, established during the Victorian era when sea bathing became popular – thus, the birth of Shoalstone Seawater Pool.
Fast forward to the present day, and you’ll find the same magnificent outdoor pool stretching 53 metres, ideal for a summer’s day. However, anti-social behaviour in and around the lido has left locals irate.
At present, the lido is temporarily shut for unrelated reasons as the seawater pool undergoes essential repairs to preserve it for future generations. This has been made possible by a community fundraising effort in a ‘Save Shoalstone from the Waves campaign’.
Nevertheless, despite the lido remaining shut for refurbishment, antisocial behaviour has persisted around the restaurant which remains operational, with staff reporting fresh vandalism to the site this week. The troubles have been escalating for weeks.
Several weeks back, pool manager David Thomas posted on Shoalstone Pool’s Facebook page, revealing that incidents had been ‘reported to the police’ following ‘yet more damage caused by local youths’ at the picturesque Shoalstone Pool.
He said: “If it’s not verbally abusing our visitors they are damaging our property.
“This and last week’s incidents have been reported to Devon & Cornwall Police, we feel we are one step away from closing the pool for the season.
“We cannot afford to keep fixing what these youths destroy and the offence caused – it will cost appx £500 to repair the fence.”
He added: “We’ve had a continuous problem this season so far. And they seem to be getting worse. We will prosecute this time if we catch them.”
Local tradesmen swiftly offered assistance to fix the damage at the time, yet this week the restaurant – situated adjacent to the pool and operated by the same staff – was allegedly hit by antisocial behaviour, prompting another Facebook statement from the Shoalstone team.
The Facebook message said: “So sad to see this again and again, one day there will not be a restaurant or a pool for all to enjoy if this continues.”
The Brixham community and its visitors have reacted with a mix of support, anger, and disbelief to the recent post.
One commenter, not a local but a frequent holidaymaker to Brixham, shared her fond memories of the pool, saying she ‘enjoys holidays to Brixham and have had great times at the pool’.
She added: “So sad and frustrating that this is happening, lawless Britain is affecting so many businesses and lives, I hope things improve.”
Another wrote: “The restaurant has a well known reputation for the quality of its food so it’s sad to hear that the restaurant and staff are being targeted by a cadre of young people.
“I hope with the support of local people and the police you can overcome these problems.”
Some branded the behaviour as ‘disgusting’ and said the culprits ‘should be ashamed of themselves’, while another pointed out they were ‘spoiling it for everyone else’.
Pool enthusiasts described Shoalstone Pool as a ‘lovely free outdoor sea water swimming pool’ with ‘small changing rooms which are so handy’.
Although currently closed until at least October 2025 for refurbishment, when open, the lido offers free entry with donations accepted to aid its maintenance.
Many in the Brixham community feel ‘so lucky’ to have such a facility nearby, yet some seemingly fail to appreciate the privilege of having Shoalstone Pool so close.
The team behind the pool clarified that the closure for renovation ‘is not linked to the delinquent behaviour’, as ‘significant repair work’ was already planned for the site.
Community activities will still be taking place at the venue whilst work commences at Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham, including complimentary morning yoga sessions.
The Shoals Restaurant, boasting stunning sea views and situated adjacent to the pool, will also remain open for business as renovations to the lido kick off.