Barrow-in-Furness had its own dose of sunshine and cool dips with the Biggar Bank outdoor pool! Built in 1931, this lido provided a welcome escape during the summer months. Imagine the shimmering turquoise water (okay, maybe it was a bit more on the “bracing” side, but
hey, it was the Irish Sea!) contrasting with the golden sands of Biggar Bank. The air was filled with the joyful shrieks of children playing, the rhythmic splash of swimmers, and maybe even the faint sounds of The Beatles drifting from a nearby transistor radio.
Taking a dip in Biggar Bank Pool was a rite of passage for Barrow kids. Imagine cannonballing into the pool with your mates, trying to make the biggest splash, or perfecting your underwater handstand (and trying not to bump into anyone!). I bet there were some epic games of Marco Polo going on, and maybe a few daring souls attempting to walk the length of the pool without touching the bottom.
The pool even played a role in boosting the local economy during tough times, creating jobs during construction. Sadly, the party didn’t last forever, and the pool eventually closed its doors.
Although no longer taking swimmers, the Biggar Bank pool serves as a reminder of Barrow’s past and the community spirit of finding leisure and recreation even during challenging times. The salty tang of the sea air and the scent of sunscreen still linger in the memories of those who spent their summer days here, dodging rogue beach balls and perfecting their diving techniques.
Want to share your memories of Biggar Bank Pool? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at info@furness-whisper.com or visit our contact page.