Back with a splash

We can get our hair done, head to the pub and go out for a meal now safely, but there are still some outlets waiting patiently in the wings to open their doors again.

After culture secretary Oliver Dowden announced that gyms, sports halls and indoor pools could open again from Saturday, July 25 with safety measures in place, businesses across Kent have been getting ready for the big reveal. Here’s a look at some of them:

Following the news that outdoor pools could reopen earlier this month, indoor pools join indoor gyms and other sports facilities able to reopen from Saturday, July 25.

Swimmers, like gym-goers, are encouraged to arrive in their costume and shower and change at home, to avoid showers and busy changing rooms. Pools and leisure centres across the county are reopening, although some are still making arrangements.

Larkfield Leisure Centre, the Angel Centre and Tonbridge Swimming Pool will all reopen on Monday, July 27. At Larkfield and Tonbridge there will be adult lane swimming along with some club usage and aqua exercise classes, with 45 minute sessions booked online. The Tonbridge outdoor pool will also open for lane swimming. The gyms at Larkfield and Tonbridge will reopen with reduced capacity and pre-booked one hour sessions.

Swallows Leisure Centre in Sittingbourne, Maidstone Leisure Centre in Mote Park and Tenterden Leisure Centre reopen their doors to members on Saturday, July 25, with sessions needing to be pre-booked, as will Medway Park, Strood Sports Centre and Cascades Leisure Centre in Gravesend.

Tides Leisure Centre in Deal; Ramgsate Leisure Centre and Hartsdown Leisure Centre in Margate will reopen on

Monday, August 3.

The outdoor pool at Faversham is staying closed until the end of the year, while its indoor pool is not expected to reopen until September. The Strand pools in Gillingham will also remain shut and Splashes in Rainham will reopen after a £5m redevelopment. Ashford’s Stour Centre is closed for a year for a £6.5m refurbishment, while Sandwich Leisure Centre needs £30,000 worth of work carried out. Dover District Leisure Centre and Fairfields Leisure Centre in Dartford don’t yet have a reopening date.