AN ART deco swimming pool, previously named one of the best in the world, is on the site of an old prison and features grand architecture.

The Mounts Baths in Northampton were dubbed "world class" by the BBC in 2017, sitting alongside other historic swimming venues in Europe.

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Originally built in 1936, Mounts Baths sit on the site of the town's old prison, as part of the civic centre - which also includes a fire station, police station and courts.

The baths are particularly special as art deco pools in the UK tended to be outdoors, but this one is indoors.

The pool and group changing rooms has undergone a £600,000 glow-up in the past few years - yet it still retains original features.

On the inside, features include art deco hot rooms which have black and ivory tiles, and a pool hall with a ceiling full of arches.

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In the entrance corridor, there are also two large art deco panels depicting a male and female swimmer.

The pool hall has eight arches in total, and is clad in blue tiles.

There are also tiered windows.

One recent visitor said: "I love this pool for swimming for fitness - it is a fantastic pool in art deco style built in the mid 1930s and I am grateful we have it to enjoy.

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"I would definitely recommend for fitness swimming, for a fun splash about at a leisure pool (especially with children who cannot swim) I would recommend Danes Camp."

Public baths were built in England as a result of the 1846 Baths and Wash-houses Act, which provided laundries, individual baths and small plunge pools for communal bathing.

The construction of the baths then began in May 1935 and the building was opened to the public in October 1936, at a cost of £52,000.

Today, the venue is known as Mounts Baths Leisure Centre and still features the iconic swimming pool.

In addition, there is a teaching pool, gym, dance studio and health suite.

A general swim at the baths costs £5.75 per adult and £5.50 for children (both off peak without a leisure card).

There is also a Victorian bathhouse which has been turned into a leisure attraction and will soon complete a £71million makeover with a new pool and spaces.

It's not the only art deco spa in England, "London’s oldest" with Turkish baths, with an indoor pool and affordable day passes, is open in Queensway.

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