A much-loved staple during the warmer months, lidos have been part of the British summertime since the Victorian era and have recently made a comeback into the modern world. From historic pools symbolising a bygone era to stunning coastal spots perfect for soaking up the scenery, here we take a look at the most incredible lidos across the UK.
Hidden down a leafy path by the River Thames, this luxurious-looking lido is an award-winning retreat in Reading. First opened in 1902 as the Ladies Swimming Bath, the pool was designed by John Bowen, the Borough Engineer and Surveyor and is thought to be the oldest surviving outdoor pool of the early Edwardian era. Newly renovated, the Thames Lido has become a premier destination for relaxation, with a heated pool, spa facilities, restaurant and tapas bar.
The largest seawater lido in the UK, the Jubilee Pool is one of the most unusual pools in England thanks to its triangular shape. Located near the Penzance Harbour on the Cornish coastline, the pool first opened in 1935, the year of King George V’s Silver Jubilee, hence its name. Designed by Captain F Latham, the pool was built to withstand the power of the Cornish seas and offers both traditional cold water and modern geothermal swimming options. Today, with its unique shape and blissful coastal scenery, the Art Deco pool is one of the most celebrated lidos in the UK.
With spectacular views of the Clyde Estuary, Gourock Pool is the oldest heated swimming pool in Scotland. Recently refurbished with modern changing facilities, a new gym and disabled access, the pool offers visitors a first-class leisure experience. Heated to a toasty 29ºC (84ºF) the saltwater pool is one of the best in the UK and is perfect for a swim under the stars.
Established in 1938, the Saltdean Lido in Brighton is truly an Art Deco masterpiece. Created by architect RWH Jones, the lido was designed in a unique streamlined modern style to become the main attraction of Saltdean, England's new coastal resort. The only Grade II-listed coastal lido in the country, with its stunning Art Deco architecture and beautiful location, it's easy to see why Historic England named it "the Seventh Wonder of the English Seaside". Left derelict after the Second World War, the lido underwent restoration work earlier this year but has now reopened.
In the heart of the rolling hills of the Peak District, Hathersage Pool lies in its namesake village in Derbyshire. First opened in 1936 as part of the King George V Memorial Field, alongside the pool there was a bandstand, playing field, sandpit and paddling pool. Today, the 98-foot (30m) pool has been given a few modern updates including changing facilities and heated showers, while a café and lawned seating areas offer lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Managed by the Hathersage Parish Council, the pool hosts plenty of fundraising events including monthly night swims with live musicians on the bandstand.
Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool sits among the picturesque Wardale countryside in the North Pennines. Measuring 82 feet (25m) long and 42.6 feet (13m) wide, the main pool is heated to a warm 27°C (82°F) and features a springboard for divers to show off their skills at the deep end. For smaller swimmers, there’s a children’s pool which is just over 1.6 feet deep (0.5m) and has a small slide. A shop on site offers refreshments and snacks as well as dive toys, armbands and goggles.
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Home to the oldest swimming club in Britain, the Serpentine Lido is one of the most renowned open water swimming spots in London. In a closed-off section of the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, the lido has hosted the Serpentine Swimming Club for over 100 years. Open to non-members from June until August, the main lido is unheated and unchlorinated so swimmers may find themselves sharing the waters with nearby ducks and swans. Surrounded by beautiful park scenery and with a sunbathing area and the Lido Cafe just next door, the Serpentine Lido is the perfect place to spend a lazy summer afternoon.
Located in northeast Cornwall, Bude Sea Pool is a stunning, part natural, part-manmade swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach in Bude. Created in 1930, the sea pool has provided a relaxing safe haven for swimming and bathing for over 80 years. The pool measures roughly 290 feet (88m) in length and 140 feet (43m) wide and is great for all levels of swimmers. As one of the last few remaining tidal pools still open to the public, the picturesque pool draws almost 60,000 visitors each year.
Tucked inside a courtyard of Clifton's famous Georgian Terraces, this pretty lido is an urban oasis in the heart of Bristol. Originally opened in 1850, Bristol Lido is a restored Victorian swimming pool that was re-opened in 2008. Stretching across 78.7 feet (24m), the lido is heated throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 22-25ºC (71.6-77ºF). Still retaining some of its Victorian features, the lido's historic viewing gallery has been transformed into a restaurant offering delicious food with lovely views across the pool. The lido is also home to a luxury spa with a sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub.
East London's much-loved lido lies in the northwest corner of London Fields Park. Open year-round, the Olympic-sized pool is heated in the winter and cooled in the summer, making it perfect in all seasons. The pool has lane swimming and also offers group lessons, one-to-one swimming lessons and swift lessons to both children and adults. There's also a big sundeck and sunbathing area, ideal for lazing about during the warm summer days while the colourful changing rooms provide a cosy place to warm up after a swim. During winter, the lido is floodlit in the evenings so swimmers can do laps at night.
Occupying a scenic spot along the Brixham seafront, Shoalstone Seawater Pool is an underrated gem of Devon. The pool was built into a natural rock pool which was a popular bathing spot during the Victorian period. Its current form dates back to 1926, and despite a lack of funding threatening its closure, with the help of donations and its volunteers, the historic 174-foot (53m) pool has managed to stay open and is one of the few saltwater pools left in the country.
On the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds and near the centre of Woodhall Spa village, this heated lido is the sparkling jewel of Jubilee Park. Set among beautiful parkland, Woodhall Spa is home to two pools, its main pool is just over 108 feet long (33m) while the small paddling pool 36 feet (11m) long and features a huge tap waterfall. Heated to a balmy 29°C (84.2°F), the larger pool offers swimming lessons and courses throughout the year for all ages and abilities and is a popular spot for cooling off during summer.
The finest outdoor pool in the Midlands, this lido originally opened in 1935. Back then, brine was pumped into the water to keep it aseptic and it was heated to the exact temperature of the Mediterranean Sea. A popular attraction for years, the lido closed its doors in 2000 and was later re-opened in 2007 with a newly refurbished pool. Today, the Art Deco lido is part of the Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre and has a terrace, café and children’s play area.
Nestled on the edge of Hampstead Heath in north London, the historic Parliament Hill Lido is one of the oldest lidos in the capital. First opened in 1938, the 200-foot (61m) open-air pool is home to a café which serves up plenty of delicious delights including pastries, cakes and cooked breakfasts in their main kitchen. Now a Grade II-listed landmark, the unheated pool is open 365 days a year and draws in swimmers wanting a soothing escape in the city.
Peterborough’s famous lido has been entertaining visitors in the summer months for decades. Completed in 1936, Peterborough Lido was an instant hit when it first opened. The lido has overcome many challenges throughout its life including a bombing during the Second World War, a devastating fire in 1991 and extreme financial issues during the 1990s. Today, the Mediterranean-inspired lido serves as a symbol of endurance and survival, home to a café, pool liner, play area and cubicles.
Stretching for roughly 300 feet (91.4m) just north of the city centre, the Jesus Green Lido is one of the last surviving examples of England's early 20th century lidos. Unusually long (one of the longest in Europe), the lido opened in 1920 and was designed to mimic swimming in the nearby River Cam. Despite recent upgrades, including a sauna and sunbathing space, the pool still has many of its original features like the basket room for swimmers to leave their belongings. Today, Jesus Green Lido serves as an impressive landmark to the UK’s golden age of lidos.
A one of a kind attraction in Wales, the history of Lido Ponty dates back nearly 100 years. First built in 1927 with a strong Mediterranean influence, the lido, with its pool, bathing gallery and changing rooms became the must-visit destination of the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The place to be, Pontypridd-born Sir Tom Jones was a regular visitor of the lido and it was also where Jenny Jones, the first woman to swim the English channel, trained for her monumental feat. Since then, the Grade II-listed pool has been lovingly restored, home to three pools, showers, heated changing facilities and a state-of-the-art Visitor’s Centre, which tells the story of The National Lido of Wales.
The capital’s second-biggest outdoor pool, Charlton Lido first opened its doors in south London in 1939. Today, the newly refurbished lido is part of the Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club, which also features a state-of-the-art gym and an open-air cycle studio. The Olympic-sized pool is open year-round and heated to a cosy 25°C (77°F). At least two or three lanes are open for fitness swimming and non-members must pre-book a swim session in advance.
Formerly the Uxbridge Lido, this picturesque lido is a lovely example of an Art Moderne pool from the 1930s. With threats of permanent closure several times in its life, the 164-foot (50m) open-air swimming pool was re-opened in 2010 as part of the new Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex after being badly vandalised. The Grade II-listed pool (renamed the Hillingdon Lido) has been beautifully restored to its former Art Deco glory, with fountains on either side and a new heated shallow pool for children alongside a newly built gym, indoor pool, football pitches, fitness studios and an athletic track.
A much-loved local landmark, Brockwell Lido lies in the corner of its namesake park in south London. Characterised by its pretty Art Deco architecture, the lido originally opened in 1937 to replace the natural bathing ponds in Brockwell Park. The pool operated for decades, hosting the London Swimming Championships for 22 years in a row before closing its doors due to neglect and lack of use in the 1990s. Re-opened and restored in 2007, the unheated 164-foot (50m) pool has become a popular spot for a swim all year long. The Lido Cafe that overlooks the pool is a firm favourite too.
First opened in 1833, the Lymington Sea Water Baths are the UK’s oldest and largest saltwater lido. Based near Lymington Marina in the New Forest, the baths have historically gained national interest for their rejuvenating waters and natural mud materials. Today, the impressive 360-foot (110m) saltwater expanse is a favourite destination for thrill-seekers with its kayaking, paddleboarding and zorbing. Those who are up for the challenge can also explore the lido's impressive 656 feet (200m) of inflatables, the largest water inflatable obstacle course on England's south coast.
The only freshwater outdoor pool in Scotland, New Cumnock Pool is one of the last remaining open-air swimming pools in the country. First opened in 1968, the pool was refurbished in 2017 by The Dumfries House Trust. With its rainbow-coloured changing rooms and soothing 30°C (86°F) waters, the pool is a lovely spot for a swim whatever the weather and offers a variety of swimming lessons.
Set in the market town of Beccles, this charming lido is scenically situated next to the River Waveney. Beccles Lido is home to a main pool with a springboard and slide and separate toddler and paddling pools which are all heated to 28°C (82.4°F) during the summer season. There are plenty of paved and grassy areas for lazing about in the sun as well as picnic tables, chairs and sun lounges The Splash Pool Bar sells snacks, ice creams and a range of hot and cold drinks, perfect for a break from swimming.
Often overlooked for the famous lidos of London, you may be surprised to discover that this pool in Lewes has a history dating back 160 years. Originally built in the 1860s, Pells Pool is the oldest documented freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the UK. Measuring 151 feet (46m) long and 75 feet (23m) wide, the pool is fed by a natural spring and relies on the sun's rays for warmth. Pells Pool has plenty to enjoy including a tree-lined garden lawn, the perfect spot for a picnic, a sun terrace, an exercise lane and a children’s paddling pool.
Perched on Swansea Promenade overlooking the pretty Swansea Bay, Blackpill Lido is the city’s favourite outdoor water park. The old-fashioned open-air park is home to a great paddling pool with fountains alongside a children’s playing area, climbing rock and picnic facilities. Completely free to visit, it is the perfect budget-friendly family day out. Deckchairs are available to hire or visitors can bring their own.
The largest freshwater pool in the UK, Tooting Bec Lido has been a popular spot for swimmers and leisure seekers for over 100 years. Originally opened as the Tooting Bathing Lake, the pool was designed partly as a communal bath due to the lack of baths in people’s homes. Renamed the Tooting Bec Lido in the 1930s, the pool was modernised with the installation of its fountain, water filtration system, café, showers and toilets. Today, the historic unheated pool is open 365 days a year and hosts a variety of events and activities, organised by the South London Swimming club which was formed here a few weeks before the pool first opened.
Bold and beautiful, this cheery looking pool sits right on the Portishead seafront. First opened in 1962, the Portishead Open Air Pool suffered years of neglect before it was given a much-needed makeover in 2009 and re-opened and has been popular ever since. Heated from April to September, the splendid pool features extensive sun terraces, a toddler pool and a tuck shop for refreshments. During its peak season, the pool hosts school swimming galas, charity swims and even swims for dogs and their owners.
Located in northeast Scotland, Stonehaven Open Air Pool is the UK's only open-air heated saltwater pool. Opened in the 1930s during the lidos boom, the pool was built for competition standards, measuring just over 164 feet long (50m) and over 59 feet (18m) wide. Today, filled with clean seawater from Stonehaven Bay and surrounded by a sheltered sun terrace, the pool epitomises traditional seaside charm and it is one of Stonehaven's top attractions. In the high season, the lido offers moonlight swims where visitors can swim beneath the stars while listening to music.
Overlooking Plymouth’s stunning seafront, few outdoor pools are as dreamy as Tinside Lido. First built in 1935, the pool’s charming design was typical of the Art Deco style, popular during the early 20th century. Often hailed as one of the best outdoor pools in Europe, the beautiful Grade II-listed saltwater swimming pool is open during the summer months and is also home to a sun deck, perfect for lounging about in the sunshine while enjoying the gorgeous coastal scenery.
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Dubbed ‘South West London’s best-kept secret’, Hampton Pool lies on the fringes of Bushy Park. Home to two pools, which are both heated throughout the year, the lido offers 365 days of outdoor swimming. The main pool is split in half for lane swimming on one side and leisurely swimming on the other. There's also a range of activities to enjoy too, including yoga and summer concerts.
This historic lido – in fact, Britain's oldest – dates back over 200 years yet was left neglected for decades until an 18-year campaign saw a £6.8 million ($7.6m) grant awarded and even more money raised to bring this heritage site back into community use. Now, the historic lido has reopened and welcomed its first swimmers in almost 40 years at the end of September. Starting next year the pools will be heated during the summer months, and the facilities include changing rooms, a kiosk, quiet area for relaxation and a children's pool.
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