There’s nothing quite like that first refreshing dip in the hotel’s swimming pool as soon as you’ve landed off the plane and checked in. Sadly, like most things, this still isn’t much of a reality for many of us Brits this summer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get your splash on while you’re staycating your way around the UK.
Thankfully, Britain is home to some really beautiful outdoor swimming lidos that in themselves are well worth the visit. From the UK’s largest seawater lido in Penzance to Saltdean’s crescent-shaped art deco pool, we’ve rounded up eight of our favourites to add to your outdoor pool wishlist.
For those looking a little closer to the city, check out our favourite London lidos here.
Jubilee Pool, Cornwall
Of course Cornwall’s Jubilee Pool was going to make an appearance. It’s the UK’s largest art deco seawater lido after all…
Located in Penzance, the pool is geothermally heated meaning you can dive straight in without having to tepidly get in. Shaped like a triangle, the outdoor pool reaches 98metres in length at its longest side and 56metres width at its widest. Plus, it can hold up to 600 swimmers at one time (although this is likely to be reduced during these covid times).
Saltdean Lido, Brighton
Lido lovers wanting to venture out of the city but don’t want to have a treacherous journey home should add Saltdean Lido to their bucket list. Located in Brighton, the lido is the only grade II listed lido in the UK.
There were plans to fill the pool and build an apartment block, but the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company had other plans and campaigned to bring back its former thriving self, reinstating its 1937 crescent-shaped design and art deco building and saving it from peril. Nowadays, families head here for sunny summer visits, providing endless hours of fun, activities and a whole lot of splashing.
Tinside Lido, Plymouth
Plymouth, the port city on the border of Devon and Cornwall, is home to the UK’s best seaside lido. Dating all the way back to 1935, it’s now a Grade II listed building and is famed for its art-deco design.
Built overlooking the turquoise sea, Tinside Lido is filled with salt water, which is just as well as Plymouth doesn’t have a sandy beach along the shore. Whether you’re after a splash or just fancy topping up your tan on the sun bathing terrace, it’s the perfect place to while away your summers afternoon.
Tooting Bec Lido, London
Stay fit, active and splash about at our favourite London Lido. Tooting Bec Lido is home to a hundred yard pool and is available to use by the public May through to September.
For the eager beavers out there, they also have an all year swimming club where you can stay fit and healthy splashing about in the outdoor pool. There are also some snazzy multi coloured changing rooms to change in and out of your kit too.
Check out nine other outdoor swimming pools in London here too.
Droitwich Spa Lido, Worcestershire
Worcestershire’s Droitwich Spa Lido was first introduced back in 1935, offering the locals a space to cool down and splash about come summer time. The lido closed its doors back in 2000 but finally reopened, after much campaigning, in 2007 with an extensive refurbed pool. The water still boasts benefits from the natural brine feed and original 1930s fascia is still in place.
The open air pool is popular with families, locals and visitors alike, and is heated! So you don’t have to worry about freezing if the weather takes a drastic cooler turn.
Arundel Lido, West sussex
Another short trip out of the city and to Sussex will see eager swimmers arriving at Arundel Lido in West Sussex.
There are sessions fit for all abilities and ages. Expect to find swimming sessions, aqua aerobics and fun inflatables, known as Sid the Sub, for the kiddies.
Bristol Lido, Bristol
While you’re down visiting family and friends in Bristol this summer, make a pitstop at their lido for an afternoon packed with fun. The pool itself is 24 metres in length and is heated to around 22-25 celsius all year round. On site there’s also a host of spa activities, from saunas and steam rooms to hot tubs.
Right now they are only open to members or package guests, but their ‘Swim, Massage and Eat’ package is well worth the buck.
Lymington Sea Water Baths, Hampshire
One place you’ll want to take the kids to this summer hols is Hampshire’s Lymington Sea Water Baths.
The waters date back all the way to 1833, where they were a national interest for their health benefiting waters and natural mud minerals. Back to the present day and you’ll find the Grade II listed building boasting an exciting range of activities, including the South Coast’s biggest (and arguably the best) inflatable obstacle course.
