The Guardian Newspaper described 2023 as the ‘year of the lido’, in a recent article. Referring to the surge in interest in some of these stunning facilities, along with a surge in interest in regards to open water and wild swimming in general, as well as National Lottery funding being made available for a number of projects. I’ve lost count of the articles I’ve seen highlighting the physical and mental benefits of cold water and open water swimming over the last few years. So we are approaching what looks like a ‘perfect storm’ of conditions. Whilst I understand the basis for the article and the rapidly increasing numbers of an activity that’s most definitely ‘trending’ right now, I don’t necessarily agree with the sentiment or article itself. I’ve spent the early part of this year researching and contacting lidos up and down the country, as part of our research for a Top Trump-style game featuring the UK’s lidos, that we’ve recently launched. It’s been a great project to work on and research but it’s also been a really disheartening one. Whilst some of the larger lidos and lidos within highly populated areas have never been busier, lots of the smaller, rural lidos around the country are struggling. As a result of spiral energy costs, reduced public spending and a poorly performing economy. There’s also the simple fact that most of these lidos were built in the 1920-40s and are now in dire need of renovation and repairs. In a number of cases the only reason some of these beautiful outdoor pools are still open is the tireless work of local volunteers and the continued support of their local communities.
If like me, you’re a massive fan of outdoor swimming facilities and see the obvious benefit they offer to local communities and the country as a whole, there may be a way you can help to keep these vital assets going. Whilst there are the obvious actions you can take, like attending swims and fundraisers, charitable donations, mixing up your swimming routine and visiting the odd lido that isn’t in your immediate local area, there are also other actions you can take. Having comprised what I hope is a complete national list of lidos in the UK, it’s become clear that a number of the smaller, local, community lido (and some of the larger ones), needs assistance with their social media presence. Some were almost impossible to find online and research. You could help out by : recording and documenting some or part of your visit and upload it to various social media platforms (please make sure you have permission to do so first!!), clearly tagging the venue in the title. If you are a professional in the legal, financial, marketing, graphic/web design field…rather than financial donations you could donate a few hours of your time and skills. Your expertise could be invaluable to smaller, community, swim-based not-for-profits and charities. If you’re a business in the local area, a donation of goods or services for fundraising purposes and things like raffle prizes could be incredibly helpful, as could blog posts and social media features, through your business or personal profiles.
LIST OF THE UK’S LIDOS
So we’ve been putting together a Top Trumps-style game of the Uk’s Lidos and really quite enjoying the process. We’ve seen some absolutely stunning outdoor pools, some run by not for profit companies, some the council and some (lots!) by local communities and a bunch of awesome volunteers. We’ve basically compiled a list of some (…most, more than likely not all) of the lidos in the UK. We have listed what we consider a lido and have avoided rock pools (natural and man made) and sectioned off areas of local rivers.
Below, we’ve put together a rough Lido map of the Lidos operating at the time of writing (2023). If we’ve missed any out please get in touch with a few details.
The name of each lido is hyperlinked to their website and you’ll find a link to video footage of the lido, where possible.
Lidos by County / area (we’re still working on this) :
CORNWALLS LIDOS - Bude Sea Pool, Hayle Lido, Jubilee Pool. CLICK HERE
DEVONS LIDOS - Ashburton Pool, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Chagford Pool, Chudleigh Swimming Pool, Clyst Hydon Swimming Pool, Cornwall House Outdoor Pool, Dartmouth Lido, Kingsteinton, Mortenhampstead, Mount Wise Swimming Pools, Teignmouth Lido, Shoalstone Pool, Tinside Lido, Topsham Swimming Pool. CLICK HERE
SOMERSETS LIDOS - Clevedon Marine Lake, Cleveland Pools, Clifton Lido, Greenbank Swimming Pool, Portishead Open Air Swimming Pool, Shepton Mallet Lido, Thermae Bath Spa, Wivey Pool. CLICK HERE
Lidos by name :
Albert Avenue Pools - under going a major (£10 million-ish) refurbishment and should be open summer 2023. A video on their progress - CLICK HERE. (Hull).
Arundel Lido - outdoor heated 25m swimming pool, with plenty of room on the poolside to relax. They also have lots of activities going on…other than swimming. Good footage of the facility - CLICK HERE. (West Sussex).
Aldershot Lido - a lot going on with the pool itself and lane swimming, 3 flumes, diving platform, kids pool, sand pit, picnic areas, shop/cafe… Looks like a good day out for the kids. Take a peek - CLICK HERE. (SW London).
Ashburton Pool : smack bang in the middle of the ancient stannary town of Ashburton. 21 x 9m in size, with lovely views. You’ll need to park 5-10 minutes away from the pool but this gives you the perfect opportunity to check out lots of the independent, local shops in the town on the way through. Another pool run by fantastic volunteers, from the local community. Couldn’t find any footage of the pool but this give you an idea of the area - CLICK HERE. (Devon).
Askham Outdoor Swimming Pool : 20m swimming pool and kids paddling pool. Surrounded by a large, social grass area. They have a little kiosk serving refreshments. Couldn’t find any video footage. (Cumbria).
Banbury Open Air Pool - found at Woodgreen Leisure Centre. A beautiful, 8 lane, 50m outdoor swimming pool…in Banbury. (Oxfordshire). You can find some footage towards the end of this video - CLICK HERE
Bathurst Pool - Opened way back in 1920. Bathurst is a very colourful and quite unique 38m open air swimming pool. Again, run by the hard work of local volunteers. Video footage of the lido - CLICK HERE. (Gloucestershire).
Beccles Lido : is a beautiful lido on the banks of the river Waveney, in Suffolk. As well as running as a swimming pool, including lane sessions, they have a water slide, springboard diving board and run inflatable sessions. They have a ‘Splash Pool’ for the kids and you can’t forget my favourite feature…underwater lighting, for night swims! There’s a great video on the facility and the pools history - CLICK HERE. (Suffolk).
Billinghay Swimming Pool - outdoor, heated 25x10m pool. Run by the local community, serving the local community. The pool has plenty of space for sunbathing and lots of things for kids to do, post-swim. Only video I could find - CLICK HERE. (Lincoln).
Bourne Outdoor Swimming Pool : is a 50 yard long, outdoor heated swimming pool. Found in the village of Bourne, Lincolnshire. The pool itself sits next to the local grounds of the cricket and football club. Video footage of the facility (out of season) - CLICK HERE. (Lincolnshire).
Bovey Tracey Open Air Swimming Pool - an outdoor heated pool, sized at 25 x 9.1m, with a kids paddling pool. Found in a very green and leafy village. The pool is run by a group of dedicated volunteers. Footage of the local area - CLICK HERE. (Devon).
Brightlingsea Lido - Community run lido, in Essex. Lots of poolside space, cafe and kids pool….right on the sea. For video footage - CLICK HERE. (Essex).
Brockwell Lido - a stunning 1937 Grade II listed art deco building, with a 50m Olympic sized pool. Video footage of the pool & park - CLICK HERE. (Brixton, south London).
Bude Sea Pool - run by a local charity, Bude Sea Pool is free to use. It’s semi-natural pool, right on the sea front. The pool relies of donations & some revenue generated by their shop. For video footage - CLICK HERE. (Cornwall).
Buckfastleigh Swimming Pool - at the time of writing, this pool is in very real threat of closure. Found on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, it’s a 21m open air, heated swimming pool. They have a cafe and ‘sunning area’. Video footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Dartmoor area).
Chagford Swimming Pool - community run pool, on the bank of the river Teign. You have a 1930s lido, filled with UV treated river water. Water temp is kept at around 27 degrees and is 34m in length. Couldn’t find any video. (Devon).
Charlton Lido : is a 6 lane, 50m outdoor, heated pool. The centre also boasts a state of the art gym and tennis courts on site. The pool also has a decent sized terrace, for the all important sunbathing session post-swim…come summer. Video footage - CLICK HERE. (London)
Chudleigh Pool - a registered charity and community project. Chudleigh is a 4 lane, 20m pool, heated at 28 degrees through the summer season. No video footage available. (Devon)
Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool : dating all the way back to 1869, sat in the shadow of a castle (not literally!) and surrounded by greenery. Video footage - CLICK HERE. (Cotswolds).
Chesham Moor - heated outdoor swimming pool, with dedicated lane swimming and general sessions. Video footage of some of the facility - CLICK HERE. (Buckinghamshire).
Chipping Norton Lido - 25m outdoor heated pool and kids pool. Run by the local community. They have dedicated lane sessions, as well as lots of other water based activities going on. Footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Oxfordshire).
Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool : the pool is fed by natural spring water, right in the middle of the Cotswolds. The pool basically sits in the shadow of Cecily Hill Castle, which is quite the backdrop! It’s a 5 lane, 28m swimming pool, with a separate kids paddling pool and slide. Video footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Cotswolds).
Cleveland Pools - dating back over 200 years and currently in the process of a major restoration job…thanks to the determination of 3 local legends. River fed…check out the video - CLICK HERE. (Bath).
Clevedon Marine Lake - Salt water tidal pool, found on the Somerset coast. Currently charity run. CLICK HERE for video footage. (Somerset).
Clifton Lido - aka Bristol Lido, is unsurprisingly found in Bristol. Heated through the year, at a very manageable 22-25 degrees. Post-swim there are a number of spa facilities, such as a sauna, hot tub etc to warm up and relax. Stunning facility…check out some video footage - CLICK HERE. (Bristol).
Clyst Hydon Swimming Pool - a small pool, full of character. Run by volunteers. This is an unheated outdoor pool, in a gorgeous part of the world. Video of pool - CLICK HERE. (Cullompton).
Cornwall House Outdoor Pool (Exeter University) - open from approx March - Sept, 4 lane, 25m pool. Heated to around 29 degrees and surrounded by a grassy border… (Exeter)
Dartmouth Lido - This is a community pool, run by a local charity. The pool measures 25 x 8.5m in size and is heated to around 28 degrees. Open from roughly May - Sept. (Devon) - CLICK HERE
Droitwich Lido - one of the only inland salt water pools in the Uk. 40m in length, with ‘beach entry’ at the shallow end - making the pool very accessible. Built in 1935, with an art deco design. View the pool - CLICK HERE. (West Midlands).
Eversholt Swimming Pool - dating back to the 1920s. A 21 x 5m pool, normally at a balmy 27-28 degrees. Found in the heart of Bedford. Only footage I could find - CLICK HERE. (Bedford).
Faversham Pool - a number of pools open over the summer months (and an enclosed pool for the colder ones). 33m long heated outdoor pool and a 1 and 3m diving platform. It also has some rapids and a play zone. Some footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Kent).
Finchley Lido - part of a leisure centre, the pool is open during the summer months. Plenty of space on the poolside and gardens. Only video I could find - CLICK HERE. (London).
Gourock Outdoor Pool - Salt water lido, heated to around 29 degrees. Sat right on the coast! Recently refurbished showers, changing rooms, disabled facilities… Click here for visuals - CLICK HERE. (West Scotland).
Grange Lido - absolutely stunning building and word on the street is that it’s re-opening 2024! Click here to view their campaign - CLICK HERE. (Cumbria).
Great Cornard Outdoor Pool - heated outdoor pool, open during the summer months. Can find very little info on the pool, including any video. (Suffolk).
Great Fosters Hotel & Spa - recently refurbished 1920s pool. Ideal for a luxurious day out. Video footage from 2.30mins in - CLICK HERE (Surrey).
Greenbank Swimming Pool - Glorious 30m outdoor swimming pool, heated to 30 degrees. Found in the middle of Street. Surrounded by a lovely grassy area for picnics and general R&R… Some old footage of the pool - CLICK HERE (Somerset)
Greystoke Open Air Swimming Pool - small (18 x 9m) heated outdoor swimming pool, with kids pool. Found in the heart of a beautiful village. Video footage of a summer event at the pool - CLICK HERE. (Cumbria).
Guildford Lido - Build in the 30s, Guildford offers a full sized, outdoor Olympic swimming pool. Set in 4 acres of very green, stunning grounds. Check it out - CLICK HERE. (West Surrey).
Hampton Pool - 36m open air pool heated year round! There’s also a kids pool and plenty of other facilities. Lengthy video with plenty of footage CLICK HERE. (London).
Hathersage Swimming Pool - 100 x 33ft outdoor heated pool…in a tiny village! Originally built in 1936 and recently refurbished thanks to fundraising efforts by the locals… Video footage - CLICK HERE. (Derbyshire).
Hayle Lido - 20m outdoor swimming pool, on the river in Hayle. During the summer months the water stays around 20-24degrees, with the use of their solar covers. Couldn’t find any better footage than this - CLICK HERE. (Cornwall).
Helmsley Open Air Swimming pool - heated 25m outdoor pool. Best checking out their Facebook page. Video footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Yorkshire).
Hillingdon Lido - has a 50m outdoor pool (generally open March - Oct), as well as lots of other state of the art facilities on site. View the lido - CLICK HERE. (Uxbridge).
Hinksey Pool - a very uniquely shaped pool, in the heart of Oxford. Video footage can be seen HERE. (Oxford)
Hilsea Pool - a whopping 67m long and has a fairly deep deep-end, as the pool has a diving platform. This is an unheated pool. Video footage - CLICK HERE. (Hampshire).
Hitchin Outdoor Pool - heated 50m pool, with shallow kiddies pool. Surrounded by greenery. Video footage CLICK HERE. (Hertfordshire).
Hood Park Lido - bulit in 1929, this outdoor heated pool is still going strong. Open over the summer months and situated in the market town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch (Leicestershire). Video footage - CLICK HERE
Hunsonby Swimming Pool - a small, community based pool in the heart of Hunsonby. Has some great reviews online. Couldn’t find any video! (Cumbria)
Ilkley Lido : You’ll find quite a large lido at Ilkley, along with a number of facilities including indoor pool, tennis court, picnic area, cafe and good disability access on decent sized grounds. Slightly lengthy video but shows off the pool - CLICK HERE. (Ilkley, just above Leeds).
Ingleton Open Air Pool - heated, open air 20m outdoor pool. Set amongst a stunning backdrop in north Yorkshire. Aerial footage of Ingleton & the pool - CLICK HERE. (Yorkshire).
Jesus Green Lido - Originally built in 1923 and was built to mimmic the local river, so is long and quite narrow. Non-heated and open during the summer months. For video footage - CLICK HERE. (Cambridge).
Jubilee Park Lido : aka Jubilee Park Woodhall Spa. The pool is positioned on quite a spectacular 10 acre plot of ornamental gardens, with bandstand, camp/caravan site, bowling green, cricket pitch, tennis club, fitness suite and cafe. Video of the pool and ground - CLICK HERE. (Lincolnshire).
Jubilee Pool : the UK’s largest art deco, salt water lido. Sat right on the shoreline and you can’t forget their geothermal spa. You could also have the option of booking a swim or two in with us, in the local area! Video of the Jubilee - CLICK HERE. (Cornwall).
Kingsteignton Swimming Pool - heated 25m outdoor pool and toddlers pool. Lots of room aroud the pool for pre/post-swim relaxation and a spot of sunbathing. Couldn’t find any footage of the pool online. (Devon).
Lazonby Swimming Pool : A 17 x 8m outdoor, heated pool and also has a kids pool on site. The pool is run by a charity, mainly comprised of local volunteers. The pool is run by green energy, which is always nice to hear. It sits on the banks of the river Eden and has a campsite attached…always great for a weekend away. Video footage of the facility - CLICK HERE. (Cumbria).
Letchworth Outdoor Pool - beautiful heated outdoor 50m pool and shallow kids pool. Has decent grassy area, for those sunny days and an onsite cafe. Aerial footage of the pool CLICK HERE. (Hertfordshire).
Lido Ponty - is a Grade II listed building, with more recent refurbishments. It has 3 heated swimming pools, offering swimming for all abilities and ages. CLICK HERE for video coverage of the facility. (Cardiff).
London Fields Lido : 50m, 4 lane swimming pool in London. They have the all-important sunbathing areas poolside and a nice little cafe, for post-swim refreshments. Video footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (East London).
Lymington Open Air Sea Water Baths - 110 x 45m unheated outdoor pool. As well as swimming they have a number of other activities, like an inflatable obstacle course and kayaks. View the premises - CLICK HERE. (Hampshire).
Marbury Park Open Air Pool - found in Marbury country park. Run by Marbury Park Swimming Club and some brilliant volunteers. View the pool and grounds - CLICK HERE. (Cheshire).
Metheringham Outdoor Swimming Pool - a fairly modern pool, having been built in 1975. Run by the local community and their regular fundraising efforts. The pool is 15x8m. Couldn’t find any video footage. (Lincoln).
Moretonhampstead Pool - run by volunteers, through the summer months. Heated by air source pumps and solar energy! You’ll find it on the edge of Dartmoor. Couldn’t find video footage. (Newton Abbot).
Mount Wise Swimming Pools - right on the water. Salt fed 25m swimming pool. Pool is open during the summer months and isn’t heated. Aerial video footage - CLICK HERE. (Plymouth).
Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool - 50m outdoor heated pool…which is a little tricky to find any information on. Originally built in 1935. Some footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Cheshire).
New Bath Hotel & Spa - open to members and non-members. A natural geo-thermal spring feeds the pool and it varies from approx. 15-23 degrees in the summer season. It’s a pure, freshwater pool. Limited video footage - CLICK HERE. (Derbyshire).
New Cumnock Pool - fully refurbished in 2017. New Cumnock Pool is the only outdoor, heated fresh water pool in Scotland. View the restoration - CLICK HERE. (Scotland).
Northcroft Lido - is a narrow, heated 72m long pool. Open over the summer months. Check out the pool - CLICK HERE. (West Berkshire).
Oasis Sports Centre - in the heart of the West End. Offering outdoor and indoor swimming, as well as other sporting and recreational facilities (London). Virtual tour - CLICK HERE
Park Road Lido : a 50m outdoor, heated swimming pool, open all year round. Has some lovely grounds surrounding the pool for lunch, snacks, some sunbathing… Video footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (north London).
Parliament Hill Lido - 61 x 27m outdoor pool, not heated. A large pool, with other facilities, such as a sauna and cafe. Video of the facility - CLICK HERE. (north London).
Pells Pool - records suggest the pool is the oldest freshwater pool in the UK, celebrating it’s 160th birthday in 2021. It’s a spring fed pool, measuring 46 x 23m. View Peels - CLICK HERE. (East Sussex).
Peterborough Lido - art deco design facility has 3 pools : a heated 50m pool, teaching pool and paddling pool. Loads of room for sunning yourself on the poolside… Video footage - CLICK HERE. (Cambridgeshire).
Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool : typically open April - Sept, outdoor heated pool. 3m deep in the deepend, where you’ll find a springboard. Cafe, hot showers and disabled facilities. The pool is run by a charitable organisation. Video footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Petersfield).
Pools On The Park - made up of a number of sports facilities, including an indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool. (Richmond, London).
Portishead Open Air Pool - heated, outdoor 33m long swimming pool. Run by a local trust and a number of wonderful volunteers. View the lido - CLICK HERE. (Somerset).
Salcombe Swimming Pool - A charming open air, heated, swimming pool - open seasonally between late May and early September. The Association is a Registered Charity and any profits are held for reinvestment in the facilities! (Devon)
Saltdean Lido - modernist style lido, run by a local CIC. Build in 1938, this is a 40m long outdoor unheated pool. Here’s an aerial view of the lido - CLICK HERE. (Brighton).
Sandford Parks Lido - open year round. A Grade II listed lido that dates back to 1935 and was refurbished in 2006-7. 50m outdoor, heated pool that offers cold water swimming in the winter months. Video footage of the lido - CLICK HERE. (Cheltenham).
Sea Lanes - Very recently opened. The Uk’s first 50m outdoor ‘National Centre of Excellence’. The centre is comprised of a number of businesses, all of which are designed to be carbon neutral. More info - CLICK HERE. (Brighton).
Shaftesbury Lido - 25 yard pool, part run by a number of volunteers. Open summer season and has a cafe…so ideal for a swim or day out with the kids. Footage of the local area - CLICK HERE. (Dorset).
Shap Swimming Pool - volunteer run. The countries highest lido, it’s 16.5m long and heated to around 26 degrees. Poolside areas to relax and sun yourself, as well as a cafe. Footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Cumbria).
Sharpness Community Swimming Pool - is a small outdoor community pool. Video footage CLICK HERE. (Gloucestershire).
Shepton Mallet - 25m outdoor heated pool, open over the summer months. Catering for all swimming abilities and has a kids pool. Plenty of room around the pool and a kids play area. Photos give you a good idea of the facilities - CLICK HERE. (Somerset).
Shoalstone Seawater Pool : This is a saltwater Lido, overlooking the Brixham sea front. Another lido that’s run with the help of committed volunteers. Runs from May - Sept. There isn’t an entry charge but they do ask for a voluntary entry fee. Video footage of the Lido - CLICK HERE. (Brixham, Devon).
Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool - a charity-run, heated, open air swimming pool. The pool measures 25 x 13m and boasts a kids pool, springboard, cafe, shop and sauna. Only video footage I could find - CLICK HERE. (Durham).
Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool - Built in 1934 Stonehaven is a heated, 50m outdoor swimming pool. With kids pool, slide and cafe. All you need for a good day out. Video footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Scotland).
Stratford Park Lido - Found in the grounds of Stratford Park, where you’ll also find museum, arboretum, lake and lots of open space. It’s a cold water pool, open over the summer months. Quite lengthy footage that shows off the pool - CLICK HERE. (Gloucestershire).
Teignmouth Lido - a 25m heated outdoor swimming pool. Sat right on the coast, overlooking the sea. Video of the local area - CLICK HERE. (Devon).
Thames Lido - 25m (24.68m to be precise) pool, in the heart of a stunning building that dates back to 1902. Heated year round. Stunning glass fronted cafe surrounds the pool. Video of facilities - CLICK HERE. (Reading).
Thermae Bath Spa - more of a spa than a lido. ‘Adults only’ spa, set in Bath. Video footage - CLICK HERE (Bath, Somerset).
Tinside Lido - Once voted one of the top 10 lidos in Europe! Grade II listed and has a beautiful art deco design. Sat right on the waters edge… The video will do the lido justice - CLICK HERE. (Plymouth).
Tintinhull Swimming Pool - A small swimming pool, built and run by volunteers…with the local community very close to it’s heart. (Somerset).
Tisbury Swimming Pool - heated outdoor swimming pool, run by local superstars. The pool relies on the local community, tourists and their fundraising efforts. They’ve recently funded and added a new shed for first aids and refreshments. (Wiltshire)
Tooting Bec - is a whopping 91.44m (100 yards) long and 30.18m (33 yards) wide! Built in 1906 and has kept much of it’s original charm and character. Video footage of the Lido - CLICK HERE. (South London).
Topsham Swimming Pool - heated outdoor pool. Open over the summer months and heated to ‘at least’ 28 degrees. CLICK HERE for footage. (Exeter).
Una Lido - is a very new, high end lido in St Ives, Cornwall. Onsite spa and a number of facilities. Open year round. (Cornwall).
Ware Priory Lido - has an outdoor 30m pool and additional kids learning pool. Surrounded by grass and trees, for a relaxing summer day. Some video footage of the lido CLICK HERE. (Hertfordshire)
Wivey Pool : aka Wiveliscombe Community Swimming Pool, is a beautiful little outdoor pool in Somerset. Run by members of the local community and lots of fantastic volunteers. At the time of writing they’re approaching their 100 year anniversary. Set in a stunning rural village. Slightly lacking in the video department, this does give you an idea of the local area - CLICK HERE. (Somerset).
Woburn Lido - open year round, this 23 x 9m pool is heated during the summer months and then offers cold water swimming through the winter. Run by hard working volunteers. No video available. (Milton Keynes).
Woodgreen Lido - (aka Banbury Lido) 8 lane, outdoor 50m pool. Catering for swimmers of all abilities. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas for those sunny summer days. Footage of the pool - CLICK HERE. (Oxfordshire).
Wotton Under Edge Swimming Pool - bear with me…it’s 20 yards long and 20 feet wide. Run by a local not-for-profit company. Only footage I could find - CLICK HERE. (Gloucestershire).
Wycombe Rye - fully refurbished main outdoor heated pool and kids pool. With lots of other facilities on site, include plenty of sunbathing areas and areas to relax. View the lido - CLICK HERE. (Wycombe).
CAMPAIGNS TO RESURRECT DERELICT LIDOS
Broomhill Pool - was one of a wave of modernist lidos, opened in 1938. Built at the edge of Broomhill Park. One of the deepest lidos in the country and it measures 55 yards x 20 yards. Was on the lido was delayed due to Covid but it shouldn’t be too long until it’s back open… Video footage of the site - CLICK HERE. (Ipswich).
Eastville Park Lido - a group of local people are trying to resurrect a beautiful space where the lido once stood. Video footage - CLICK HERE.
Kenilworth Lido - there is currently a community group and proposal being put forward to restore this lido. Limited video footage - CLICK HERE.
Lido Brynaman - Brecon Beacons National Park.
Otley Lido - former lido looking to be resurrected by the local community. West Yorkshire.
Tarlair Swimming Pool - a derelict art deco lido in Macduff (Scotland) is soon to have a change of fortunes, with a plan in place to resurrect the pool and work to start soon! Check out it’s current state - CLICK HERE.
RIP
Alfreton lido - Derbyshire
Arthur Hill Memorial Baths - Reading
Bath Tub - Birmingham
Bellingham Lido - London
Blackrock Lido Swimming Pool - Brighton
Bloemfontain Lido - Hammersmith
Brookvale Park Swimming Pool - Birmingham
Bulmore Lido - Newport, Wales
Burnham Beeches Outddor Pool - Bucks
Cadbury Bourneville Lido - Birmingham
Cannon Hill Park Pool - Birmingham
Chiswick Baths - London
Clacton-on-sea Pier Pool - Essex
Colchester Lido - Colchester
Cold Knap - Barry
Coley Baths - Reading
Danson Park - Bexley
Dawdon Colliery Pit Pool - Durham
Denes Swimming Pool - Lowestoft
Derby Pools - Derby
Gladstone Park Swimming Pool - London
Gorleston Lido - Yarmouth
Greath Yarmouth Lido - Yarmouth
Greswolde Lido - Solihull
Harlesden Swimming Pool - London
Heene Road Baths - Worthing
Hornsey Lidos - London
Horsham Lido - Sussex
Keepers Pool - Sutton Coldfiend
King Edwards Pool VII - London
Kingfisher Lido - Midlands
Kingsbury Pool - Wembley
Kings Meadow Ladies Open Air Baths - Reading
Larkswood Pool - london
Little Hayfield Lido - (Derbyshire)
Malvern Park Lido - Solihull
Margate Lido - Kent
Martins Pool - Wokingham
Minehead Baths - Minehead
Morecambe, Super Swimming Stadium - Lancashire
New Brighton Bathing Pool - Liverpool
Oakhampton Lido - Devon
Oulton Broad Lido - Lowestoft
Portobello Bathing Pool - Edinburgh
Purley Way Pool - Croydon
Ramsgate Marina Bathing Pool - Kent
Scarbrook Road Baths - Croydon
Slough, Baylis Lido - Slough
South Shore Swimming Coliseum - Blackpool
South & North Shore Lidos - Scarborough
Southampton Lido - Southampton
Southend-on-sea Lido - Southend
Southport Bathing Lake - Southport
Spring Gardens & South St. Baths - Reading
Stewpony Lido - Midlands
St Leonards Bath Pool - Hastings
Surbiton Lagoon - London
Tamworth Bathing Pool - Staffordshire
Trentham Gardens Lido - Midlands
Twickenham Lido - Twickenham
Tynemouth Lido - North Tyneside
Vale Farm Lido - Sudbury
Weston-Super-Mare Lido - Weston-Super-Mare
White City - London
Wookey Hole Open Air Pool - Somerset
Worthing Lido - West Sussex
LIST UKS SWIMMING ROCK POOLS
After our list of the UKs lidos was so well received, it was a no-brainer going on to add a list of the UKs swimming rock pools. This will definitely be a work in progress. We’re looking for permanent man-made or natural rock pools that have been designed for wading and swimming, or have the capacity for it…in the case of natural rock pools. Feel free to get in touch, in regards to pools that you’d like added / we’ve missed. We’ll categorise these by county.
CORNWALL -
Avarack Pools (Pendeen - made by the miners)
Baker’s Folly Sea Pool (Newquay) - private access
Boscastle Tidal Pool (…Boscastle)
Chapel Pool (Looe)
Chapel Rock Tidal Pool (Perranporth)
Children’s Pool (Priest Cove)
Crackington Haven Mermaid Pool (Crackington Haven) - deep and fairly long.
Miner’s Pool in Cape Cornwall
Mousehole Rock Pool (very shallow)
Millendreath Sea Pool (Looe) - shallow, part man made pool
Newquay Sea Pool at Towan Beach is in a state of disrepair but there is a current campaign to renovate - Click here
Porthtowan Tidal Pool (the cliff next to the pool is quite unstable)
Secret Miners Pool (near St Ives)
St Ives Mermaid Pool (St Ives) - quite small. More dipping than swimming.
Tommy’s Pit Tidal Pool (Bude)
Trescore Islands Sea Pool (Porthcothan)
Trevone Natural Sea Pool - near Padstow. You won’t be banging out the length but a decent swimming length.
Treyarnon Bay Rock Pool
Whipsiderry Mermaid Pools - outskirts of Newquay. Tricky access and recent cliff falls.
DEVON -
Devil’s Point Tidal Pool (Plymouth)
Tunnels Beaches (Ilfracombe)
Westward Ho! Rock Sea Pool
DORSET -
Dancing Ledge Langton
KENT -
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
NORTHERN IRELAND -
NORTHUMBERLAND -
Harkess Rock Pools
SCOTLAND -
Fairy Pool (Isle Of Skye)
Fingal’s Cave (Mull)
St Monans Sea Pool, the Trinkie
SOMERSET -
Clevedon Marine Pool
West St Beach and the Victorian Paddling Pool
SUFFOLK -
Shingle St salt water lagoon
PEMBROKESHIRE -
The Blue Lagoon sea pool
WALES -
Blue Pool Corner (Gower)