The UK's love affair with the lido, those graceful art deco outdoor pools, is a testament to our affection for a good splash and a spot of sun. But the story of these beloved pools goes back further than our predilection for ice cream and hedonism.
Inspired by Germany's "volksparks," which focused on rehabilitation and health, the lido movement flourished in the 1930s, with over 300 outdoor pools across the UK. However, post-war, air travel and budget cuts led to a decline, leaving only a handful of these aquatic gems standing.
Fortunately, a lido revival is well underway, with many long-neglected sites being restored to their former glory. Here are some of the best spots in the UK for a refreshing dip:
Penzance Perfection:
The Jubilee Pool in Penzance, Cornwall, is a stunning triangular seawater lido perched dramatically on the coast. Alongside the main pool, you'll find a smaller pool, the first in the UK to be heated geothermally.
Food and Drink: The on-site cafe offers a range of options, from Cornish breakfasts to sandwiches, bagels, and red lentil daal with flatbread.
Post-Swim: Take a stroll to Penlee House Gallery & Museum (penleehouse.org.uk) to explore local works of art.
Prices: Adults £7, children £5.50 (jubileepool.co.uk).
Take the Plunge in Plymouth:
Boasting magnificent views of Plymouth Hoe, Tinside Lido is a vast semi-circular saltwater pool. At 55 metres in diameter, it's a behemoth among UK lidos. Three fountains cascade fresh water, while the tiled bottom exudes classic art deco symmetry.
Food and Drink: Enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and ice cream at the on-site cafe.
Post-Swim: Check out Look II, Sir Antony Gormley's 12ft-tall cast iron giant, overlooking the choppy waters of West Hoe.
Prices: Adults £8, children £6 (plymouthactive.co.uk).
Bathe in Bristol:
Hidden amongst the grand Georgian mansions of Clifton, Bristol Lido offers a charming escape. With hanging baskets, azure tiles, and striped changing room doors, it evokes a bygone era. While the pool is relatively small (9 metres wide by 24 metres long), its setting is exceptional.
Food and Drink: Indulge in delicious dishes like aubergine caponata with fried polenta and Cornish crab croquettes at the poolside bar and restaurant.
Post-Swim: Visit the intriguing Clifton Observatory (cliftonobservatory.com) nearby.
Prices: Adults £25, children £7.50, under-fours swim free (lidobristol.com).
Peterborough Delight:
Peterborough Lido, dating back to 1936, offers panoramic views of Peterborough Cathedral. At 50 metres long, it's Olympic-sized and surrounded by sunbathing terraces and a spacious lawn. Regular "dog swim" days allow your furry friend to join in the fun.
Food and Drink: The poolside cafe provides breakfast, burgers, cakes, and coffee.
Post-Swim: Meet the alpacas at Sacrewell Farm (sacrewell.org.uk).
Prices: Adults from £5.50, children from £4, under fives for £2 (vivacity.org).
The Top Spot in Wales:
Pontypridd's Lido Ponty, affectionately known as "The National Lido Of Wales" (despite its modest size), is brimming with charm. With racing green chalet-style changing rooms right at the pool's edge, it's a delightful spot for a dip.
Food and Drink: The curved art deco cafe houses a waffle house.
Post-Swim: Explore the Rhondda Heritage Park (rctcbc.gov.uk) and take an underground tour led by former miners.
Prices: Adults £3, under-16s swim free (rctcbc.gov.uk).
Dip into Yorkshire:
Ilkley Lido in West Yorkshire provides sweeping views of the beautiful Ilkley Moor. This ace of spades-shaped pool complex boasts tennis courts, a putting green, and crown bowls. Large grassy areas surround the pool, perfect for picnicking. However, be warned: this lido is unheated, so it can get chilly.
Food and Drink: Enjoy the cafe, snack vending machines, or bring your own picnic.
Post-Swim: Take a hike on Ilkley Moor and explore the Cow and Calf Rocks.
Prices: Adults from £6.45, children from £3.35, under-threes swim free (bradford.gov.uk/lido).
Cool in the Cotswolds:
Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham exudes Cotswolds charm. Dating from 1935, this 50-metre pool was even used by the Malawi team for training before the 2012 Olympics. But it's not just for serious swimmers, as it offers a variety of slides and a smaller pool for children.
Food and Drink: Enjoy bacon baps, currywurst, and falafel poké bowls at the Castaway Kitchen.
Post-Swim: Take a stroll along Montpellier Walk and admire the Regency architecture.
Prices: Adults £7.70, children £5.30, under-fives swim free (sandfordparkslido.org.uk).
Scotland's Hot Dip:
Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Stonehaven, near Aberdeen, is Britain's most northerly lido. Located right by the North Sea, you're guaranteed a warm swim in the Stonehaven Bay seawater, heated to 29C.
Food and Drink: The Splash Cafe serves hearty bacon, egg, and sausage rolls, paninis, and loaded fries with pulled pork.
Post-Swim: Take a walk to the spectacular Dunnottar Castle (dunnottarcastle.co.uk) about 45 minutes away.
Prices: Adults £10, children £6.60 (stonehavenopenairpool.co.uk).
Midlands Splash:
Droitwich Spa Lido in Worcestershire is one of the few saltwater inland lidos, with water almost as salty as the Dead Sea. The art deco-era pavilion may need a bit of TLC, but this lido remains magnificent, with water cannons, fountains, and a wet play area.
Food and Drink: Enjoy beef chilli, toasties, cakes, and stacked breakfast sandwiches at the cafe.
Post-Swim: Explore the Malvern Hills with an afternoon hike.
Prices: Adults from £8.80, children £6.80 (riversfitness.co.uk).
Brighton Rocks:
Reopened in 2023 after extensive restoration, Saltdean Lido is a testament to the beauty of 1930s architecture. Its graceful, whitewashed curves make it the UK's only Grade II-listed coastal lido.
Food and Drink: Choose from the Deco restaurant, the Deco Cafe, or the Airstream trailer serving burgers and ice cream.
Post-Swim: Take a ride on the Brighton i360 (brightoni360.co.uk) for stunning views across the Channel.
Prices: Adults from £11.60, children from £8.60 (saltdeanlido.co.uk).
Tooting Treat:
Nestled amongst the trees of Tooting Common, Tooting Bec Lido is the UK's largest lido (91.4 metres long and 30.2 metres wide). Gazebos at one end and colourful art deco changing cubicles line the poolside.
Food and Drink: Enjoy the on-site cafe or bring your own picnic.
Post-Swim: Explore Tooting Market, one of London's most vibrant indoor markets.
Prices: Adults £9.40, children £5.20 (placesleisure.org).
With a resurgence of interest in outdoor swimming, these lidos are offering more than just a refreshing dip. They provide a taste of history, a connection to nature, and a chance to enjoy the simple pleasure of a good swim under the open sky.