My English Lido Bucket List
It’s no secret I love swimming at Brockwell LIdo. Not only is it a real hub within the community I live in, but it’s also where my Grandma (a competitive swimmer) used to compete from time to time, and I love that we share a real appreciation for the joys of outdoor swimming!
Opened in 1937 to replace natural public bathing ponds in Brockwell Park, it’s a South London institution that remained open through the war (well, one swimming gala was cancelled in 1944 due to a feared flying bomb attach) and from 1947 to 1968 it was the home of the London Swimming Championships. Unfortunately, by 1990 fewer people were using the Lido and it fell into disrepair leading to its closure and it was a number of years before it reopened (and it came very close to closure again in 2001 but was saved by its fantastic community!). There’s a lot of love for this pool amongst it’s swimmers, and I know I’m biased, but it’s a very special place!
However biased I am to Brockwell, there are beautiful Lidos all over the UK that are worth exploring and I thought it would be fun to pull together a bucket list of all the ones I want to visit and then go and tick them off! You might notice there’s no London Lidos on the list…watch this space, a list will be coming soon!
THE SOUTH
Saltdean Lido, Brighton
With beautiful art deco features Saltdean Lido is the only Grade II* listed lido in the UK after a close call with a f—k tonne of concrete. Thankfully the local community stepped up and saved this iconic pool from being developed into apartments and it’s now open for everyone to enjoy during the summer season (including pups during its special ‘doggy paddle’ weekends!). You can find more details about this beautiful pool here.
Pells Pool, Lewes
The oldest documented freshwater pool in the UK, with the original structure dating back to 1860. Unfortunately this unheated pool isn’t open through the winter season for financial reasons. You can find all the details about this pool here.
Arundel Lido, West Sussex
Arundel Lido is an opportunity to enjoy a heated pool in a beautiful setting. Surrounded by the picturesque South Downs National Park it’s open to swimmers through the summer season and is even home to some mermaids! You can find out more about this lovely pool here.
Lymington Sea Water Baths, Hampshire
This huge 110m pool comes complete with 200m of inflatable obstacles, paddle boards and generally a lot of fun! Sadly it’s been closed for 2020, but I hear it will be reopening in April 2021. Definitely one for a fun day out, you can find out more details here.
Thames Lido, Reading
Another fancy option that I’m dying to visit for a treat, the Thames Lido is absolutely stunning. First opened in 1902 as The Ladies Swimming Bath the pool fell into disrepair for decades before it reopened in 2017 after a 3.5 million restoration project, and the result is something else! Screened from the outside world by a surrounding wall (modestly was important back in the 1900s) there are small cutouts so swimmers can catch glimpses the Thames Path. 25 meters long and heated this pool offers something really different and you can find out more here.
Strand Pool, Kent
It has a pink elephant slide, need I say more?! This place was designed for fun, as well as Nelly there’s a a lazy river and a paddling pool to enjoy, well once it reopens in 2021! Find out more about Strand Pool here.
Abbey Meadows, Oxfordshire
This rather lovely L-shaped heated pool was refurbished a couple of years ago and is definitely worth a visit. There’s a beach style entry and a lovely lawns to hangout on, making it the perfect spot for a day out once it re-opens. Find out more about this pool here.
THE WEST
Jubilee Pool, Penzance
Situated at the very tip of Cornwall this beautiful art-deco pool is one of the largest in the UK. Containing 5 million litres of sea water and with a view out to see it’s a really special place to take a dip, and there’s even a geothermal pool if you fancy something a little warmer! Find out more about this stunning spot here.
Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall
Bude Sea Pool is a semi-natural pool that its community has enjoyed since the 1930s. What’s unique about this pool is its free and unrestricted access (although it is supported by a local charity that looks after it - they don’t receive any public funding, so if you swim here please do consider making a donation!). You can find out more about this unique pool here.
Bristol Lido, Bristol
Situated in Clifton (coincidently where I used to live) this lido is fancier than your average! Complete with a restaurant and spa, Bristol Lido encourages civilised swimming in its 24 metre heated pool all year around. If you’re a non-member you’ll need to book a Lido & Eat package if you want to enjoy a swim, and you can find out more details here.
Tinside Lido, Plymouth
Another beautiful art deco pool, Tinside Lido overlooks the sea in Plymouth harbour and has consistently been voted one of Europe’s top 10 outdoor pools. Built in 1935 and Grade II listed it’s open through the summer season for a dip with a view. You can find out more about Tinside here.
Bathurst Swimming Baths, Gloucestershire
This lovely 38 meter pool was gifted to the inhabitants of Lydney and Aylburton by the Bathurst family in 1920 and is considered one of the areas best kept secrets. It’s volunteer run and open through the summer season, find out more here.
Clevedon Marine Lake, Clevedon
Open 24/7 this unique lake is not your normal lido experience. A 250-meter salt-water leviathan it’s the UK’s largest infinity pool with views of Clevedon’s pier and South Wales on the other side of the Bristol Channel. Find out more about this haven here.
Wiveliscombe, Somerset
Otherwise known as ‘Wivey Pool’, Wiveliscombe is one of Somerset’s oldest pools opening in 1926 when it’s life started with a 4 inch pipe bringing in water from a local reservoir. Wivey Pool is delightful in its simplicity - the facilities are basic, but they fade into it’s rural backdrop and the pool has been known to open for the odd session around Christmas. Find out more about this community run gem here.
THE EAST
Brightling Sea Lido, Essex
A classic 1930’s outdoor swimming pool, Brightling Sea Lido offers 50 metres of unheated swimming joy. Sadly closed for the whole of 2020, the team are hoping to welcome back swimmers in 2021. Find out more here.
Beccles Lido, Suffolk
This 30m heated pool is the perfect place for a day out, especially as you can hop on The Big Dog Ferry that’ll float you three minutes down the river to the pub after your swim! I’m excited to take advantage of their brand new winter timetable very soon, and you can find out more here.
THE NORTH
Ilkley Pool & Lido
Ilkley has both an indoor (open all year around) and outdoor pool (summer season only) so there’s something for everyone, but of course I’m most interested in the outdoor option! Situated in picturesque surroundings and complete with a water fountain to frolic under, this is a solid choice for a summer day out. You can find out more details here.
Shap Swimming Pool
England’s highest heated open-air pool, Shap Swimming Pool in Cumbria is a gorgeous little spot, but sadly it hasn’t been financially viable for it to open this year. There are hopes that - with a bit of fundraising - it will be back for 2021. You can find out more here.
Stanhope Pool, County Durham
Situated amongst the North Pennine Hills this heated pool has a unique feature - a springboard, which results in the pool tapering off from 1 meter deep to 3 meters deep. Sadly it wasn’t able to open in 2020, but it will be welcoming swimmers to its lovely warm waters in summer 2021. Find out more here.
This list is far from exhaustive, so please let me know in the comments if I’ve missed anywhere and I will add it to the list!
