With their Art Deco architecture and enviable locations, the historic lidos of the UK are great places to swim, unwind and hang out when the weather gets hot. Here are the coolest to take a dip in...
Please note that, although all these Lidos are open, Covid-related restrictions may still apply such as pre-booking being essential. Please do check their websites before visiting them.
The Lido, Bristol (Lido Bristol's official website)
Located in trendy Clifton, close to the River Avon, the Bristol Lido is one of the oldest in the UK. First opened in 1849, it fell into decay by the 1990s, before being rescued by a ‘Save The Lido’ campaign in 2008.
Today, the Grade II-listed site is one of the most popular spots in Bristol, with an award-winning restaurant and spa for those looking to do more than swim a few laps. The 24m pool is heated to 22 to 24°C and open all year round.
Officially the oldest outdoor baths in the United Kingdom, the seawater baths in Lymington opened in 1833 to great acclaim. People flocked to the baths from all over the country to benefit from the minerals in its water and mud. Its view of the Isle of Wight was much appreciated, too.
These days, the 110m sea water lido is popular with active types. As well as swimming, visitors can go paddle boarding, zorbing and aqua jousting, as well as attempt a 200m inflatable obstacle course on water.
Stonehaven Open Air Pool (Stonehaven Open Air Pool)
With its colourful Art Deco buildings and enviable position by the sea just outside of Aberdeen, the Stonehaven Outdoor Pool has been a favourite with locals since it opened in 1934. Many are drawn to the baths for their authenticity and original features.
The Olympic sized pool is filled with filtered seawater and heated to a steamy 29°C. If you just want to play, there's a new slide, and sessions with floats and inflatables which make you feel like you're by the sea.
Brockwell Lido (David Grafton)
Tucked away at the bottom of Brockwell Park and camouflaged by a stand of mature trees, Brockwell Lido is an Art Deco gem. A multi-million pound makeover has restored it to its 1930s glory days.
The lido has also been dragged into the 21st century with new health and fitness facilities that offer dance, Pilates and yoga classes all year round, while the site often hosts outdoor cinema screenings around the pool in summer. The poolside café is also a great place to unwind on a hot summer’s day.
Tinside Lido (Dreamstime)
While Tinside Lido in Plymouth was extensively renovated in 1992, it has retained its Art Deco charm while offering all the latest facilities. It has since been voted one of the top 10 lidos in Europe.
Built in 1935, the salt water lido offers the unique chance to swim and sunbathe in a truly beautiful location, surrounded by iconic seaside architecture. The reasonable entrance fee is good value and sun loungers and deckchairs are available for hire. It's only open in summer.
At 91m long, the Jesus Green Pool is the longest outdoor pool in the country and a great place to cool off on a hot summer’s day as mature trees provide some shade. Built in the classic 1920s style, the lido also has lots of grassy areas on which you can relax.
The pool is situated deep in Jesus Green Park in Cambridge, so, after swimming, visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll in the park or along the River Cam.
Jubilee Outdoor Pool (Shutterstock)
Another product of the 1930s, the sea water Jubilee Pool in Penzance is regarded as one of the most unusual and well-designed lidos of the era because it is a triangular shape. The longest side is 98m long, making the Jubilee Pool the largest lido in the UK.
The centre also has a newer salt water pool which is heated to 30 to 35°C by a 410m deep geothermal well – the first of its kind in the UK. Take a picnic and make a day of it, or have a rest in the on-site café.
Bude Sea Pool (Shutterstock)
Bude Sea Pool is a partially man-made tidal swimming pool, nestled under cliffs in a conservation area near Summerleaze Beach in Cornwall. It was built in the 1930s to provide a safe environment for the residents of Bude to swim and enjoy themselves without worrying about the dangers of the sea.
Topped up daily by the Atlantic Ocean, the 91m pool is free for all visitors and hosts a variety of swimming-related events throughout the summer.
Tooting Bec Lido was built in 1906 and is the largest freshwater pool in England. It's famous for its iconic brightly-coloured changing room huts that line the length of it.
It's open to the public every summer and members of the South London Swimming Club – which was founded in 1906 – all year round. It also hosted the Cold Water Swimming Championships in 2017.
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