With a heatwave in the forecast, the idea of going for a swim in the sunshine is now more appealing than ever.
Despite our islands’ propensity for rain, the UK is full of outdoor lidos and outdoor pools that come into their own when the mercury rises.
The golden age of lidos occurred in the Thirties and 169 pools were built across the country. This number has decreased as the popularity of cheap holidays abroad has meant less demand for public pools at home.
But what remains is often of extraordinary beauty, thanks to this history and some painstaking restoration work. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best pools in the country for warm-weather fun.
Ilkley Pool and Lido, West Yorkshire
Located on the edge of Ilkley Moor, this pool is one of the best outdoor pools in the north of England. The main pool is freshwater and unheated, and there is a large lawn sunbathing and picnic area with the addition of new flower pots and hanging baskets designed to recreate its original appearance. There is also a heated indoor pool when the weather turns.
To contact: Denton Rd, Ilkley; bradford.gov.uk. Plan the perfect trip with our Yorkshire guide.
Brockwell Lido, South London
One of the capital’s most popular pools, Brockwell Lido is located within a park of the same name and was first opened in 1937. These days it attracts avid swimmers who stop off as soon as the sun rises to commute and lap around much of south London. Stop by Lido Café for sourdough pizza and homemade ice cream from local favorites 400 Rabbits.
To contact: Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, London; fusion-lifestyle.com. Plan the perfect trip with our London guide.
Gourock Outdoor Pool, Renfrewshire
The River Clyde flows past the Scottish saltwater pool, creating spectacular views for swimmers, and diving boards are available. The pool, which is Scotland’s oldest heated outdoor pool and opened in 1909, was renovated in 2022 as part of a £1.8 million regeneration project and now also includes an on-site gym and improved accessibility.
To contact: Albert Rd, Gourock; inverclydeleisure.com
Stonehaven Open Air Pool, Stonehaven
This Olympic-sized pool is filled with seawater taken directly from Stonehaven Bay, then filtered and heated to 29 degrees. Another Art Deco pool opened in 1938 and provided recreation (and showers) for troops during World War II. The pool, which resembles a Wes Anderson set, offers moonlight swimming opportunities with sessions lasting from 22:00 until midnight every Wednesday during the summer months. Note that the pool closes for the season at the beginning of September but extra sessions are added during the heatwave.
To contact: Queen Elizabeth Park, Aberdeen; stonehavenopenairpool.co.uk
Shap Swimming Pool, Cumbria
Located 300 meters above sea level, Shap Swimming Pool in the Lake District is said to be the highest heated outdoor pool in the country. Run entirely by volunteers, the site consists of a 16.5-metre heated pool, a new children’s pool for younger children and a small shop. Note that the pool is open from May and closes at the beginning of September.
To contact: Gayle Avenue, Alum; shapswimmingpool.co.uk
Saltdean Lido, Brighton
A true embodiment of the thirties, Saltdean reopened in 2018 after a long period of neglect. After being almost destroyed, it was restored and is now the second largest building in the country during World War II. It is the only coastal port on the rating list. The pool was once described by Historic England as one of the seven wonders of the English coast and features magnificent Art Deco architecture. Please note that the pool will close for the season on September 12th.
To contact: Oval Park, Brighton; saltdeanlido.co.uk. Plan the perfect trip with our Brighton guide.
Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall
This unique part-natural, part-man-made pool is nestled among the rocks at Summerleaze Beach in north Cornwall, almost close to the sea and offering a sea swimming experience. – as he got it. It measures 88 meters by 50 meters and is filled twice a day by Atlantic waves. Keeping the pool open depends on donations, fundraising, grants and the goodwill of volunteers, local businesses and visitors.
To contact: Bude; budeseapool.org. Plan the perfect trip with our Cornwall guide.
Tooting Bec Lido, South London
Tooting Bec Lido is the largest freshwater swimming hole in the UK, measuring 100 meters long and 33 meters wide. Its rainbow-coloured changing rooms have made it a popular filming location over the years – Brad Pitt shot scenes for his crime comedy Snatch here.
To contact: Tooting Bec Road, London; placeleisure.org
Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall
Art fans will love the Cubist-style changing rooms at this Cornish pool. The largest seawater slide in the country, swimmers will find spectacular views out to the Atlantic. The pool is located at Battery Rocks in Cornwall near Penzance Harbor and includes a children’s pool within the main swimming area.
To contact: Promenade, Penzance; jubileepool.co.uk
Pells Pool, Lewes, East Sussex
Dating back to the 1860s, Pells Pool is believed to be the oldest freshwater pool in the country. Attention: the pool is not heated and can be quite cold. If swimming here makes you thirsty, Lewes is also home to the lovely Harveys Brewery. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
To contact: Brook Street, Lewes; pellspool.org.uk
Parliament Hill Lido, North London
The magnificent Parliament Hill Lido on Hampstead Heath is open 365 days a year, so swimmers can always find a fix. The 60-metre pool is unheated, so visitors are advised to brush up on their cold swimming knowledge before taking the plunge: no alcohol, warm layers, and energize your body before swimming.
To contact: Heath Lodge, Parliament Hill; parliamenthilllido.org
Thermae Hammam Spa, Turkish Bath
Those who are afraid of cold water or do not think the pool is heated enough can find solace in Thermae Bath Spa. Britain’s original thermal spa, the 18th-century building was renovated in the early 1920s and has since become the city’s most popular outdoor pool. The rooftop pool is filled with hot thermal water from one of Bath’s three springs and offers panoramic views of the city.
To contact: Hetling Pump Room, Bathroom; thermaebathspa.com.tr Plan the perfect trip with our Bath guide.
Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham
One for more serious swimmers considering the main pool is 50 meters long; In 2012 this Cotswolds swimming pool was presented as an Olympic training facility and was used by the Malawi team. The pool is also family-friendly, with a smaller children’s pool, paddling pool and several slides.
To contact: Keynsham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire; sandfordparkslido.org.uk
Lymington Seawater Baths, Hampshire
One of the oldest baths in the country, Lymington Seawater Baths (or Lymington Lido) have origins dating back to the late 18th century, when the therapeutic benefits of bathing in salt water were becoming recognised. The site has been renovated many times but the 110-metre seawater pool is still one of the largest baths in England.
To contact: Bath Road, Lymington; lymingtonseawaterbaths.org.uk
Tinside Lido, Plymouth
Beautifully restored semicircular seawater pool with numerous Art Deco features, a fountain in the middle and direct sea views. Boat enthusiasts will be able to watch all manner of ships floating into nearby Plymouth harbour. Open-air cinema nights are also organized from time to time.
To contact: Hoe Road, Plymouth, Devon; plymouthactive.co.uk
Thames Lido, Reading
Long closed, Reading’s King’s Meadow swimming pool reopened as Thames Lido in 2017. An open-air bathing area had been located here since 1860, and in 1879 the local authorities built the largest pool in southern England, a full 79 meters long but for men only, with water supplied from the nearby Thames. A women’s pool was added in 1902. Designed to give Edwardian ladies complete privacy, it was surrounded by a beautiful building and it is this pool that survives today.
Visitors will find a 120-seat restaurant, a public bar and a spa, as well as a 25-metre pool heated from 21°C to 25°C. The pool is quite expensive to use, but entry costs £25 for two hours of access. Still, the high price provides access to one of the most luxurious lidos in the country.
To contact: Napier Road, Reading; thameslido.com
Bristol Lido, Bristol
Britain’s oldest heated outdoor swimming pool, dating back to World War II. This grade-listed indoor swimming pool was built in 1850. But Victorians may struggle to recognize the now-glamorous spot with its spa facilities, restaurant and poolside bar. It now stands as a sister lido to the similarly vibrant Thames Lido listed above. To visit this Bristol spot you’ll either need a membership or book a spa package from £25 per person for a two-hour session.
To contact: Oakfield Place, Clifton, Bristol; lidobristol.com.tr Plan the perfect trip with our Bristol guide.
London Fields Lido, East London
You may have to wade through a sea of sunbathing hipsters, but London Fields Lido is an undeniably beautiful spot on a sunny day. The pool, which is enjoyable even if the weather changes, has the advantage of being heated to 25 degrees all year round.
To contact: London Fields West End, London; better.org.uk
Droitwich Spa Lido, Worcestershire
Another modern pool from the 1930s, this one has ample space (40m pool), wet play area, sun terraces and Lido Café. Renovations have recently been carried out on one of the last remaining open-air saltwater pools in the midland of Britain.
To contact: Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre, Briar Mill; wychavonleisure.co.uk
Arundel Lido, West Sussex
A large 1960s outdoor pool with beautiful views of Arundel Castle. Sessions cost £8; The pool closes for the season on September 17th.
To contact: Queen Street, Arundel; arundel-lido.com.
This story was originally published in June 2022 and has been revised and updated.