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Best Lidos and Outdoor Swimming Pools in the UK

Take a Dip in 18 of the UK's Coolest Al Fresco Swimming Spots

Jul 19 2019

The UK is home to plenty of amazing beaches, but you don't have to head to the sea to enjoy an outdoor dip this Summer, as these cool lidos, swimming lakes, and outdoor pools prove. Set in beautiful grounds, national parks, and historic locales, these outdoor swimming venues let you feel the fresh air on your skin while getting a pretty good workout in. They're also the ideal place to cool off each time the UK sizzles in another heatwave.

With swimming opportunities like this on home turf, plus charming cities and scenic train rides, a staycation's never been more appealing. From Cumbria and Cheshire in the north, through Worcestershire in the Midlands, to Cornwall and Sussex in the south, we've got all the details on where you can enjoy a splash under the sun. Wherever you're based, find a pool, lake, or lido near you that'll satisfy your al fresco swimming craving with these 18 outdoor swimming destinations.

Tinside Lido, Plymouth

The Art Deco Tinside Lido was built in 1935, and the Grade II listed site has been restored to offer bathing in a beautiful spot in the Summer months. This semi-circular salt water pool overlooks Plymouth Harbour, and has a sun deck and cafe, too.

Tooting Bec Lido, London

At 91.5 metres long, Tooting Bec Lido is the UK's largest outdoor freshwater pool. Locals have been swimming here since 1906, and its brightly coloured changing huts are an iconic sight. It has a paddling pool, cafe, and picnic area too, and hosts inflatable fun sessions during the Summer.

Ilkley Lido, West Yorkshire

With stunning views of Ilkley Moor, the unheated freshwater Ilkley Lido is open during the Summer, with a heated indoor pool open all year. You can sunbathe on the lawn and bring your own food to enjoy in the picnic area. There's also a putting green, bowling, and tennis on the site.

Saltdean Lido, Brighton

It's taken many years of campaigning to get the 1938 Grade II-listed Art Deco Saltdean Lido reopened in 2017, and now it's a firm fixture for Summer fun just along the East Sussex coast from Brighton. There's a cafe and bar too.

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Jubilee Pool, Cornwall

The Art Deco Jubilee Pool in Penzance is the largest salt water lido in the country. They're working on a geothermal project for the Winter months, so the pool reopens in July 2019, with the cafe and top terrace facilities opening at the end of that month.

Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool, Cheshire

Nantwich Brine Pool has been open to the public since 1935. This inland brine pool's medicinal benefits were used for recovering soldiers in the First World War, and today it is kept at 22 degrees, with solar gain increasing the temperature. There's also an indoor pool that is heated to higher temperatures.

Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds, London

Hampstead Heath's Bathing Ponds are iconic. The Ladies' Pond and Men's Pond are the UK's only lifeguarded open water swimming facilities that are open to the public every day. There's a Mixed Pond that's open to the public in the Summer (and swimming club members in the Winter).

Shap Swimming Pool, Cumbria

In the Lake District, Shap Swimming Pool sits nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, so it's thought to be the country's highest heated outdoor pool. Run by volunteers, the pool is heated to 26 degrees, and there's a baby pool as well as picnic tables and benches, plus a small shop for refreshments.

Chagford Swimming Pool, Devon

The river-fed Chagfood Swimmin Pool sits within Dartmoor National Park on the banks of the Teign. The community-run pool is heated to 26/27 degrees with air source heat pumps, solar panels, and solar covers, and the water is UV treated and filtered with a minimal amount of chlorine. There's a toddler pool, a grassy sunbathing area, tables and chairs, and snacks and refreshments on sale.

Brockwell Lido, London

The 50-metre outdoor pool isn't the only draw at Brockwell Lido – there's also a popular cafe, gym, and exercise class studios in the surrounding Art Deco Grade II-listed buildings. There are various events and activities held regularly on the site.

Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall

If you want to swim in the sea but not be in the open water, then the part-natural, part man-made Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall is for you. The Atlantic tops it up twice a day. It's free to visit, but is run by a local charity that relies on donations to keep it open.

Lymington Sea Water Baths, Hampshire

Many of the UK's lidos date back to the 1930s, but Lymington Sea Water Baths goes all the way back to 1833. The 110-metre open-air sea water bath is the oldest in the UK, and is also one of the largest of its kind. It's home to 200 metres of inflatable obstacle courses, stand up paddle boards, and aqua jousting. There's also a children's splash pool and a kiosk/cafe.

Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham

Set on the edge of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, Sandford Parks Lido has a main 50-metre pool heated to 26 degrees, and a children's pool heated to 30 degrees. There's a cafe and a lawn for sunbathing, as well as lawn games available to hire for more al fresco fun.

Arundel Lido, West Sussex

You can see the magnificent Arundel Castle standing proudly beyond Arundel Lido, a 1960s outdoor pool — heated to 28 degrees — that is the only remaining lido in West Sussex. The landscaped grounds with trees and shady areas have picnic tables, loungers, and parasols. There's a children's play park and a cafe, too.

Stonehaven Open Air Pool, Aberdeen

Built in the 1930s and located in Queen Elizabeth Park, 15 miles south of Aberdeen, Stonehaven Open Air Pool has an Olympic-sized 50-metre pool with sea water heated to 29 degrees. There's a paddling pool and fun sessions for kids with inflatables, plus midnight swims with disco music for adults. Chill out on the sheltered sun terraces or at the cafe.

Droitwich Spa Lido, Worcestershire

Droitwich Spa Lido is one of the country's final remaining inland open-air salt-water pools. Dating back to the 1930s, the lido closed for several years, before being restored in 2007, along with the original Art Deco building. It is filled with a natural brine feed, thanks to the town standing on huge salt deposits. The water is heated to 23 degrees, and in addition to the 40 metre pool there's a wet play area for kids, a cafe, and a sun terrace.

Pells Pool, Lewes, East Sussex

Dating back all the way to the 1860s, Pells Pool has the distinction of being the oldest freshwater public pool in the country. It also has a longer than average Summer season than most other open-air pools, staying open until late October in 2019. This unheated spring-fed pool is 46 metres by 23 metres, and there's also a paddling pool, tree-lined lawn, sun terrace, and refreshments for sale. Events include a starry night swim around midnight.

London Fields Lido, London

Situated in Hackney, London Fields Lido reopened in 2006 following an 18-year campaign to save it from demolition, and in 2017 it had a major refurb. The 50-metre Olympic size pool is open all year and is heated. Relax on the sundeck and visit the cafe kiosk.

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