Swim in the Sunshine
Stay cool in the pool this summer with our lido guide
Many of the UK's 20th Century lidos are enjoying a revival and several popular spots have been refurbished in recent years. Many only open during the summer months, thanks to the often inclement British weather, so there's no time like the present to sample some of the coolest open-air swimming spots on home turf.
There are well over 100 lidos around the UK, plus open-air swimming pools, luxurious rooftop spa pools and plenty of natural beauty-spots to dip a toe.
A lido is an outdoor swimming pool where people also enjoy additional facilities, such as eating and drinking, sunbathing and playing, and takes its name from an area of Venice renowned for bathing.
London Lidos
The capital has more than its fair share of lidos so when it gets hot in the city take a trip to one of the following:
The Serpentine, Hyde Park
Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Road
London Fields Lido, London Fields, Hackney
Parliament Hill Lido, Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Mixed Ponds, Hampstead Heath, near East Heath Road
Kenwood Ladies' Pond, Hampstead Heath, off Millfield Lane
Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Road, Herne Hill
Charlton Lido, Greenwich
Highgate Pond (men's bathing), Hampstead Heath, near Millfield Lane
Park Road Pools, Hornsey
For a fairly comprehensive list of lidos around the UK, visit Oliver Merrington's website.
Make a splash
There are lidos and public open-air pools the length and breadth of the country, some of which sit right on the coast. Here's a handful of those we think are definitely worth a visit...
Jubilee Pool on the Penzance shoreline, in Cornwall, is a Grade II listed pool designed in the early 1930s. The largest open-air sea-water tidal swimming pool in the UK, it's triangular in shape and was restored to its former glory in 1994. It now opens annually from the end of May until September, and boasts a poolside cafe and deckchairs for hire.
Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has its very own art-deco open-air pool on the coast at Stonehaven, heated to 29°C and open from 31 May to 7 September annually. It offers walled sun terraces, free patio armchairs and sunloungers, full disabled access, two water chutes and a poolside cafe. On Wednesday nights you can even go for a moonlit dip as the pool is open until after midnight. Official website »
Cirencester's open-air pool, in the Cotswolds, lies on the edge of Cirencester Park in the shadow of a grand castle-style structure owned by Cirencester College. The 28-metre pool contains natural spring water from an on-site well, heated to an average of 27°C. It opened in 1869 and is believed to be the oldest public pool in the UK still open. There's also a children's paddling pool, a tuck shop, hot showers and changing rooms.
Plymouth's salt water Tinside Lido reopened in 2003 after undergoing a £4 million refurbishment programme. Originally opened in 1935, the art deco Grade II listed structure suffered neglect and was closed in 1992. Visitors can now enjoy a large sunbathing terrace, inflatable fun sessions, three fountains and catering.
Ware Priory Lido sits in the grounds of the Grade I listed conference centre Ware Priory. Opened in 1934, the now-heated pools are attended by lifeguards and a first-aider and remain open until
7 September. The site also boasts tennis and basketball courts, and access to refreshments.
Aldershot Lido, in Hampshire, boasts three water slides, a spring diving board, and a toddler paddling pool and sandpit. The largest open-air pool in the area, it also has a basketball court, football pitches, a picnic area, refreshments and free parking. It's open from May to September, so what are you waiting for?
Bristol Lido reopened after nearly 20 years at the end of last year, following an extensive refurbishment. The Victorian lido dates back to 1849 and now boasts a restaurant, a poolside bar and a spa.
Take a dip in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the beautiful Peak District landscape, at Hathersage Open Air Pool. Water in the Derbyshire pool is heated to 29°C and it's open until
20 September. There's a cafe that even offers a full takeaway service, and the place can be hired for private pool parties. With newly refurbished changing cubicles, aquarobics and aqua fun sessions among the English countryside, it's well worth a visit.
High tide
Climb to England's highest open-air swimming pool, at Shap, Cumbria – which sits between Penrith and Kendal at 250m. Open until the end of August, there's a 25m pool and a toddler pool, with a lifeguard on duty at all times. You can even book the whole place for a pool party.
Dreaming of a wet Christmas?
If you're brave enough to tackle an alfresco dip on Christmas Day, join around 1,000 swimmers at Hampton Pool, near Kingston in Middlesex. The pool's open 365 days a year, heated to an average of 28°C, and hosts special events, including a series of picnic concerts on balmy evenings. It's in a lovely setting, situated within two acres of South-facing woodland on the edge of Royal Bushy Park.
And for good measure...
...a pub with its own open-air swimming pool. Punters who visit The King's Oak in the High Beach area of Epping Forest, Essex, can strip off and cool off as the public house has a pool in the backyard.
Spas and leisure centres
Many of the UK's hotels, and places of pamper also boast open-air pools.
Swim among the historic spires of Bath in natural thermal waters, at the Thermae Bath Spa, in Somerset. The open-air rooftop pool offers breathtaking views of the city, its abbey and the surrounding landscape.
Watch the clouds pass overhead as you swim in a tranquil countryside setting at Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, in Bagshot, Surrey. This delightful five-star country-house hotel is set in 120-acre grounds and is an AA Inspectors' Choice – one of the very best establishments in the UK and Ireland. The spa also boasts outdoor hydrotherapy pools.
Richmond's Spring Health Club, on the edge of Old Deer Park, offers indoor and outdoor pools plus an outdoor paddling pool. You don't need to be a member to enjoy the facilities either.
The Oasis Sports Centre, near London's Covent Garden, also boasts indoor and outdoor pools, and membership is not necessary.
Check out our other inspirational ideas for days out and weekend breaks.
Blight or beauty spot?
What do you think of our lidos? Are they British institutions or a complete waste of space? Join in the debate and have your say now in the AA Zone.
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Updated August 2009
Cirencester Pool images courtesy Nicholas Gentilli