January 2008. Please note that I last updated the details on 27th April 2003 so the information is some years out of date. I am not likely to make any changes to the details here so please look at the notes on the Swimming Home page for where to find more accurate information.
Happy Swimming.
Pete the Swimmer
Here is a list of outdoor Lidos and swimming pools in the UK at 27th April 2003. This is a follow on from the pages on Olympic Swimming pools. They are in roughly alphabetical order by place but with London pools under London..
The criteria for inclusion here is that they are outdoor - length is not a factor - so not just 50m pools. The size of outdoor pools varies considerably - some are much bigger than Olympic Pools and can be 100yards long which makes for a superb swim. I have been searching around and there are a lot more than I thought - but very well hidden. They don't make themselves very visible on the Internet but I have included web links were I can. If you spot anything wrong or feel that a pool should be included then please let me know.
Please note that the list does not include all outdoor pools as I have excluded pools at private clubs and also the small outdoor pools often found at large indoor leisure complexes such as Waterworld.
The big problem with outdoor pools in the UK that they need to be heated and as this is very expensive most are only open during the warmer months and closed in the winter. Go one - take a dip in 2003....
The term Lido is from the name of a place in Venice where Bathing took place. They usually have areas for sunbathing - watching, and eating and are designed for activities around water. A swimming pool on the other hand usually just consists of a swimming pool - that is just fine for keen swimmers.
The Golden Age of new Lidos was in the 1930s when swimming became very popular. Steven Braggs has put together some interesting notes on The Seaside Lido.
The excellent book Here comes the sun by Ken Worpole (published by Reaktion Books) covers the rise of the Lido in the 1930s to their decline in the 60s and 70s and to a hopefull resurgance in the 2000s.
Many Lidos and pools have (sadly) closed but the list here is ones that are mainly open - for at least some of the year - and you should be able to get a swim - although please - please check carefully before making a special visit as there are often restrictions - frequently temperature related.
The Abbey Meadow open-air heated swimming pool is open from the end of May to end of August. I can't find a decent web site for it so this is the best I could find.
Telephone: 01235 523113.
The Abbeyland Outdoor pool is part of a dual use facility with Runnymede Borough Council and Surrey County Council attached to Abbeylands School. The heated outdoor swimming pool is open during the summer only.
Abbeylands Sports Centre, School Lane Addlestone, Surrey
Telephone: 01932-858966 (after 4pm during term time)
Aldershot lido is huge, with shallows for children to play in, a diving area and water slides.
Telephone: 01252 313706
The pool has a capacity of 133 people with plenty of room for
sunbathing on the patio and grass areas. It is open every day
of the school holidays, 1pm-6pm weather permitting.
Telephone: 01773 834817
You can't swim here yet a the pool is currently shut but the there are plans to reopen it. Check out the Arundel Pool appeal web site for the latest news.
The bathing lake is in the The River Dart Country Park which is a 90 acre Victorian parkland with woodland adventure playgrounds, tree and nature trails plus catering and a shop.
Holne Park, Ashburton, TQ13 7NP
Telephone: 01364 652511
The Hood Park heated outdoor pool is open during the summer only.
Telephone: 01530 412181
The Aylesbury Aqua centre has a 20 metre outdoor swimming pool, linked directly to the indoor leisure water.
In Vale Park alongside Park Street right in the heart of Aylesbury.
Telephone: 01296 488555
The Woodgreen leisure centre in Bbanbury has a 50 metre open air swimming pool which is open from April untill September.
Woodgreen Avenue, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 0HS
Telephone: 01295 262742
Beccles swimming pool is 33 x 16 metres with a diving board, paddling pool ands plenty of room for sunbathing. The pool is open from late May to early September. This is the best web site I could find. Is there a more informative one?
Puddingmoor, Beccles
Telephone: 01502 713297
There are 2 Pools, one a paddling pool for the toddlers and the main pool which is 48 metres by 12 metres. The pool is open from May to September (weather permitting). and is heated to about 26°C. Sounds really good.
Bourne Outdoor Swimming Pool, Abbey Lawns, Bourne, Lincolnshire
Telephone: 01778 422063
The Brightlingsea open air swimming pool was built in 1933 as a salt water pool but is now two freshwater pools: one a 15m paddling pool, and the second a 50m main pool. The pools are open from the end of May through to the beginning of September.
Brightlingsea Open Air Swimming Pool, Promenade Way, Brightlingsea,
Colchester, Essex
Telephone : 01206 303067 (opening hours only) General enquiries
: 01255 429647
Brixham outdoor seawater swimming pool is open from July to
September. I can't find a decent web site for it.
This is an open air, salt water swimming pool on Summerleaze beach and is washed out twice daily by the sea. During the season the pool is patrolled by lifeguards and enables bathing at low tide when the sea is often closed. It is free.
Summerleaze beach. Bude
Jesus Green Lido is one of the largest outdoor pools in Europe, ideally located beside the River Cam. Paved on one side of the pool and grass on the other, this lido is heaven for sunbathers. Open 10am to 7.45pm daily.
Telephone: 01223 302579.
Check the web site or call them for swimming times. Open from May onwards for the summer.
Swinbrook Road, Recreation Ground, Carterton.
Telephone: 01993 842198
Chagford swimming pool is an open air, river fed public pool and the temperature of the water is maintained with solar pool covers. Check out the web site for more details.
Chagford, Dartmoor
Telephone: 01647 432929
Set in a four-acre site, Sandford Park Lido is open every day from 11am to 7.30pm and there are early-morning swimming sessions from 6.30am to 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The web site is excellent - all lidos should have one like this.
Telephone: : 01242 524430
The pool is open from May to September but I can't find a decent web site for it.
The Moor
Telephone: 01494 783068
The main and learner pools are both heated. Open from April to September but check the web site or phone them for more details
Fox Close, Chipping Norton, Oxon.
Telephone 01608 643188
Cirencester heated open air air pool is the second oldest in the country. It is a charitable organisation run by volunteers. Open May to September
Telephone: 01285 653947
There are two swimming pools with a grassed picnic area and a
poolside cafe. Open from May to September.
Daventry Outdoor Pool, Ashby Road, Daventry
Telephone: 01327 312317
If you are hot and tired on a sunny summer's day, why not drop in at the heated open air swimming pool in Eversholt village for a dip. Swimming costumes can be hired.
I can't find any more details or a web site. If you can help please let me know.
Gourock Pool is heated saltwater pool open on any day between May and September. Looks like a lovely pool right on the coast.
Albert Road, Gourock, Inverclyde, Scotland
Telephone: 01475 631561
The Lido first opened in 1933 and since then has been described as an oasis in the heart of Guildford, the 50 metre pool and landscaped gardens retaining much of their 1930s charm. The Lido is open each summer between April and September
The weather shouldn't be a deterrent as the water is heated to a minimum of 74 F/23 C so even in a traditional British summer you can take the plunge and enjoy a swim in the beautifully clean water; paddling pools and water slides provide additional entertainment.
Situated in Stoke Park, next to Guildford College, the lido has free parking.
Telephone: 01483 444888.
There are three heated pools, with the two larger pools having their their own slides, and a paddler pool. It looks like the place to be on a sunny day.
Open Mid April to early September.
I can't find a telephone number.
At Hamilton Water Palace there is an outdoor pool as well an indoor 25 metre pool and leisure pool.
35 Almada Street, Hamilton
Telephone. 01698 459950
The Hampton Heated Open Air Pool is run as a Charitable Trust
and is one of the very few outdoor pools that is heated all year
- indeed the main 36.5m pool is open everyday including Christmas
Day. There is also a Learners pool which is open from April -
December inclusive.
Phone for opening times or take a look at the very informative
web site.
Hampton Heated Open Air Pool, High Street, Hampton TW12 2ST
Telephone: 020 8979 9933
Hathersage Open Air Heated Swimming Pool, Derbyshire, open until September 9th Monday to Saturday.
Telephone: 01433 650843
Therei s Open Air Swimming Pool at Helmsley but I can't find much or about it. The best web site is the one for Ryedale District council. If you know a better one please let me know.
Baxtons Lane, Helmsley
Telephone: 01439 770617
This is the best web site I could find. Is there another?
The Elms, Highworth
Telephone: 01793 762602 or 01793 762944
Situated in a lovely park setting this facility offers a 25m indoor pool with separate learner pool plus a 50m outdoor pool (summer only) with sunbathing terrace.
Fishponds Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HA
Telephone: 01462 441646
One of the few remaining open-air pools in the south east.
High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11
Telephone: 01992 461592
The Holywell Mead Outdoor Swimming Pool was built in the 1950s
and consists of a 33 m swimming pool and 20m teaching pool. It
is opens from May until September.
Holywell Mead, Bassetsbury Lane, High Wycombe.
Telephone: 01494 518900
Ilkley re-opened on Saturday 10th August after requiring draining and cleaning required as a result of the recent flooding, and (weather permitting) it will be openfor the rest of the summer.
A lagoon shaped outdoor pool in yorkshire with ramped access, central fountain and slide. Open everyday throughout the summer but opening hours may be varied due to weather conditions. Click here for some views of this picturesque pool.
Telephone: 01943 600453
Broomhill open air pool is a 1930s 50 metre open-air swimming pool with high board diving facilities, sun bathing terraces and cafeteria. Open for the summer season May - September. It is not heated. Sounds good.
Sherrington Road, Ipswich, IP1 4HT
Telephone: 01473 433667
The Abbey Fields Swimming Pool at Kenilworth is open in the summer from May to September. Check the web site for opening times or call them for more information.
Telephone: 01926 456220
This outdoor pool is open from late May to early September. Check the web site for exact hours.
Icknield Way, Letchworth, Hertfordshire, SG6 4UF
Telephone: 01462 684673
Pells Pool has a main pool 46m x 23m - that is 50 yards by 25 yards in old money - of 0.5 to 2m depth and is open from May to September inclusive. The Pells Pool web site is really excellent - I wish more pools had web sites like this one.
Brook Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2PQ
Telephone: 01273 472334
A 1930s Art Deco cafe marks this south London venue in Brockwell Park as special. . It's open seven days a week from 6.45am to 7pm, but shut between 10am and 12 noon.
Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Road, London SE24 OPA,
Telephone: 0207 274 3088
50 metre Main Pool and separate Toddlers Splash Pool. The Lido will open to the public from July 19th until September 1st 2003 from 10.30am to 6.00pm. This is the school summer holiday period.Outside of these times and dates there is always club hire availability and filming availability. The Lido is constantly on the lookout for funding sources. For this or any other information please contact Doug Minde doug.minde@greenwich.gov.uk or telephone 020 8921 8402.
The website link is www.greenwich.gov.uk followed by AtoZ of Services and then Swimming Pools.
Charlton Lido, Charlton Park Lane,Charlton,,SE7
(Junction of Charlton Park Lane and Shooters Hill. The Lido is
in Hornfair Park)
Telephone: 020 8856 7180
The Park Road Pools in Hornsey reopened about 7 or 8 years ago. There are 4 pools including a heated outdoor pool 50m x 25m. This is the best web site I could find.
Park Road, Hornsey, London N8 8JN
Telephone: 0208 341 3567
Tooting Bec Lido it is open to the public from late may until the end of September. There is early morning swimming but contact the pool for more details. This is a BIG pool and worth a visit.
Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Common, London, SW16 1RU, ,
Telephone: 0208 871 7198
There are three Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds in Highgate for Men, Ladies, and mixed bathers. The opening hours vary so please check carefully by telephone or on the web sites.
Hampstead Heath, London
Telephone: 0207 485 4491
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, London, is open to the public in the summer. When it is hot in the city cool off with a dip. The Lido has a maximum of 110 yards of straight swimming - lovely.
Telephone: 0207 706 3422
Take a look at the Serpentine Swimming Club web site for more information. Out of the summer season it appears a bit chilly to me.
Oasis Swimming Pool, 32 Endell Street, London, WC2H 9AG,
Telephone: 0207 831 1804
The open-air unheated swimming pool is 60 metres long and the early morning swimming session is free which must be one of the best bargains in London. The most convenient Station is Gospel Oak Overground and Kentish Town Underground is about a 1/2 mile walk away.
Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road , London NW5 2LT
Telephone: 0207 485 3873
The Seawater baths are open from May to September
Bath Road, Lymington
Telephone: 01590 674865/676009
The outdoor pool is open from May until September each year. Sadly it has been announced that Malmesbury pool will close for good at the end of the 2003 season. Another outdoor bites the dust.
Old Alexander Road, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0DT
Telephone: 01666 822329
I think this is a night club rather than a pool.....
It is true - Sadly I have been informed that Margate lido WAS a sea water lido but is now filled in the but the name lives on in the crumbling entertainment centre along side it in Cliftonville.
The good news is that Margate does still have a massive 110 yard sea bathing pool which is perfect for sea swimming, just ten minutes walk from the old Lido. Bathers are protected, enclosed by the sea wall on three sides.
This is the only public open air swimming pool in Pendle.
Marsden Park Open Air Pool & Golf Course.
Tel: 01282 661914
Matlock Lido is an indoor pool dispite the name lido. The main pool is shut during summer 2002 for repair a small pool is still available. Call for exact details.
Matlock Swimming Pool, Imperial Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3AQ
Telephone: 01629 582843
The Wolverton Outdoor Swimming Pool is open from May onwards regardless of the weather.
Aylesbury Street West, Wolverton, Milton Keynes
Telephone: 01908 312091
The Outdoor Brine Pool is 100 ft long x 50 ft wide with depths from 1.0m to 2.3m and the water temperature is heated to 72 degrees. Possibly the only brine pool left in the country.
Nantwich Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre, Snowhill, Nantwich
Telephone: 01270 610606
The Nottingham Bullwell Lido is open in the summer. Contact the pool for opening times.
Hucknall Lane, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8AP
Telephone: 0115 9151555
The outdoor pool is open from June to September during the summer months. It is in Hinksey Park, off the Abingdon Road, approximately 1 mile south of the City Centre.
Lake Street, Oxford, OX1 4RP
Telephone: 01865 467079
Petersfield Open Air Pool, Heath Road, Petersfield, Hants GU31
4DZ.
Telephone: 01730 - 265 143
This is the largest open-air swimming pool of its type still in use in the UK. Consult a local tide table for swimming times. It is very cold as it is not heated - apart from by the sun.
The heated Peterborough Lido is is now 65 years old having opened in 1937 and is open during the summer months from April - September in the city centre.
Bishops Road, Peterborough
Telephone: 01733 343618
Portishead has an open air heated swimming pool which is open from early May through to the end of September. The pool is located on the Esplanade at the north end of the Lakegrounds.Contact the pool or check out the web site for more details. Sounds very attractive.
The Esplanade, Portishead BS20 7HD
Telephone: 01275 849 039
Hilsea Lido
in Portsmouth has had a stay of execution and is open again
in 2002 for the school holidays. As for every year for the last
20 years, this could be the last season. It is located at the
Hilsea/Cosham exit of the A27 in Portsmouth. This is a Classic
30's lido in a sad state, but deep clean water and worth a visit.
Have a look at the Twentieth
Century Society web site for more information
Hilsea Lido, Portsmouth PO2 9RP
Telephone: The
Victoria Swimming Centre 023 92 823822
There is a 33 metre outdoor swimming pool with sunbathing area.
Pools on the Park, Richmond, Old Deer Park, Twickenham Road
Richmond TW9 2S
Telephone: 020 8940 0561
The main building was designed by Richard Jones in 1937 and it was listed in July 1987,
The pool itself measures 140ft x 66ft and can accommodate 500 bathers. During the Second World War,the pool was used as a water tank by the National Fire Service College which was based at the Ocean Hotel.
Saltdean Lido, Saltdean Park Road, Brighton, East Sussex
Telephone: 01273 880 616
A Lovely small basic outdooor pool - only open during the summer - well worth a visit. Is it still open? I spent a lovely time swimming there a few years ago.
The Shepton Mallet outdoor swimming pool is open during the summer only. Call for more details.
Shaftgate Avenue, Shepton Mallet
Telephone: 01749 342126
Stonehaven Open Air 50 metre Pool, Aberdeenshire, is an Art Deco building run by locals on a volunteer basis. It is open June to August only, heated, with midnight swims every wednesday night and occasional Saturday night discos. Sounds really good...
Telephone: 01569 762134
The Greenbank swimming pool in Street, Somerset looks like a lovely local outdoor pool and will be up running for this summer 2003. Check out their web site for details, pictures and and a history. It is close to the Clarkes Village Factory Shopping which may not be of great interest to swimmers but it could be a reason to visit Street - you can go for a dip while the shopahollics in your family get the bargains.
Wilfrid Road, Street, Somerset BA16 OEU
Telephone: 01458 442468
There is four lane, 20 metre open air pool with a beach and a large sunbathing terrace.The outdoor pool is open from April 1 to the end of October. For details of casual swim times, courses and special events please contact the pool.
Telephone: 01732 367449.
Topsham pool is near Exeter and was only opened in 1979. This
is a modern, heated, outdoor pool and was built by the community
for the community after years of fund-raising. The tiled pool
measures 25m x 10m, with a shallow end of 1m and a deep end of
3m.. It looks excellent. There is a Nutters session (my
kind of session) from 6-8:30 most mornings but again phone first
before making that special visit.
Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter, Devon. EX3 OHF
Telephone:
01392 874477
The open-air heated swimming pool is in Wallingford Park, alongside the River Thames, and is open from the end of May to beginning of September. I can't fnd a decent web site so if you know of one please let me know.
Wallingford: Riverside Park & Pool, Wallingford, Oxfordshire
OX10 8EB
Telephone: 01491 835232
The Lido in Priory Street, Ware is a heated 30 metre main pool and 10 metre teaching pool which opens from Easter to September and is in the grounds of Ware Priory.
Telephone: 01920 460703.
This is a heated pool open from May to September and is the only
heated open air pool in County Durham.
Castle Park, Stanhope, Co. Durham DL13 2LY
At
theWest end of Stanhope near the A689 junction with B6278 to Edmundbyers
Telephone: 01388 528466
Splashland Open Air Pool was a 50 metre heated pool with waterslides and learner pool but sadly has now been demolished . No wonder I couldn't find any sort of decent web site for it.
Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City
Woburn Lido is sited right on the boundary wall ofWoburn Estate,
and elephants can be heard and seen bathing in the lake on the
other side of the boundary wall from the Lido on occasional hot
summer
evenings. I can't find an official web site but
click here for more details and history of this intriguing
pool
Open from late May to September each year 10:00 - 19:00 daily.
Crawley Road, Woburn, Bedfordshire.
Telephone: ?????
Both the main and learner pools are heated. Open from April to September but check the web site or phone them for more details
Shipton Road, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Telephone: 01993 811785
Sadly no longer a swimming pool but a Family Entertainment Centre called Ayers Leisure Lido.
The small outdoor swimming pool in Ynysangharad Park (home of
Glamorgan Cricket) is affectionately called The Puddle
by locals. This is the best
web site I could find and there is some history
on this one.
Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, Wales
Telephone: 01443 404699