by Anna Hann
posted on August 11, 2022
The best outdoor pools in England to visit for a refreshing dip this summer. Today, lidos old and new are much-loved community spaces and, when the mercury rises, become hotspots for locals and visitors to enjoy. When you need to cool off on the road this summer, here’s where to set the sat nav to…
The much-loved saltwater pool in Droitwich Spa has a natural brine feed, and the water is gently heated to the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea – supposedly 23 degrees Celsius, which is a touch on the cold side. But at 40 metres long, there’s plenty of room for some serious lengths to get warm. There’s also a splash zone and water cannons to keep kids thoroughly entertained.
Where? Set the sat nav to WR9 8AA
In the middle of the historic town of Arundel in the South Downs, the seasonal Arundel Lido is a busy community centre that welcomes visitors to its adults-only or family swim sessions. Stay for a picnic in the grassy surroundings overlooked by the prettiest of castles when you’ve had a dip. Or head into the town – it’s prime antiquing territory, and you can stop off at said castle for a tour, too. If you just can’t get enough of the water, head to one of West Sussex’s beaches for a salty paddle.
Where? Set the sat nav to BN18 9JG
Gourock Pool has a smugly scenic spot on the Scottish coast with panoramic views over the Clyde Estuary. Evening dips are especially popular – just check the weather forecast and time your visit with a clear night to get the full starlit effect.
Where? Set the sat nav to PA19 1NQ
If you’re heading to the southwest this summer, the Jubilee Pool in Penzance is a treat. It’s an enormous triangular masterpiece with one side almost 100 metres long and big enough to hold five million litres of seawater. The water in the main pool is only a degree or two above sea temperature (yes, that’s pretty chilly), but if you’ve something warmer in mind, the geothermal pool in one corner is heated to early-30s degrees, thanks to a deep geothermal well.
Where? Set the sat nav to TR18 4FF
Tinside Lido is a classic art deco lido in Plymouth overlooking the sea. A jauntily striped floor gives it all the nautical feels it deserves. When temperatures rise in summer, you can hire sunbeds to make the most of the pool and sea views and watch the busy waterway.
Where? Set the sat nav to PL1 3DE
Open year-round for the hardiest of cold-water swimmers, Tooting Bec Lido is England’s largest freshwater swimming pool at over 90 metres long. It welcomes non-members from April to September and has an outdoor paddling pool for under 5s. It relies on the warmth of the sun to heat it, which means the water temperature can be bracingly cold outside of summer heat waves. You’ve been warned!
Where? Set the sat nav to SW16 1RU
Once an Edwardian ladies swimming bath, today, the renovated Thames Lido brings beach club vibes to Reading – and as somewhere totally landlocked, that’s quite a feat. The poolside bar serves a menu of Mediterranean dishes created in an open kitchen with a wood-burning pizza oven and charcoal grill. Kids, while welcomed, are restricted to a two-hour afternoon slot.
Where? Set the sat nav to RG1 8FR
Tempting though it is to head to the sandy shores of Brighton Beach, this artsy British seaside town has a summertime secret worth searching out: the gorgeous Saltdean Lido. Like so many others, it was built in the 1930s only to be neglected and almost lost forever. Brought back in 2017, it’s now the largest pool in Brighton and is a hub of family fun.
Where? Set the sat nav to BN2 8SP
Opened in the 30s as part of the council leader’s aim to bring the seaside to London with 13 lidos, Parliament Hill was the biggest and most expensive one built. It’s always been unheated and remains that way today, so prepare for an ultra-refreshing dip. The on-site café is 100% vegan with plenty of Lebanese dishes to sample.
Where? Set the sat nav to NW5 1LT
A place to bring the family and stay all day, Guildford Lido is a seasonal outdoor complex complete with an Olympic-sized pool for powering out some lengths. But there’s much more besides, including a paddling pool, slides, mini-golf, and a garden area.
Where? Set the sat nav to GU1 1HB
Share your car, earn extra cash
Cover your car payments or earn some extra cash by sharing your car whenever you’re not using it.
Get startedHit the road
Browse thousands of cars for every occasion and budget near you, or wherever you’re going.
Browse cars
