Historic outdoor pools and lidos offer some of the most invigorating and interesting places to visit and to take a swim. Although the numbers of pools have been falling, there are still over a hundred public outdoor swimming pools around the UK. Here, our friends at Historic Pools of Britain, the organisation formed to campaign for heritage pools in the UK, have compiled their top picks of the nation’s best lidos and outdoor pools to look out for…
One of the most famous Lidos in London and endearingly known
as Brixton’s Beach, this historic Lambeth venue is famed for its
strong community spirit and relaxed atmosphere.
The Olympic size 50m pool is surrounded by a Grade II listed art
deco building, housing a state-of-the-art gym and studios, as well
as a hydrotherapy pool and health suite.
www.fusion-lifestyle.com
Formerly known as Uxbridge Lido, the Grade II-listed, 50m openair swimming pool re-opened in 2010, having been restored to its 1930s glory. The venue is complete with its original cascades and a new heated shallow splash pool for children. The outdoor pool is now part of a new leisure centre that includes an indoor pool of the same size.
www.fusion-lifestyle.com
Dating back to 1849, the Lido in Bristol
is one of the oldest surviving in the UK
and you can swim all year round here
in the 24m heated pool. Afterwards
have a drink at the poolside bar or dine
in the stylish poolside restaurant. Spa
facilities are also available.
www.lidobristol.com
Mount Wise Swimming Pools is one of Plymouth’s hidden treasures and completely free. The complex of three outdoor pools includes a 25m main pool, a small paddling pool for younger children and an activity pool with a whirlpool and bubble pool.
www.everyoneactive.com
