With another heatwave this weekend and the summer holidays in full swing, the idea of going for a swim in the sunshine is more appealing than ever. The United Kingdom is filled with open-air lidos and...
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The Telegraph
2022-08-11T13:19:07Z
The United Kingdom is filled with open-air lidos and outdoor pools, despite the islands’ propensity for rain. A golden age of lidos happened in the UK in the Thirties, with 169 pools built across the country. This number diminished as the popularity of inexpensive holidays abroad meant there was less demand for public pools at home, but the ones that do remain are often exceptionally beautiful thanks to this history and some thoughtful restoration work.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best pools in the country to take a swim in as the good weather continues.
A true example of a Thirties lido, Saltdean reopened in 2018 following a long period of neglect. After nearly being demolished, it was instead restored and is now the only Grade II-listed coastal lido in the country. The pool was once described by Historic England as one of the seven wonders of the English seaside and has fantastic Art Deco architecture.
This Olympic-sized pool is filled with seawater taken direct from Stonehaven Bay, which is then filtered and heated to a toasty 29 degrees. Another Art Deco pool, it opened in 1938 and provided recreation (and showers) for troops during the Second World War. The pool, which looks like something from a Wes Anderson set, offers opportunities for moonlight swimming, with two session running between 10pm-midnight every Wednesday during summer.
At just under 1,000ft above sea level, Shap Swimming Pool in the Lake District is reputedly the highest heated outdoor pool in the country. The site is entirely run by volunteers and consists of a 16.5-metre heated pool, a new paddling pool for toddlers plus a small shop. Note the pool is usually open from May to September.
Art fans will love the Cubist-style changing rooms in this Cornish pool. The largest sea water lido in the country, swimmers will find spectacular views out to the Atlantic. The pool is situated on Cornwall’s Battery Rocks, near Penzance Harbour, with a toddlers’ pool set within the main swimming area.
This unique part-natural, part man-made pool nestles in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach in northern Cornwall and is about as close to the sea - and the experience of swimming in the sea
At 100 yards long and 33 yards wide, Tooting Bec Lido is the largest freshwater swimming pool in the UK. Its rainbow-coloured changing cubicles have made it a popular filming location over the years
Dating back to the 1860s, Pells Pool is believed to be the oldest freshwater pool in the country. Beware: the pool is unheated and can get pretty chilly. If a swim here gives you a thirst, Lewes is also home to the very fine Harveys Brewery. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Those scared of frigid waters - or who never think a pool has been heated enough - can find solace at Thermae Bath Spa. Britain's original thermal spa, the 18th-century building was renovated in the early noughties and has since become the city's most popular outdoor pool. The rooftop pool is filled with warm thermal waters fresh from one of Bath's three springs and offers panoramic views across the city.
On the edge of Ilkley Moor, this is one of the best outdoor pools in the north of England. The main pool is freshwater and unheated and there is a large lawned sunbathing and picnic area. When the weather does turn, there is an indoor heated pool here too.
One for more serious swimmers, given the 50m length of the main pool; in 2012 this Cotswolds lido was offered as an Olympic training facility and was used by the Malawi team. The pool is also family-friendly, with a smaller children's pool, paddling pool and a few slides for good measure.
A beautifully restored semi-circular sea water pool with lots of Art Deco features, a fountain at its centre and direct views onto the sea. Boat enthusiasts will be able to watch all sorts of vessels floating into nearby Plymouth harbour. Open-air cinema nights are also occasionally hosted.
The oldest heated outdoor swimming pool in Britain, this Grade-II listed lido was built in 1850. However, the Victorians might struggle to recognise the now glamorous spot with its spa facilities, restaurant and poolside bar. It now stands as the sister lido to the similarly swish Thames Lido, listed below. To visit, you'll either need a membership - which is so oversubscribed the waiting list has closed - or book a spa package, which starts from £25 per person for a two-hour session.
Unlike a lot of UK pools, this Scottish saltwater option
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