As the weather improves and summer draws near, the anticipation of outdoor swimming grows. Unless you are an adventurous soul who enjoys a chilly dip, it’s been some time since you’ve had the chance to splash about al fresco.
Fortunately, the UK offers a variety of fantastic outdoor pools and lidos, all easily locatable on our interactive map. Whether you seek serious lap swimming or just a fun time with the family, this map will guide you to the nearest pool.
The data originates from allthelidos.co.uk, a platform mapping UK swimming locations. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check the pool’s official website or social media for any opening date delays.
The upcoming week will bring temperatures up to 24C in parts of the south, ideal for a visit to your local lido. This will briefly make the UK hotter than Ibiza, where temperatures are expected to linger around 19C.
Noteworthy UK lidos include Sea Lanes in Brighton, offering a seaside outdoor pool and wellness center with stunning views of the iconic shingle beaches. Another option is the Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent, reopening for weekends in May, featuring white exteriors and waterslides reminiscent of Mediterranean pools.
For a taste of classic elegance, Jubilee Pool in Penzance boasts an Art Deco style and is the UK’s largest seawater pool, slightly warmer than the sea. It also houses a Geothermal Pool heated by the sea, reaching temperatures of 28 to 30C for a truly tropical swimming experience.
While many historic lidos in the UK have faced neglect, some are undergoing rejuvenation like the Hilsea Lido near Portsmouth. After closing in 2022, it has been renovated at a cost of £7.75m to transform into a community hub, complete with a sauna, new facilities, and dining options.
The goal, as expressed by the pool’s operator, is to create a homely holiday atmosphere for the local community.