Lido expert reveals best outdoor pools to visit in the UK this summer – with beach views, kids’ slides and live music
A LIDO expert has revealed some of the best outdoor swimming pools Brits can visit this summer.
Authors Emma Pusill and Janet Wilkinson, who met online over their shared loved of lidos, have spent the last two decades visiting every lido in the UK.
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Emma told Sun Online Travel: “The whole thing started because Janet read an article in the newspaper 20 years ago.
“She and her husband were living in London at the time, and it was suggested that if you’ve got a wriggle on, you could swim in all of the London lidos in a weekend.
“Because they were child-free at the point, they thought it sounds like a giggle and we’ll have a go at that, so they did it and nailed it.”
After becoming hooked on lidos, the pair documented their love, and knowledge, of the outdoor pools in the Lido Guide.
First published in 2019, their book is a definitive photographic guide to over 120 open-air pools in the UK.
In the book, they cover everything from beautiful Art Deco lidos to humble, fiercely loved, community pools, offering a bit of something for everyone.
Author Emma Pusill recently recommended visiting three slightly more lesser-known outdoor pools in the UK.
PORTISHEAD OPEN AIR POOL, SOMERSET
Located in North Somerset, Portishead Open Air Pool first opened to the public in 1962 and is one of Emma’s top lidos, although admitted there was a sneaky reason why.
Emma said: “I am chair of the Board of Trustees at Portishead Open Air Pool, so I’m obliged to tell you that my local is my favorite.”
The 33m pool is heated to 28C, which makes it perfect for a quick dip.
There are other facilities too, including a toddler pool, a tuck shop serving a range of hot and cold drinks, and a community cafe.
Portishead Open Air Pool is open every summer from April to October, with entry tickets start from £5 per person.
STONEHAVEN OPEN AIR SWIMMING POOL, ABERDEEN
Emma added: ” So recently, I had to go to Stonehaven, and that’s the second time that I’ve been there, and I really enjoyed that.
“It’s a heated Art Deco saltwater lido right on the beach, pretty much.
“You can go and have yourself a swim in the North Sea, and then you can pop back over, literally run across the road in your towel, which is what my cousin and I did, and get yourself in the Lido.
“And it’s so beautiful because it’s been painted in all kind of really bright sea sidey summery colors. I highly recommend Stonehaven.”
Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool in Queen Elizabeth Park is an Olympic sized heated open-air public pool.
It is the northernmost lido in the UK, and it opened in 1934.
There are plenty of attractions to keep younger visitors entertained, including a paddling pool and a slide.
Entry tickets cost £10 for an adult and £6.60 for juniors aged between six and 18.
HATHERSAGE SWIMMING POOL, PEAK DISTRICT
Emma added: “It’s very difficult to beat Hathersage Swimming Pool in the Peak District, which even opens when there is snow on the ground.”
“It’s a bit too far away for me to do the ad hoc thing, but they’ve got a Victorian band stand in the ground, or they do kind of live music in the band side. You can swim as you listen to music the bandstand. It’s really lovely.”
The pool water is heated throughout the summer and winter seasons, with unheated water swimming taking place every Saturday through October and November.
Entry tickets cost £7.50 for a full-paying adult.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
Kent’s The Strand Lido in Gillingham has been compared to Greece because of its bright blue and white design.
And a lido in London is said to have similar vibes to that of Tenerife.
