As the UK finally sees a shift towards warmer weather, outdoor swimming enthusiasts can look forward to a sizzling May bank holiday. Parts of the south are expected to reach 24°C by the end of the week, briefly making the UK hotter than Ibiza, which is forecast to hover around 19°C.
An interactive map, sourced from allthelidos.co.uk, now allows users to locate their nearest outdoor pool or lido. The map features a range of options, from serious lane swimming to family-friendly splashing. However, visitors are advised to check official websites or social media pages before setting off, as some facilities may not open until later in the summer.
Notable lidos include Sea Lanes in Brighton, which opened in 2023 and offers an outdoor pool and wellness hub with views of the iconic shingle beaches. The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent, reopens for weekends in May and has been compared to Mediterranean pools thanks to its clean white exteriors and waterslides.
Jubilee Pool in Penzance, an Art Deco-style lido first opened in 1935, is the UK’s largest seawater pool. It also features a Geothermal Pool naturally heated to 28–30°C, providing a holiday-like experience. Meanwhile, Hilsea Lido near Portsmouth, which closed in 2022, has undergone a £7.75 million renovation to become a community hub with a sauna, new changing rooms, an ice cream parlour, and a food van.
