As Scotland braces for soaring temperatures that could match or beat the hottest-ever June record of 32.2 degrees Celsius set in 1893, outdoor swimming pools and lidos offer the perfect respite. From historic art deco lidos to natural tidal pools, here are the best spots to cool off across the country.
Gourock Outdoor Pool: Scotland's Oldest Heated Saltwater Pool
Located in Inverclyde, Gourock Outdoor Pool is Scotland's oldest heated outdoor swimming pool. This saltwater pool, part of Inverclyde Leisure, maintains a consistent temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and offers stunning views of the Clyde Estuary. Features include contemporary changing facilities, a picturesque terrace, improved disabled access, a diving board, a dedicated baby pool, and aqua fitness classes.
For more details, visit the Inverclyde Leisure website.
Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool: The UK's Only Art Deco Olympic-Sized Seawater Lido
Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool in Aberdeenshire is arguably Scotland's most renowned outdoor swimming destination. As the UK's only art deco Olympic-sized seawater lido, it offers fun sessions for kids, live entertainment at weekends, and adults-only moonlit sessions under the stars. The heated pool is open from now until September and features a paddling pool for little ones and an on-site café.
For more details, see the Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool website.
St Monans Tidal Pool: A Historic Wild Swimming Experience
For a more natural experience, St Monans Tidal Pool in Fife offers a unique wild swimming opportunity. This Victorian-era tidal pool sits on the edge of the sea in the shadow of a historic windmill, providing spectacular views. It is not guarded or maintained, so swimmers enter at their own risk. The pool is popular at sunrise and sunset for the beautiful reflections on the water.
For more details, visit the Welcome to Fife website.
New Cumnock Outdoor Swimming Pool: Scotland's Only Heated Public Outdoor Freshwater Pool
New Cumnock Outdoor Swimming Pool in East Ayrshire is Scotland's only heated public outdoor freshwater swimming pool. Opened in June 2017 by then-Prince Charles, it is located about 10 minutes' walk from New Cumnock train station. The pool offers lane swimming, aquafit classes, and daily hour-long family fun sessions with large foam floats and music. These sessions cost £7 and include a free ice cream for children. An adults-only session runs from 9pm to 11pm on July 4, with a hot drink included.
For more details, see the Dumfries House website.
According to the Daily Record, temperatures are set to soar in Scotland in the coming days as an extreme heatwave travels across Europe, with the possibility of matching or beating the hottest-ever June temperature of 32.2 degrees Celsius recorded in 1893. These outdoor pools provide an ideal way to stay refreshed during the hot weather.
