With temperatures across the UK surpassing those in Spain and Ibiza, many are seeking relief from the heat. Despite the workweek, numerous outdoor pools and lidos offer evening and weekend swimming opportunities. An interactive map, compiled using data from swimming enthusiasts at allthelidos.co.uk, highlights a wide range of venues for laps or leisurely paddles with children.
Check Before You Go
Before heading out, it is advisable to verify the pool's website or social media pages. While most outdoor pools have commenced their summer season, several operate restricted hours until the peak period in July and August.
Newcastle and North East Options
For those near Newcastle Upon Tyne, Haltwhistle Swimming & Leisure Centre is about an hour away by car or train. It features three outdoor pools, including a lane pool and a toddler pool with toys and inflatables. One heated pool also includes a colourful flume ride, though it may not be open outside peak times.
Brighton's Sea Lanes
Further afield, Sea Lanes in Brighton opened in 2023 and offers views of the coastal town's shingle beaches while swimming. The site also includes a wellbeing centre and various food and drink outlets, according to the Mirror.
Kent's Mediterranean-Style Lido
In the south east, the Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent, has drawn comparisons to Mediterranean pools due to its striking white aesthetic and water slides.
Cornwall's Jubilee Pool
In Cornwall, the Jubilee Pool in Penzance provides a unique bathing experience. This iconic Art Deco lido opened in 1935 and remains Britain's largest saltwater swimming facility. Naturally warmed by ocean currents, temperatures are typically a few degrees above the neighbouring shoreline, while a Geothermal Pool maintains balmy conditions between 28 and 30°C.
Scotland's Oldest Heated Outdoor Pool
Inverclyde Leisure Gourock Outdoor Pool is Scotland's oldest outdoor heated pool. It uses warmed water from the Firth of Clyde, which is filtered and maintained at around 29°C. Additional amenities include a children's pool and fitness centre. The pool also appears on the artwork of Blur's 2023 album The Ballad of Darren.
Renaissance of British Lidos
Many British lidos deteriorated over recent decades but have been revived through local authority funding, becoming vital community hubs. A notable example is Hilsea Lido near Portsmouth, which closed for swimming in 2022 ahead of a £7.75 million refurbishment. The complex now includes a sauna, modernised changing facilities, an ice cream parlour, and a food van. The pool's operator told the BBC: "We want it to feel like a holiday at home for the local community."
