As the UK swelters in a heatwave with temperatures surpassing those in Ibiza, many residents are seeking relief at outdoor swimming pools and lidos. An interactive map, based on data from allthelidos.co.uk, highlights public outdoor pools near Liverpool and across the country, offering a safe place to cool off.
Closest Pools to Liverpool
One of the nearest options is Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool, a rare inland saltwater pool fed by a natural saline spring. This 30-metre, six-lane pool maintains a temperature of 22-24°C throughout the season and features a grassy area for sunbathing. Other pools within an hour of Liverpool include Sea Lanes in Brighton, which opened in 2023 and offers views of the shingle beaches, along with a wellness hub and food outlets.
Notable Lidos Across the UK
In the south east, the Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent, boasts a striking white colour scheme and waterslides, often compared to Mediterranean pools. Penzance's Jubilee Pool in Cornwall is the UK's largest seawater pool, an Art Deco lido opened in 1935. Its water is naturally warmed by the sea, typically a few degrees warmer than beach swimming, and a Geothermal Pool reaches 28-30°C.
Inverclyde Leisure Gourock Outdoor Pool in Scotland is the country's oldest heated outdoor pool, featuring water from the Firth of Clyde filtered and maintained at around 29°C. It also has a children's pool and gym. Indie music fans may recognise it from the cover of Blur's 2023 album The Ballad of Darren.
Revival of UK Lidos
Many lidos fell into disrepair but have been revived through local council investment. Hilsea Lido near Portsmouth closed in 2022 but reopened after a £7.75 million refurbishment, adding a sauna, changing facilities, toilets, 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."
Before visiting, check the official website for hours, as some pools operate on reduced schedules until July and August. For a full list of outdoor pools, refer to the interactive map.
