These are the great British lidos we’ll be visiting once lockdown’s over
WE may be some way off all jumping in a pool together – or may need giant rubber rings to keep us two metres apart.
But we can at least dream we may yet dip a toe before summer is out.
For the good old British lido has enjoyed a splash, bang wallop revival over the last ten years.
We are all mad for getting down the park and cooling off in these vintage open-air pools which have survived recession and war – and often now been restored by volunteers.
If we cannot jet off on holiday this year, it may be one treat to still hope for.
Judith Ozkan checks out some of the leading lidos . . .
Jubilee Park, Woodhall Spa, Lincs
THE town’s liquid assets were first found by accident in Victorian times when a mining company discovered a mineral spring during its explorations – and an inland resort was born.
The lido is set in ten acres of landscaped parkland which also hosts a camping and caravanning site as well as traditional activities such as bowling, tennis and putting.
With its waters heated to a toasty 29 degrees, the popular lido dates from the 1930s and has been run by an independent charity since 2014, having had a £700,000 makeover.
For details just head to the operator’s website .
Brockwell Lido, South London
AN Olympic-sized mega-lido which, like Brockwell Lido in South London, provides a cooling oasis for urbanites.
The 50ft unheated pool is open year-round and was the birthplace of a winter-swimming club, the Brockwell Icicles, who have been known to break the ice to get in for a swim on the coldest of days.
The lido opened in 1937, at the height of Britain’s love affair with outdoor swimming.
During the summer and on bank holiday weekends, it gets busy as punters flock to the sun terraces.
It is also popular with families and fitness fanatics who make the most of swim classes and training sessions. See .
City Baths, Newcastle Upon Tyne
THE former “spa to the stars” – as it was popular with visiting performers at the adjacent City Hall – the baths have survived against the odds.
Following the abrupt closure of their favourite swimming and sports centre, a group of users got together to save and restore the site – housed in a striking building in the heart of the city.
As a result, Newcastle’s former Northumberland Baths, which originally opened in 1928, have been transformed.
Following a multi-million-pound refit there is now a revamped pool, pod-style gym, wellbeing suite, café, luxury spa and one of the UK’s few remaining functioning Turkish baths.
See .
Saltdean Lido, East Sussex
THIS 1930s art-deco beauty was modelled on a luxury ocean liner and saved from demolition by residents who had it restored in 2017.
A grade II-listed white building curves round a crescent-shaped pool with a classic feature fountain. There are plans for a heritage cafe, a library and an art-deco ballroom.
See .
Western Baths, Glasgow
If swinging on a trapeze or propelling yourself across the pool on hand rings are sound fun, this one is for you.
Founded in 1876, it is now a private members’ club. But visit on open days to admire the Venetian-style architecture, vintage gym equipment, original Turkish baths – and the pool.
Visit .
Hinksey Pool, Oxford
TEN minutes from the city centre, the free-form-shaped pool began life in 1934 when the city’s waterworks closed.
It was created from the works’ old filter beds and has a cascading fountain, separate family fun area and poolside cafe.
It organises school- holiday events and offers a programme of children’s lessons. See .
Bramley Baths, Leeds
THE only remaining Edwardian bath house in the city opened in 1904 for locals to swim and use the Russian steam baths.
It houses a gym and pool and lays on events.
Its brick chimney is a local landmark and the listed building’s interior has dark wood and stained glass. The original, oak ticket-desk remains, too. See .
Hathersage Pool, Sheffield
YOU may be surprised to find an open-air pool on the moors above the city but that is thanks to wealthy ex-resident George Lawrence – who made razor blades.
The pool, with bandstand, solarium, lawns and cafe, opened in 1935 and is still popular, especially for night swims during summer solstice. See .
Droitwich Spa
THE Worcestershire town is built on massive reserves of rock salt, which makes its lido ten times saltier than normal sea water and a close rival to the Dead Sea in Israel.
The Art Deco lido was built in 1935 at the centre of green parkland. It closed in 2000 but locals voted 98 per cent in favour of reopening it in 2005.
For details, see .
Manchester Water Palace
WINNER of the BBC’s 2003 Restoration programme, the Victoria Baths Edwardian Water Palace has been returned to its prime.
Home to three pools and a Turkish baths complex, it has become popular as a wedding venue and as a filming location for series including Peaky Blinders.
For details, see .
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