The UK is well known for being pretty cold we know but despite this, the appeal of an outdoor swimming pool is one many of us appreciate.
Luckily the UK is full of open-air swimming opportunities including lidos and traditional swimming pools. A surge of lidos occurred back in the 30s where around 169 pools were built across the country.
While this number has sadly decreased over time due to less demand and the popularity of holidays abroad, there are plenty of health benefits to swimming outdoorsthat might convince you to visit your local outdoor swimming pool and give your regular heated indoor pool a miss...
-Helps you to sleep better
-Enhances your immune system
-Boosts your circulation
-Increase your metabolism
-Exfoliates your skin
Have we convinced you yet? If so, take a look at some of outdoor pools you can pay a visit…
Outdoor swimming pools to vist
Parliament Hill Lido, London
Opened back in 1938, Parliament Hill Fields Lido is located in Hampstead Heath and is one of the most popular pools in London, aimed to “provide open-air recreation for all – to bring the seaside to the city.” Operated by the Corporation of London, the pool is 200 x 90 feet.
Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham
Offering an Olympic sized pool at 50-metre, this lido was actually used by the Malawi team as an Olympic training facility. It’s a great family-friendly swimming spot to take the grandchildren to as there are smaller children’s pool, a paddling pool and even some slides too.
Tinside Lido, Plymouth
A beautiful sea water pool which looks out onto the sea and has gorgeous Art Deco building features, this truly is a beautiful place to visit. Why not try to catch one of their open-air cinema nights while you’re at it?
Saltdean Lido, Brighton
Now the only Grade II-listed outdoor swimming pool, Saltdean reopened back in 2018 after being neglected for a long time. In fact, it was nearly demolished! Thankfully it’s now been restored and is thriving, ready for use.
Stonehaven Open Air Pool, Stonehaven
If you can’t quite bring yourself for a cold swim, at Stonehaven the water is taken from Stonehaven Bay and then filtered before being heated to a warming 29 degrees. If you’re a night owl, they even offer the chance to give midnight swimming a go.
Droitwich Spa Lido, Worcestershire
There’s lots of space in this 40-metre pool and additional facilities to suit the family including a children’s wet play area and lido café.
Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall
Not quite brave enough to head to the sea for a swim yet? This 88-metre by 50-metre pool is part man-made and part-natural, nestled in the rocks at a beach in northern Cornwall. It’s topped up by the Atlantic waves twice a day.
Shap Swimming Pool, Cumbria
Supposedly one of the highest heated pools in the country, if you live in or are visiting the Lake District, head to this pool just under 1,000 above levels. Although it’s not open this year, Shap Swimming Pool plans to reopen in 2021 with help from fundraisers.
You can find your closest open water swimming venues here and your closest lidos here.