Feel like taking a relaxing dip outdoors this bank holiday weekend? Our interactive map will help you find your nearest outdoor pool or guide you to some of the UK’s hidden gem lidos
The UK has some incredible outdoor pools such as Saltdean Lido(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Finally, the weather seems to be moving in the right direction, and summer feels like it’s on the way. One thing many of us will no doubt be missing is outdoor swimming.
Unless you’re one of those brave people who’ll take a dip even in the frosty cold, it’ll have been a while since you were splashing around outside.
Luckily, the UK has a range of incredible outdoor pools and lidos to choose from, and now you can find your local one on our interactive map. Whether you’re looking for some serious lane swimming or just to splash around with the kids, this map will show you how to find your nearest pool.
The data comes from allthelidos.co.uk, which maps swimming spots in the UK. However, before you set off, you should check the pool’s official website or social media pages. Some facilities won’t open until later in the summer.
By the end of this week, parts of the south are expected to hit 24C, making it the perfect time to hit your local lido. This will mean the UK will briefly be hotter than Ibiza, with the party island expected to hover around 19C, so make the most of it while you can.
Lidos you can visit in the UK include Sea Lanes in Brighton, an outdoor pool, wellness hub, and more right by the sea. Opened in 2023, this lido offers views of Brighton’s iconic shingle beaches while you swim.
Or you might want to head to the Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent, which will reopen for weekends in May. This pretty lido has drawn comparisons with pools in the Mediterranean thanks to its clean white exteriors and waterslides.
Jubilee Pool in Penzance is a classic Art Deco-style lido. First opened in 1935, it’s the UK’s largest seawater pool and is usually a couple of degrees warmer than the sea. It also has a Geothermal Pool, which is naturally heated by the sea and reaches 28 to 30C, so you can really feel those holiday vibes when you swim.
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Many of the UK’s lidos have fallen into disrepair or been paved over in the past few decades, but some of its historic pools are getting a new lease of life such as Hilsea Lido near Portsmouth. It closed its doors to swimmers in 2022 and has since undergone a £7.75m renovation to turn it into a community hub.
In addition to the pool, the centre will boast a new sauna for relaxing post-swim sessions, brand new changing rooms and 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.”
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