The UK’s best outdoor pools and lidos

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Fitness, Travel, Trending

When that summer heatwave strikes, there is no better place to go to cool off than an outdoor pool. From Art Deco lidos to saltwater baths, we’ve selected some of the finest examples around the UK that really make a splash…

London Fields Lido, London

Best for: Serious swimmers and sunseekers

Let’s dive straight in at the deep end with this superb 50m Olympic size heated outdoor pool in Hackney. London Fields Lido is open all year round from 6.30am-9pm and has a cafe and plenty of space for sunbathing.

Tooting Bec Lido, London

Best for: Hot summer weekends

Here’s a little known fact: Tooting Bec Lido is the largest outdoor lido in the UK and considered the ‘daddy of London lidos’. The main pool measures a whopping 90m and is open for the summer season between May to the end of September.

Tinside Lido, Plymouth

Best for: Vintage charm

Tinside Lido is an Art Deco salt water swimming pool in Plymouth that’s only open in the summer months. It’s s a magnet for people of all ages who come for a refreshing dip or to relax on the sun terrace. Don’t forget to bring your sun cream!

Shoreditch House, London

Best for: Hipsters and hedonists

Shoreditch House is an achingly cool spot with a lush open-air rooftop pool lined with striped sunloungers. It offers views across central London and is the spot for people who want to see and be seen.

Jubilee Pool, Cornwall

Best for: Quintessential English fun

This lovingly revamped lido sits on Penzance’s Promenade and is one of only a handful of saltwater tidal pools remaining in Europe. It hosts lots of events including an annual ‘dog day’ where you can swim with your four-legged friends.

Saltdean Lido, Brighton

Best for: Day-trippers and families

Thanks to a long-running campaign to save this Brighton landmark, Salt Dean lido was restored to its 1930s glory and re-opened to the public in 2017. If you fancy visiting for the day, it can be easily reached by bus from Brighton Railway Station.