Cornwall to Clyde – enjoy the best of Britain’s lidos this summer
WE’VE all spent so much time indoors during lockdowns that even when we fancy a swim we want to splash around outdoors. So It’s no surprise that lidos have never been so popular.
TRISHA HARBORD dives in to bring you a selection of destinations where you can take a dip in the open.
Cornwall
YOU have a choice of dipping into cold or hot water at Jubilee Pool in Penzance.
The art deco saltwater lido was opened in May 1935 to mark King George V’s Silver Jubilee, on a traditional swimming spot at Battery Rocks near the harbour.
Enjoy the views across to St Michael’s Mount and the fishing village of Newlyn. More recently, after a local money-raising campaign, a new geothermal pool heated to 30C was added plus changing facilities and café.
SPLASH: From 9.30am, main pool adults £4.25, children £3, under-4s free. Geothermal £11.75, £8.20. See jubileepool.co.uk.
London
READY for a chilly dip? Tooting Bec Lido is the largest freshwater pool in Britain, holding a million gallons of water, heated just by the sun.
Clyde
IF you like your water warm, then Gourock Pool on the Clyde is the one for you – it’s heated to 29C. And with those temperatures, you wouldn’t mind taking a dip on one of its evening “starlight swims”.
WHAT ELSE? Don’t miss a favourite landmark in the ferry port town, 6ft Granny Kempock’s Stone, said to bring good luck to newlyweds and sailors who walk round it seven times. Visit Castle Levan and St John’s Church, too. Gourock is just 28 miles west of Glasgow and trains run from the station at the Pierhead. See.
Plymouth
TINSIDE Lido enjoys a spectacular setting overlooking the sea in Plymouth harbour. The semi-circular art deco-style pool has a fountain in the middle and a sun deck with stunning views.
Peterborough
BANG in the middle of the city, Peterborough Lido is a family favourite day out. There’s a 50-metre main pool and training and paddling pools, all heated, a large lawn with play facilities, a balcony for sunbathing and a café.
Look out for special events; the lido recently held an evening event with the British Naturism organisation.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
SPLASH: From 9am-7pm, adults £5.90, children £4.30, under-5s free. See .
WHAT ELSE? Visit the 900-year-old Norman cathedral and be transported back in time at the city’s museum. Shop in the Queensgate centre and market which serves food from all over the world. Peterborough loves festivals too; the UK’s biggest food, drink and music festival – the Sausage & Cider – is on August 13. See .