Fancy a cool, refreshing dip? These are the BEST lidos across Britain
WITH the summer season well and truly here cool off with this pick of the best lidos across the UK.
There are currently only 127 lidos left in the UK and they’re all battling to raise funds to stay open to the public.
A lido is technically a public open-air swimming pool or bathing beach and there are some brilliant ones across the country.
Many of these slices of history have been open since the 1930s. Keep them alive by checking in for an invigorating swim this summer.
From Penzance to the Peak District here’s some of the very best the UK has to offer. Will you be there when the sun comes out?
Peak District
In the picturesque Peak District in Derbyshire Hathersage Swimming Pool has been open since 1936 when philanthropist Mr George Lawrence gifted it to the village. It’s survived several near closures due to finance but has thankfully been saved every time.
The water is heated to a balmy 28 degrees celsius every day and it's even been awarded the accolade of the best lido in Britain.
This June they’ll be hosting a 24-hour mid summer solstice swim, where the challenge is to swim one mile every hour for 24 hours. There'll also be live music to listen for the swimmers and the supporters.
Underwater Love Swimming with Humpback Whales
London
From hot to cold. London’s Tooting Bec Lido is the UK’s largest freshwater open-air swimming pool and the pool is lined with plenty of traditional colourful bathing huts.
Hardcore swimmers can become part of the South London Swimming Club and swim though the winter months from 1 October 2016 to 30 April 2017, even when it’s snowing.
Although, there is a sauna there that’s open from 1st November to 31 March from 7.30 am to 1.30pm to warm up in.
For more freshwater swimming in the capital then dip a toe in London’s hottest new attraction the King’s Cross Bathing Ponds.
It was designed as an art installation and is a bit of an oasis in the centre of London. It’s going to be open for two years and even has a teeny outdoor sauna.
Cornwall
Down in Penzance Friends of the Jubilee Pool have raised over £100 000 for the re opening of the art deco lido Jubilee Pool.
It’s set to open its doors to the public for alfresco swimming from May 28th 2016 with a backdrop of St Michael’s Mount.
Ilkley
The unusual mushroom shape of the Ilkley Lido has been drawing the crowds since 1935 and sometimes sees as many as 4, 000 people on a hot day.
Its water temperature fluctuates from 14 degrees celsius to 22 degrees celsius and it has a shallow end for children.
Cumbria
For the highest heated outdoor pool in the UK head for Shap Swimming Pool in the Lake District.
The pool sits 1, 000 feet above sea level and is heated for 26 degrees celsius and can be hired out completely for private parties.