Despite its unpredictable weather, Britain has been known to harbour the odd heatwave.
And, when the temperatures do finally rise, there’s no better place to cool down than at one of the UK's 120 local outdoor swimming pools.
Whether you’re a lover of alfresco dips, are looking for an alternative way to get fit or want to fill your summer with some family-friendly activities, a trip to one of the UK’s many outdoor pools should feature highly on your to-do list.
With so many to choose from, we’ve put together a list of some of the country’s best outdoor swimming spots.
So, all that’s left for you to do is strip off, jump in and enjoy some alfresco fun.
Saltdean Lido
Saltdean, Brighton
Opened in 1938, Saltdean is the only Grade II-listed coastal lido in the country and has even been described as one of the seven wonders of the English seaside by Historic England.
After undergoing restoration, the heated pool re-opened in 2017 when it successfully welcomed over 40,000 visitors and picked up two Brighton & Hove Business Awards - Best New Kid on the Block & Best Hospitality Leisure & Tourism.
Over the winter, Saltdean has been restored to its former glory, but will re-open early summer 2019. Who knows, you might even spot local resident Steve Coogan doing lengths – he lives up the road.
Admission: Adult £12.00, Child £8.00
Visit the website here
Bude Sea Pool
Bude, Cornwall
A semi-natural amenity that was built in the 1930s to provide a safe environment for people to swim in, the Bude Sea Pool lies under the curve of the cliffs in a picturesque conservation area near the civil parish of Bude-Stratton.
Almost 50,000 people visit Bude Sea Pool every year, making it the number one visitor attraction in the town. Access to the pool is unrestricted and free of any admission charge.
The pool is currently managed by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool (FoBSP), a local charity that aims to preserve, improve and enhance the site for the benefit of the local community and thousands of people who visit the town every year.
Admission: Free
Visit the website here
Brockwell Lido
Herne Hill, South London
One of London's most attractive heated pools the art deco lido built in 1937 celebrated its 80th birthday in 2017.
The much-loved local landmark boasts an award-winning cafe, ivy-covered brick and sundecks, making the whole place feel like an oasis amid the urban chaos.
The Grade II-listed location was the focus of Lucy Blakstad's documentary Lido, which was first broadcast on BBC Two in 1995, and was the setting for a Libby Page's book called TheLido that was a bestseller in 2018.
Admission: Adult £6.10, Child £3.50
Visit the website here
Droitwich Spa Lido
Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
The Droitwich Spa Lido, like so many others, went through a period of decline in the 20th century, until a massive refurbishment over the period of two years meant it opened its doors once more in the summer of 2007.
Now it is one of Britain’s last remaining inland, open air saltwater pools and is heated to a Mediterranean 23C.
The lido also boasts a sun terrace, café and children’s wet play area with water cannons and fountains.
Admission: Adult £5.50, Child £4
Visit the website here
Hathersage Swimming Pool
Hathersage, Derbyshire
An open-air swimming pool nestled in the hills of the Peak District, Hathersage Swimming Pool first opened way back in 1936.
With water heated to 28C, hot poolside showers, lawns and views of Stanage Edge and Hathersage Church, the spot continues to be a popular tourist attraction.
Over the last few years the Parish Council and local people have raised over £100,000 to replace the old fashioned changing facilities and install disabled toilets, with further refurbishment planned for the future.
The Parish Council says it is determined to keep the pool open to give local residents and visitors alike the opportunity to experience outdoor swimming.
Admission: Adult £6.50, Child £3.50
Visit the website here
Jubilee Pool
Penzance, Cornwall
Battered by storms in 2014, and following two years of closure and a £3 million restoration, the Jubilee Pool opened its doors wide again in 2016.
This spectacularly sited lido down on the foreshore is currently undergoing construction to build a geothermal pool, new all-weather changing room and treatment rooms. Open every day from late May until October.
Admission: Adult £5, Child £3.50
Visit the website here
Parliament Hill Fields Lido
Gospel Oak, North London
Built in 1938 and Grade II-listed, the Parliament Hill Fields Lido is the only stainless steel lined outdoor pool in the country which gives the water a metallic shimmer.
The lido is unheated, but wetsuits are permitted at the lifeguard’s discretion. There are two sessions a day (7-9am and 10am-6pm) with an additional adults-only evening session on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
It also boasts a paddling pool for under-fives and a cafe. The summer season runs from 5 May to 23 September.
Admission: Adult £7, Child £3
Visit the website here
Bristol Lido
Clifton, Bristol
Grade II-listed, and the oldest heated outdoor swimming pool in Britain, Bristol's lido has good reason to feel proud of its heritage.
A secluded oasis tucked within a charming courtyard of Georgian terraces, it's a positively chic hang-out, with a restaurant and spa making it feel more like a luxury hotel than your average council pool. It's open daily year-round and is heated to 20-24 degrees.
Admission: Adult £20, Child £7.50
Visit the website here
London Fields Lido
Hackney, East London
London Fields Lido in Hackney boasts a 50m Olympic size, heated outdoor pool that’s open all year round.
The swimming pool offers lane swimming all day, while swimming lessons for children and adults, and one-to-one swimming lessons are available during its dedicated swimfit sessions.
Facilities also include a café as well as a large sundeck and sunbathing area.
Admission: Adult £5.10, Child £3
Visit the website here
Stonehaven Open Air Pool
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
Stonehaven might have an average summer daytime temperature of 15 degrees, but who cares when the water in this pool – which was built in 1934 – is heated to a balmy 29 degrees?
Britain's most northerly lido, the Olympic-sized 50m pool offers fun sessions for children, lane swimming and even midnight swims that mean you can take a dip beneath the stars to disco music. It reopens for the summer on 25 May.
Admission: Adult £5.60, Child £3.45
Visit the website here
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