Outdoor swimming: the best food-friendly lidos in the UK
Cool off this summer in one of the UK’s many outdoor swimming pools – and make it a proper day out with a long lazy lunch or alfresco dinner by the water. From history-steeped baths with modern restaurants to countryside pools with homemade cake on offer, here’s our pick of the best food-friendly lidos.
Enjoy dinner & a dip at…
Bristol Lido
A 24-metre Victorian heated outdoor pool in Clifton, Bristol’s chic-est postcode, restored from dereliction in 2008 complete with steam room, sauna, hot tub and a fashionable bar and restaurant. “The food is a real joy – the finest ingredients are handled with reverence,” says delicious. Managing Editor, Les Dunn. “Think beautifully tender Greek-style slow cooked beef brisket with quince, cavolo nero and skordalia, a garlicky mash, or Cornish halibut with aleppo butter and crispy chickpeas. There are good wood-fired pizzas and satisfying breakfasts too – Turkish eggs, Iberico bacon chop with home-baked beans and other delights.” Non-members must book a guest swim ahead online.
Thames Lido
Sister to Bristol Lido, this stylish site in Reading is Grade II listed (it’s thought to be the oldest surviving outdoor pool of the early Edwardian era) and reopened in 2017 after closing in 1974. A woodfired clay oven and charcoal grill give its sunny restaurant and tapas bar’s food extra flair. The same access rules apply, so book ahead.
Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall
This spectacular Art Deco shoreline lido, filled with salt water, opened in 1935. There’s also a naturally-heated geothermal pool and a busy programme of classes and events including water polo, poolside yoga and pizza nights. Its café and kitchen charms with views of St Michael’s Mount and makes use of Cornish produce including St Ives sourdough and Falmouth’s Yallah Coffee Roasters. Expect filling seasonal salads, juicy burgers and inventive cakes, with cocktails and sourdough pizzas in the evening.
Hathersage Swimming Pool, Peak District
Set in a small village, this large outdoor heated pool is close to the train station, with links to Manchester and Sheffield – great for a day trip. It’s bordered by the independently run Pool Café, a good old-fashioned tea room serving hearty breakfasts (including a vegan Full English), classic meals including freshly-battered fish and chips, and cake.
Take a picnic to…
Pells Pool, Lewes, East Sussex
An unheated, spring-fed pool with large tree-lined lawn. There’s a kiosk selling drinks, ice cream and snacks, and you’re welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy after your swim. Pells Pool hosts midnight swims from time to time. too.
Chagford Swimming Pool, Devon
Swim in soft river water (treated and filtered), part heated with solar energy, then picnic on the large grassy area. Supplement your spread with smoothies and homemade cakes. Look out for occasional full moon swims, too – tickets include a luxury hot chocolate and a slice of cake.
Jubilee Park Swimming Pools, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
A heated outdoor pool and paddling pool share a beautiful park with tennis courts, croquet and bowls lawns, a children’s play park and picnic area. Special events include film screenings, live music and midnight swims.
For more locations, plus ideas for outdoor swimming spots, visit The Outdoor Swimming Society.