{"id":16360,"date":"2022-05-10T14:55:41","date_gmt":"2022-05-10T12:55:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=13176"},"modified":"2022-05-10T23:05:11","modified_gmt":"2022-05-10T21:05:11","slug":"britains-best-lidos-and-seaside-pools","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/britains-best-lidos-and-seaside-pools\/","title":{"rendered":"Britain\u2019s best lidos and seaside pools"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Rosee Woodland\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 10 May 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Ah the glorious British Lido! Is there anything more refreshing, particularly in a hot city suburb, than the cold splash of an unheated outdoor 1930s swimming pool? Well, possibly eating an ice cream while you\u2019re still cool from the water.<\/p>\n

In terms of atmosphere, lidos are as close to the beach as you can get without actually going to the beach. Children run around, adults sunbathe around the perimeter, groups of young people dangle their feet in the water.<\/p>\n

We actually have those strait-laced Victorians to thank for introducing lido culture to the UK, although it wasn\u2019t really until the\u00a0 1930s that the golden age of the lido began, as swimming for pleasure and socialising at lidos peaked in popularity. Now, we\u2019re in the midst of a lido revival, with many being restored to their former heyday glory \u2013 from stylish terraces to resplendent fountains, with the odd miniature railway and tennis court thrown in.<\/p>\n

Find your nearest lido with our pick of Britain\u2019s best lidos<\/a> and tidal pools<\/a> in the UK, with a brief look at the history of the lido<\/a> and its recent revival<\/a>. Or, check out our wild swimming guide<\/a> for plenty of advice on how to get started, water safety and the best places for a natural alfresco dip.<\/p>\n

What is a lido?<\/h2>\n
A lido is an outdoor swimming pool near a beach or even in a city where people can swim and relax. Facilities vary but lidos generally offer basic changing rooms and showers. The colourful row of changing rooms surrounding Victorian lidos is an iconic image.<\/p>\n
How many lidos there in the UK?<\/h2>\n
At the height of lido culture, Britain had more than 300 outdoor pools. The trend really took off in the 1930s, influenced by Germany\u2019s Volksparks, which were dedicated to healthy outdoor pursuits. Lidos gave coastal communities a sociable, open air place to swim, protected from the rigours of the harsh sea. Today, there are more than 100 lidos in the UK, with more renovation projects in the pipeline.<\/p>\n

More related content:<\/p>\n
10 of the best wild swimming spots in Britain<\/a><\/li>\n
Wild swimming in Britain: the best places to swim, water safety and how to get started<\/a><\/li>\n
10 wild swimming spots close to London<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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What is a seaside lido?<\/h2>\n
Imagine a swimming pool with a difference. Instead of a shallow chlorinated puddle, the water is deep and crystal clear, with a salty tang. The changing room doors are painted in bright, primary colours and face onto the deck with bravado.<\/p>\n
As you step down the art deco terraces, a fountain heralds your arrival, catching the sunlight to throw a rainbow arc over the water. The pool itself is round, or triangular, or just simply vast. The azure water might be warm, or might feel absolutely freezing, but one thing is certain \u2013 the view will be spectacular. Welcome to the British seaside lido.<\/p>\n
Once, our glorious coastal pools were squandered, left to crumble after decades of neglect. Happily, the tide is finally turning and this summer there\u2019s no excuse to miss an alfresco dip.<\/p>\n
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