The UK’s Best Lidos: 10 Incredible Outdoor Pools to Visit This Summer
When the temperatures rise, there’s only one thing on everyone’s mind: finding the best places to cool off. From iconic outdoor swimming pools and family splash parks to luxury spa-style water attractions, these are the best UK lidos and outdoor water spots making waves this summer. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a weekend escape or a spontaneous heatwave adventure, these destinations are perfect for outdoor swimming and summer fun.
1. Tettenhall Pool
Why Visit?
A long-standing favourite with local families, Tettenhall Pool is one of the Midlands’ best outdoor swimming spots during warm weather. The relaxed atmosphere, open-air pool and affordable entry make it a popular choice for families looking for a simple summer day out without high costs. It’s especially busy during school holidays and heatwaves thanks to its family-friendly setup and accessible location near Wolverhampton.
Key Points
- Location: Wolverhampton, West Midlands
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Best For: Families and affordable outdoor swimming
- Nearby Attractions: West Park, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Wightwick Manor
Costs
- Entry to pool grounds is free
- Swimming sessions may have small charges depending on activities
2. Alpamare
Alpamare Scarborough brings a luxury-style outdoor water experience to the Yorkshire coast. Combining heated outdoor pools, waterslides and spa facilities with incredible sea views, it’s regularly ranked among the UK’s best water parks and outdoor swimming attractions.
Key Points
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Google Rating: 4.3/5
Best For: Spa breaks, thrill slides and coastal days out
Nearby Attractions: Peasholm Park, Scarborough Beach and SEA LIFE Scarborough
Costs
- £35 for entry of 4 people using our family pass
- Spa packages vary
3. The Strand Lido
One of the UK’s few remaining saltwater lidos, The Strand in Medway offers a classic British seaside-style outdoor swimming experience. With waterslides, splash play areas and large pools overlooking the River Medway, it’s become one of Kent’s most popular family attractions during the summer months.
Key Points
- Location: Gillingham, Kent
- Google Rating: 4.1/5
- Opening Times: 10:30am–5:30pm daily during the main summer season
- Session Times: 10:30am–1:30pm and 2:30pm–5:30pm during summer holiday season
- Best For: Families and younger children
- Nearby Attractions: Historic Dockyard Chatham, Riverside Country Park and Rochester Castle
Costs
Booking a session online is essential before your visit!
- Adults: £8.15
- Juniors: £5.35
- Seniors: £5.35
- Under 3s: free (do not require a ticket or pre-booking).
- Disabled guests are entitled to 1 free carer ticket
4. Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool
Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool is one of Yorkshire’s best outdoor swimming spots and a genuine hidden gem for families and open-water swimmers. Located on the edge of the North York Moors, this heated 25-metre outdoor pool offers a relaxed atmosphere with stunning countryside surroundings. Unlike many traditional lidos, the pool is heated, making it ideal even on cooler summer days.
Originally opened over 50 years ago and now run as a charity, Helmsley Open Air Pool has become one of the most highly rated outdoor pools in Yorkshire thanks to its family-friendly sessions, lane swimming and welcoming community feel. It regularly appears in roundups of the best UK outdoor pools and Yorkshire lidos.
Key Points
- Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire
- Best For: Heated outdoor swimming and family days out
- Pool Type: Heated 25m outdoor pool
- Nearby Attractions: North York Moors National Park, Helmsley Castle and Rievaulx Abbey
- Family Facilities: Changing rooms, café and picnic areas
Costs
- Adult tickets: £6.75
- Children’s tickets: £4.15
- Under 4’s £1.00
- Various timetable sessions available
5. Quex Splash Pool
Reopening on 6 June, Quex Splash Pool at Adventure Farm park, is one of Kent’s best seasonal outdoor splash attractions for young families looking to cool off during the summer holidays. While not a traditional lido, its outdoor water play areas, shallow splash zones and family-friendly setup make it a must have addition to this UK outdoor swimming and water attractions guide.
Key Points
Location: Birchington-on-Sea, Kent
Best For: Younger children and outdoor splash play
Opening Date: Reopens 6 June
Family Facilities: Outdoor splash zones, seating areas and café facilities
Nearby Attractions: Quex Adventure Farm Park, Margate and Botany Bay Beach
Costs
- Various options are available for different sessions, such as Parent and Toddler sessions from £8.95
- Farm Passes are included in tickets!
6. Ilkley Lido
Frequently ranked among the best UK lidos, Ilkley Lido combines stunning Yorkshire scenery with one of Britain’s best-loved outdoor swimming pools. Opened in 1935, this historic lido features a large outdoor pool, children’s splash areas and plenty of space for picnics and sunbathing. Its location close to Ilkley Moor makes it a fantastic summer day out in Yorkshire.
Key Points
- Location: Ilkley, West Yorkshire
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Best For: Families, outdoor swimmers and Yorkshire day trips
- Nearby Attractions: Ilkley Moor, Bolton Abbey and The Cow & Calf Rocks
Costs
- Adult tickets: £7.25 (off peak) £12.30 peak
- Junior and senior swim: £3.75 (off peak) £6.35 peak
- Under 3’s swim free
- Discounted tickets available for residents
- The peak prices apply at these times:Weekdays: 9.30am to 6pm and Weekends: 10am to 4.30pm
7. Bude Sea Pool
Bude Sea Pool is one of Britain’s most iconic outdoor swimming spots and regularly features in lists of the best UK lidos and sea pools. Built into the Cornish coastline and naturally filled by the sea, it offers an unforgettable open-air swimming experience surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery.
Key Points
- Location: Bude, Cornwall
- Best For: Sea swimming, wild swimming and coastal walks
- Pool Type: Sea-fed tidal pool
- Nearby Attractions: Summerleaze Beach and the South West Coast Path
Costs
- Free entry
- Donations encouraged to support maintenance
8. Saltdean Lido
One of the UK’s most famous Art Deco lidos, Saltdean Lido combines stylish architecture with a heated outdoor swimming pool, saunas, grassed areas, showers and more, close to the Sussex coast. Following extensive restoration, it has become one of the country’s most photographed and best-loved outdoor swimming destinations.
Various facilities and events take place, such as dog swimming, yoga nights and more!
Key Points
- Location: Brighton, East Sussex
- Best For: Heated outdoor swimming, relaxing and sunbathing
- Pool Type: Heated Art Deco lido with a Children’s splash pool
- Nearby Attractions: Brighton Pier, Brighton Marina and the South Downs National Park
Costs
- Booking online is recommended but not essential
- Free vouchers are available to collect from the Saltdean Lido reception desk for under 18’s at certain times of year.
- General Swim (Full Day): Adult £17.00 / Young Person £11.50 / Concessions £12.50
- Special Sessions (e.g., Twilight/Moonlight Swim): Prices start around £13.00, with Twilight spectator tickets costing £4.00
9. Tooting Bec Lido
At more than 90 metres long, Tooting Bec Lido is one of the largest freshwater outdoor pools in the UK. Known for its colourful changing huts and lively atmosphere during heatwaves, it has become one of London’s most popular outdoor swimming spots for both casual swimmers and fitness enthusiasts.
The Lido opens 2 refreshing sessions per day during summer months, alongside Lane swim times.
Looking for more Family days out in London? Why not check out our guides!
Key Points
- Location: South London
- Best For: Lane swimming and outdoor fitness swimming
- Pool Type: Freshwater outdoor lido
- Nearby Attractions: Tooting Common, Brixton and Battersea Park
Costs
- For each session, 130 free tickets will be available for eligible residents
- Every day 250 free tickets will be available at Tooting Bec Lido to Wandsworth residents on means-tested benefits.
- All welcome Family bundle session tickets go from £25.70 per person. To book a ticket to the Lido, including a free Access for All ticket, you must register for a free membership on the Places Leisure website
- General Adult admission: £10, whilst junior tickets are £5.20
10. Jubilee Pool
Jubilee Pool is one of Cornwall’s most iconic lidos and one of the UK’s best-known outdoor swimming destinations. Famous for its geothermal heated pool and striking Art Deco design, it offers incredible sea views and a unique open-air swimming experience on the Cornish coast.
Key Points
- Location: Penzance, Cornwall
- Best For: Heated outdoor swimming and Cornwall coastal holidays
- Pool Type: Geothermal outdoor lido and seapool
- Nearby Attractions: St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole and Penzance Promenade
Costs
- Adult tickets cost £7 standard
- under 3s go free
- Children’s tickets available: £4.95 (3 to 15) £5.50 (12-15)
- Resident discounts and concession tickets are available
- Geothermal pool sessions cost extra
