Lidopedia

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Groundhog Jun 2021 12:50pm, 1 Jun 2021 2,370 posts	0 Groundhog I used to love going to our local outdoor pool when I was a kid. Having recently rediscovered a love of open air swimming I thought I would start up a thread just about open air pools or Lidos. A place to add reviews of your favourite lido pools, getting there, booking, facilities, atmosphere, pool community, history, memories.
Groundhog Jun 2021 12:52pm, 1 Jun 2021 2,371 posts	0 Groundhog My favourite outdoor pool when I was a kid, was Otley, just north of Leeds. It called itself Otley Outdoor Pool rather then a Lido, although it might get to be renamed. Sadly, this is what it looks like now however, the Friends of Otley Lido are trying to raise funds to get it restored.
Mushroom Jun 2021 1:01pm, 1 Jun 2021 1,666 posts	0 Mushroom My dad used to play waterpolo for Bradford - 1940s and 50s. He used to share his stories of playing matches in the various outdoor pools of Yorkshire, including Otley lido. He said that the water was so cold sometimes that the team used 5 minute rolling substitutes because they couldn't stay in much longer. The joys of cold water pools, in November!
CrispByNature Jun 2021 1:01pm, 1 Jun 2021 49 posts	0 CrispByNature I remember going to Pells Pool in Lewes when I was younger. Alas, no lido where I live now...
fetcheveryone Jun 2021 1:03pm, 1 Jun 2021 26,157 posts	0 fetcheveryone Any that are still open... make sure they are on our OWS map: fetcheveryone.com/ows-map.php
Derby Tup Jun 2021 1:04pm, 1 Jun 2021 50,352 posts	0 Derby Tup Alfreton when I was a kid
jacdaw Jun 2021 1:09pm, 1 Jun 2021 3,242 posts	0 jacdaw There are a few up here; Haltwhistle, which I hate; Stanhope, a bit better; Greystoke, don't know never been. North Shields is one from my youth... opening again soon? Don't hold your breath.
Groundhog Jun 2021 1:27pm, 1 Jun 2021 2,372 posts	0 Groundhog Petersfield Lido Visited 22/5/21 Weather heavy rain/hail/windy Air temp 12C, Water 20C. 25m pool x 5 lanes heated, Lane swimming session. Booked online which was easy £6 for an hour. Parking right outside the pool in town centre pay and display. Changing outdoor in cubicles but under shelter. Loos and a little kiosk for snacks. The pool is very nice, quaint and little, very enjoyable lane swim as it fairly empty possibly due to the poor weather. fetcheveryone.com/blog/49494/2021/5#blog426139
Groundhog Jun 2021 2:26pm, 1 Jun 2021 2,373 posts	0 Groundhog Guildford Lido Visited 29/5/21 Weather cloudy, no breeze, Air temp 18C Water 23C. 50m pool x 10 lanes Heated. Also 2 kids paddling pools and 2 slides (not working when I went). Opened 1933, set in park with large areas of grass and shady trees, good for picnic. Pool has a deep middle and two shallow ends, generally clean with some leaf litter in the deep part. Lots of space around the pool. Poolside kiosk for snacks takes cash, but card payment in the shop. Poolside cubicles for changing are quite small, lockers are 20p which you don't get back. Booking online for lane swim £6/£7.50peak per hour was easy. Easy to find on Lido Road, but it has a small car park. Other free parking at Spectrum Leisure 10min walk away. An impressive well maintained pool with a friendly atmosphere, locals were happy to chat and the staff were friendly and helpful. fetcheveryone.com/blog/49494/2021/5#blog426624
Mushroom Jun 2021 2:48pm, 1 Jun 2021 1,668 posts	0 Mushroom As an aside - have you seen the new open air pool in London..? Sadly, it's for residents only apparently.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5ZXEctEYx4