When the summer arrives and sunny days return, people up and down the country will be heading to their local lido to cool down.

2

One place where that might not be possible this summer is Cleveland Pools in Bath, Somerset.

The lido, which first opened in 1817, closed its doors in 1984 when public funds were redirected to a nearby sports centre.

Following a 39-year closure, and a 20-year campaign led by the Cleveland Pools Trust, Cleveland Pools officially reopened to the public on September 10, 2023.

Cleveland Pools remained open to keen swimmers throughout the winter – even when pool temperatures dropped below 10C.

But according to the Cleveland Pools Facebook page, the lido has been closed since January because of damage caused by flooding.

At the time, the Chair of the Cleveland Pools Trust, Paul Simmons said the following: “The flooding has found its way into the plant room leaving the pools currently inoperable.

“The flooding issue was fully investigated and taken into consideration when designing the scheme prior to the commencement of works on site.

“After the enormous efforts of so many to achieve the re-opening of the pools, the trust regrets this disruption to those wishing to use and enjoy the facilities.”

Earlier today, Paul Simmons told the BBC that “vital equipment, including the electrical installations” was damaged by the floodwater.

Before any repair work can take place, the investigation will need to be concluded.

Even though Cleveland Pools doesn’t have a set reopening date, the Cleveland Pools Trust is “determined” to bring the pools back into use as quickly as possible.

It is not yet known when the lido will reopen.

Fans of the lido shared their response to the closure on Facebook, with one person writing: “A really disappointing setback. I hope it can be opened up again soon.”

Even though members of the community were “disappointed” by the lido’s closure, many have remained positive.

One person said: “Please do let us know is if you need volunteers for the clean up.”

Another added: “Thanks for all your hard work with the clean up.”

It’s this same community spirit that helped the lido reopen last September.

The pools originally closed to the public in the 1980s, while the project to restore them began in 2004 with volunteers working to reopen them.

Over time, support was gained from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which awarded a £6.5 million grant, along with support from Historic England, Bath & North East Somerset Council (BANES) and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund.

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) also offered support, as well as individual donors, charitable trusts and foundations and crowdfunding.

More than 600 school children from swimming clubs across the city also raised £12,500 to help with the transformation effort.

In 2022, the pool won a European Heritage Award.

It was one of just 30 projects to be honoured as an “outstanding heritage achievement”, from a wide-ranging field of applications from 21 countries across Europe.

Cleveland Pools isn’t the only lido in the UK that’s been given a glow-up in recent months.

Hilsea Lido could soon reopen

Meanwhile, a much-loved UK lido has revealed plans to reopen in time for its 90th anniversary – after a huge renovation project.

Hilsea Lido has been closed for the last two years; however, that’s set to change soon with funding secured as part of the Government’s Levelling Up Package.

Up to £8.75million will go towards creating Linear Park, the longest urban park in the UK.

Hilsea Lido, which will be located inside the park, will be renovated as part of the multi-million pound funding package.

The 1930s lido first closed its doors back in 2007, but it reopened back in 2014 after its management was taken over by Hilsea Lido Pool for the People – a charity formed by residents.

Inside the UK lido where kids can swim for free

It’s not often I go for a dip without my kids, so it’s safe to say I know a great place to take the children swimming without forking out on expensive tickets.

One of our family favourites is something of a well-kept secret, given that it’s just half an hour north of London but rarely seems to get a mention on lists of lidos.

If you’re looking for your next day trip, then give Hitchin Lido in Hertfordshire a try.

It has a beautiful art deco pavilion dating back from 1938 as well as a hexagonal fountain surrounded by railings.

The star of the show is its 50m heated swimming pool but there are plenty of other facilities too, including sunbathing terraces, a lawned area for picnics and a baby pool and sandpit zone.

You can read more about my visit to the little-known lido, here.

The charity group was forced to close Hilsea Lido in 2022 because its old infrastructure was in desperate need of a refurb.

Here are some other outdoor pools in the UK to visit.

2