Swimming

ONE of the oldest lidos in the UK is set to undergo a huge expansion with a new spa and children’s water play area.

Droitwich Spa Lido near Birmingham originally opened in 1935 and is one of the few remaining open-air, saltwater pools in the UK and now, it will get a £12.5million facelift.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

There will be several new features at the lido including a spa experience, a new brine pool, a new reception and a new water play area for little ones.

Other parts of the attraction will be updated, including reintroducing Art Deco features, enhancing the cafe and refurbishing the changing rooms.

Councillor Richard Morris said: “The Droitwich Lido is seen as one of the best in the country and when the public were consulted about the Town Prospectus the residents in Droitwich rated it the area they were most proud of after fighting for it to be reopened in 2007.”

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

He added that the final design might evolve, but that the lido is expected to open in the first half of 2028.

Currently, the destination already includes a heated saltwater pool, children’s wet play area, sun terrace and a cafe.

The 40metre lido also sits on vast deposits of salt, which have been extracted from the ground for centuries.

In fact, the natural brine in the town is 10 times stronger than sea water and when the lido first opened, diluted brine was pumped from the local streams into the pool to keep it aseptic.

It was then heated to the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea and marketed as the ‘seaside of Droitwich Spa’, without actually being on the seaside.

The lido previously closed in 2000, but remained a popular attraction with many travelling to just see the once busy open air pool.

Then in 2007, the lido reopened having been completely refurbished, with the water still using a natural brine feed.

Previously, the pool was even named the fifth best in the country by The Times.

The pool is already open for the 2026 season and is heated to between 22C and 26C.

General swim sessions costing from £7.20 per adult for an hour or £9.40 for two hours and £7.20 per child per session.

AS the mercury finally hits 24C, the UK’s lidos are reopening for visitors.

Whether you want to soak up the sun by the side of the pool or have a refreshing dip, there are five lidos reopening across the UK this weekend.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Hilsea Lido, Portsmouth

Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth has been closed since 2022 but will reopen after a £7.75million refurb on May 2.

The 67-metre lido, which first opened in 1935, now has new toilets, changing rooms and even a sauna.

Another new addition is an ice cream parlour and food van.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

The lido will be open Monday to Thursday, 6am to 9pm, Fridays 6am to 8pm and between 7am and 7pm at the weekends.

A swim session costs £8 per person, as does a sauna session, though if you want to do both it will cost £12.

A family swim visit (one adult and two children) costs £15.

Afterwards, take a walk along the Hilsea Shore Path, a 3.9-mile coastal path that takes under an hour to complete.

Ashby Leisure Centre Lido, Leicestershire

Ashby Leisure Centre in Leicestershire has its own outdoor lido that reopens for the summer season on May 2.

The lido first opened in 1929, stretches 30 metres and also boasts a sandpit play area and cafe.

The lido is open Monday to Friday 6am to 9pm and between 7:30am and 4pm at the weekends.

Sessions cost from £6 per adult and £3.70 per child.

Greenbank Pool, Somerset

Located close to the Clarks Village outlet shopping centre, Greenbank Pool lido will reopen on May 2.

The pool stretches 30metres and is heated to 30C but also has a separate children’s pool heated to 32C.

Around the pool, visitors can also sunbathe on a grassy area and kids can enjoy the wet play area with water jets and fountains.

The lido is generally open each day between 12pm and 6:30pm and costs £9 per adult, £7 per child between eight and 17 years old, and £6.50 per child between two and seven years old.

Tooting Bec Lido, London

Tooting Bec Lido is the biggest outdoor swimming pool in the UK spanning 90 metres and will reopen on May 1.

The lido which first opened back in 1906 can be found in south London and accommodates up to 1,400 swimmers at a time.

Last year, the lido also underwent a £4million refurb, so now boasts new water and filtration systems.

If you do visit the lido, you will need to register for a free membership and booking ahead is recommended.

The lido will be open from 6am to 8pm each day until August, with two swimming sessions per day. A session costs £9.40 per adult and £5.20 per child.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has visited the lido and said: “When I used to live in South London, this was the best place to spend the mornings.

“Not only was it the best brisk wake up, but there was a form of comradery amongst other swimmers, all supporting each other when the cold got a bit too much.

“In the summer, it has the best vibes, especially after ending with a coffee to relax on Tooting Common to warm up.”

Blackpill Lido, Swansea

Blackpill Lido in Swansea, Wales, is completely free to visit and will reopen on May 2.

No booking is required and there is also a children’s paddling pool, play area and a climbing rock.

There is also a cafe in case you want a bite to eat, as well as the Woodman Pub nearby.

Visitors can hire deckchairs for £3 a day as well.

A POPULAR lido is set to offer all day sessions this weekend – where kids will be able to swim for free.

The Grade II listed venue also offers a number of adult-friendly swim sessions and an adventure course.

The National Lido of Wales, in Pontypridd, is hosting all-day sessions from May 2 to 4, ahead of the pool’s official summer season on June 1.

Kids under 16 will be able to enjoy the lido for free all weekend, while adult entry is priced at just £4.

The pool currently offers weekday and weekend sessions from 6.30am until 8.45am for early-morning swimmers.

Family fun sessions are also hosted only on weekends and bank holidays until the start of June.

DIVE IN

‘Ultimate’ UK aquapark with beach bus and climbing towers is reopening this weekend

SPLASH OUT

UK’s biggest freshwater lido to reopen this week as temperatures to hit 26C

For an additional £3, visitors can purchase tickets for the inflatable obstacle course, Aqua Peddlerz and Water Walker, which includes floating zorbs – inflatable plastic balls that allow people to run on the water.

The area also contains an outdoor play section – a dedicated playpark with slides, seesaws, climbing and balancing equipment.

The historic venue, also known as Lido Ponty, has been nestled within Ynysangharad War Memorial Park since 1927.

Following its closure in 1991, the pool spent the intervening 24 years in a state of disrepair until its official re-opening in 2015.

Now it features a renovated main pool, an activity pool and a splash pool, which are all heated to 28 degrees.

The site is also considered the “earliest and best preserved lido” in South Wales.

THE BIGGEST outdoor swimming pool in the UK is reopening this week for the season.

Tooting Bec Lido, which first opened in 1906, is one of the most popular freshwater lidos in London.

Measuring twice the length of an Olympic pool, it can welcome up to 1,400 swimmers at once.

And despite being unheated, you can expect it to be busy when it reopens on May 1, with temperatures expecting to hit 26C.

Anyone wanting to visit will have to register for a free membership and, while tickets are sometimes available on arrival, it is recommended to book ahead – especially on hot days.

From May to August, it will be open from 6am to 8pm, with two swimming sessions a day. In September it closes earlier at 5pm.

DIVE IN

All the UK lidos getting makeovers this year from heated pools to splash parks

FARE DEAL

20 hols CHEAPER than my daily commute – from UK beaches to 4 nights in Europe

The lido underwent a £40million upgrade last year, which will “safeguard it for the next 50 years” and includes new water systems and filtration systems to keep the pool cleaner.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey raved about the lido, saying: “When I used to live in South London, this was the best place to spend the mornings.

“Not only was it the best brisk wake up, but there was a form of comradery amongst other swimmers, all supporting each other when the cold got a bit too much.

“In the summer, it has the best vibes, especially after ending with a coffee to relax on Tooting Common to warm up.”

Hillsea Lido is also reopening this week, after a £7million makeover.

Here’s some of our other recommendations of free things to do in London.

SWIMMERS have taken a dip at a historic south coast lido after renovation work meant it could reopen to the public.

The lido has been closed since 2022 due to the general disrepair of the building, and the sum of money needed to restore it.

Hilsea Lido, located in Portsmouth, has been renovated for public use by Portsmouth City Council.

This major regeneration project was prompted by the health and safety risks posed by the building, which first opened 90 years ago in 1935.

The lido was transformed as part of the £7.75million refurbishment.

Now, budding swimmers have had the chance to test out the refurbished facilities before the grand reopening on May 2.

SANDS COOL

Small seaside resort MUCH quieter than its famous neighbour named best in UK

WAVE BYE

Greece BANS sunbeds & umbrellas across 250 beaches

Hilsea was formerly an unheated saltwater pool, designed to fit 2,000 visitors.

Serving as a Team GB Olympic diving training venue for the 1936 and 1952 games, it also featured as a filming location for The Who’s 1975 film Tommy.

A combination of neglect, structural decay and poor infrastructure saw its closure four years ago.

Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes, the new operators of the lido, said: “It’s an honour to be trusted with such an iconic and much-loved local landmark, and we can’t wait to bring the site back to life for the community.

“We’re excited to open the doors, welcome everyone back, and start a brand‑new chapter for Hilsea Lido.”

The multi-million pound development was further financed by a Levelling Up fund, meaning any outdated equipment and facilities have been replaced, such as the pool base and walls.

Fit for purpose, the lido now has brand-new toilets and changing room facilities, with a sauna installed.

For families visiting, there is now also an ice cream parlour and food van based on site.

Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure, which assisted the project said: “It’s hugely exciting and a new chapter for the whole of the Portsmouth. 

“When you talk to people in the local area, they’ve all got memories of Hilsea Lido and I think they can’t wait to get back and splash in this pool again.”

The Hilsea Lido will officially reopen to the public on May 2.

WHEN it comes to heading to the beach, you’re likely to head to the coast.

But there are some ‘beach‘ spots that are actually nowhere near the coastline, yet they still have sandy shorelines and bright blue waters – here are five of the best.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel. 

Cotswold Country Park and Beach

You’ll find the UK’s largest inland beach in Cirencester.

Called Cotswold Country Park and Beach, here you can try out all sorts of watersport activities, have a sunbathe on the sand, and have a picnic.

On the water, visitors can go swimming, head out on pedalo swans, rent kayaks, mini-boats, rowing boats or stand-up paddleboards.

SIGHT SEA

£9.50 holidaymakers’ favourite Skegness activities… away from the beach

GRUBS UP

Best pubs, fish and chip shops and cafes in Sussex – by Sun readers & locals

There’s a Beach Shack nearby, serving light bites, and an Ice Cream Hut just behind the beach too, for a cool treat on a hot day.

Behind the South Lake are grilling areas that can be rented out for barbecues.

The lake is also home to AquaVenture – a giant inflatable with climbing walls, slides and airbags.

Unlike most beaches, Cotswold Country Park and Beach has a pirate 9-hole mini golf course.

Entry starts from £3.50 per person.

Rutland Water

There’s so much to do on the Rutland Water, including hanging at its sandy beach, which is also the first inland bathing water spot in England to get a Seaside Award.

Rutland Water has 140 metres of sandy shoreline with plenty of room for swimming and sunbathing.

It’s open during the summer months and the website warns that it gets very busy during the warm weather.

The beach at Syke’s Lane was the first inland bathing water location in England to be awarded the Blue Flag and Seaside Award in 2024.

This is given for places with excellent water quality, biodiversity and green space for the community.

Aside from the beach, it has a mini golf course, children’s adventure playground and an off-lead dog walking area.

Rutland Water Beach itself is free to enter, but additional activities such as the Aqua Park inflatable course, mini-golf, and watersports requires paid-for tickets.

If you actually want to see the coastline, check out our favourite seaside towns…

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Sidmouth, Devon
Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.

BOOK A STAY

Whitby, North Yorkshire
With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.

BOOK A STAY

Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

BOOK A STAY

Seahouses, Northumberland
This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.

BOOK A STAY

Loch Morlich

In the heart of Glenmore Forest Park is Loch Morlich Beach.

The sandy spot is hidden amongst the Cairngorms National Park, so it has incredible views of the mountains and pine forests.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor that it’s a “stunning loch with beautiful views” and another added that it has “crystal clear waters”.

The beach is open to the public year-round and is popular for wild swimming and cold water dips.

Visitors can have a go at watersports too, like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and katakanu (which consists of two canoes attached together).

Access to the beach is free.

Gaddings Dam

This pretty swim spot in West Yorkshire is “England’s highest beach” – it’s 1,150 feet above sea level on the moorlands above Todmorden.

Gaddings Dam is a remote, Victorian-era earth embankment reservoir located on the moors above Todmorden.

It wasn’t always so well-known and Master Manchester said it was “a well-kept secret for both locals and visitors alike for many years.”

They added: “The dam boasts breathtaking views, excellent hiking paths, a sandy beach perfect for lounging, and one of the top wild swimming areas in the county.”

It’s even been described by visitors as a “wild swimmer’s paradise”.

For those wanting to visit, be aware that it is an unstaffed spot and is accessible only via a steep 20–30 minute hike.

St Andrews Lakes, Kent

Just outside of Rochester, St Andrews Lakes has two beaches; ‘Carp’ and ‘Coots’.

Its beach has stunningly blue waters, sun loungers on the shore, free parking, and lifeguards are on duty too.

Aside from its pretty beaches, it has huge range of activities are on offer – from sailing, paddleboarding and an aqua park to zip wires, archery and climbing walls.

There’s even a Nordic-inspired wellness centre with a lakeside hot tub, detox in a wood-fired sauna, and refresh with a plunge in the natural lagoon.

Entry starts from £7.50 per person.

For more on water attractions, here are five new ones set to come to the UK with surfing lagoons and wellness centres.

And here are all of the waterparks in the UK mapped with lazy rivers and wave pools.

THE WEATHER is warming up and what better way to enjoy it then heading to an upgraded lido?

The UK is home to over 150 outdoor swimming pools, so there are more than enough to choose from no matter where you are in the country.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

But there are a number of lidos that are reopening this year with major upgrades – or even new ones opening for the first time.

Here’s a rundown of the refreshed spots with new heated pools, cafes and splash parks.

Portishead Open Air Pool

Sitting not too far from the British Channel coast, Portishead Open Air Lido reopened this week following a major £1.3million makeover.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

The project included refurbishing the pool and the cafe, as well as upgrading the changing rooms.

The pool itself is 33metres long and there is a separate toddler pool as well.

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf

Last year, Canary Wharf in London announced plans for an Olympic-sized open-water lido with sauna pods and a clubhouse.

In total, the pool will have six lanes and stretch 50metres long, with a fixed depth of 1.3metres.

The new lido will float in the Eden Dock area of Canary Wharf.

The Sea Lanes lido is set to open this summer and will be open all year round.

Valentines Lido

Valentines Lido in Illford is set to open later this year.

The brand new £4million heated lido will have a huge pool, kids’ splash park and spa zone.

In addition to the 25metre-long, six-lane pool, there will be a gym too.

Other facilities planned for the site include a cafe, gym, dance and exercise studio, meeting room and a picnic area.

Unity Beach holiday park, Brean

Unity Beach holiday park in Brean will launch a £10.2million expansion this year with a new lido that will be surrounded by private cabanas and an outdoor dining area as well.

Open to non-guests as well, a new indoor splash pad will also replace the baby pool, for kids to play in.

The park is also planning to open a trampoline park, bandstand, boardwalk, landscaped gardens and a dog agility area.

Hilsea Lido

Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth is currently undergoing a £7.75million refurb, having been closed since 2022.

The lido is planning to reopen on May 2 and will feature an upgraded pool, new changing rooms, benches, tables and a fountain.

In total, the pool will be 67metres long and 2.6metres deep.

For those wanting a snack or drink while visiting, there will also be a food and drink pop up on site.

Saltdean Lido

Saltdean Lido in Brighton is planning to refresh its cafe and restaurant.

The upgraded restaurant and cafe will feature dishes made with local produce and will reopen as the Reading Room at Saltdean Lido on May 1.

If you are looking for a lido near you, two women who have been to every one in the country have shared their favourite pools for kid-free swims.

Plus, here are the six cleanest beaches in the UK where you can safely swim in the sea this summer.

A LIDO that sits just inland of the Bristol Channel has reopened its doors after a huge makeover.

Portishead Open Air Pool was closed for the season last year while it underwent huge upgrades – but it is back open for business.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

On its website, organisers announced: “Our pool refurbishment is complete and we are open for the heated season.

“The Café has re-opened following refurbishment and is now open Monday to Sunday – please come and visit us!”

Portishead Open Air Pool has been open for 64 years, but closed briefly in 2025 to undergo improvement works with its £1.3million grant.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

GRUBS UP

Best pubs, fish and chip shops and cafes in Sussex – by Sun readers & locals

One of the new additions to the pool includes solar panels which means it’s “fit for the future” according to Chair of the Portishead Pool Community Trust, Claudia Amos.

She added that this means Portishead is actually warmer than some indoor pools and sits around 28C between April and September.

Other improvement works include that to the café and changing rooms.

The pool itself is 33 metres long, and there’s a toddler pool alongside it for little ones.

For those who want to head in for a swim, a session in the lanes costs £7 per person.

Family and general swims are £6.50 for adults and £5 for children (those age two and under go free).

There are also Twilight Swim sessions from £7.25 and a Full Moon swim is £8per person.

During the winter, the lido welcomes brave cold water swimmers from 9am until midday – and for those who are new to the trend, it does have ‘introduction to Cold Water’ sessions too.

The on-site café, which also underwent a makeover is open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and weekends 9am – 4pm.

After a swim, you can pick up homemade cakes, sausage rolls, soup, paninis, teacakes and ice cream.

Here are of our favourite UK holiday parks (and some even have swimming pools)…

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere, Yorkshire

This holiday park in Yorkshire is a thriving family resort, just steps from Tunstall Beach. Entertainment is what this resort does best, with costume character performances, Link-up Bingo and cabaret shows. Accommodation ranges from fully-equipped Gold Caravans to Platinum Lodges with sun decks and luxury bedding.

BOOK A BREAK

St Ives Bay Beach Resort, Cornwall

This beachfront resort in St Ives, Cornwall is a true beach bum’s paradise – whether you want to laze out on the sand, or take to the waves for some surfing. Activities include disc golf, a Nerf challenge and an outdoor cinema, as well as indoor activities for the colder months like karaoke, bingo and DJ sets.

BOOK A BREAK

Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, Northampton

This holiday park has loads of unique activities on offer, including TikTok dance classes, alpaca feeding, a pump track for BMX riding, and taking a ride on the resort’s very own miniature railway. Throw in bug hotel and den building, pond dipping, survival skills workshops and a lake for paddleboard and pedalo hire, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed park.

BOOK A BREAK

Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex
This beachfront resort is a classic family favourite. If you’re not up to swimming in the sea, there’s four fantastic pools here, as well as water flumes, underwater jets, inflatable jet skis and kayak races. Plus if you’ve got any little fans of Paw Patrol or Milkshake!, you’ll be glad to know there’s Milkshake! Mornings and Paw Patrol Mighty Missions to keep your tots entertained.

BOOK A BREAK

During the summer season, the outdoor pool can see up to 250 swimmers through its doors every day.

Lots couldn’t wait to get back into the water – one frequent visitor wrote on social media “can’t wait for this and the warmer weather.”

Another commented with “very impressive makeover.”

Historically, the lido had once earmarked for closure.

Back in 2008, the outdoor pool came under threat, but a community trust then took it over and has been running it since.

Here’s one English lido that was forced to close after 50 years, set to finally reopen next year.

And here’s where you can find all the lidos in the UK mapped – with water slides, cocktail bars and some are even FREE to enter.

Adam Peaty puts on an “astonishing” performance in the men’s 100m breaststroke final, with a time of 58.97 seconds at the Acquatics Great British Swimming Championships.

READ MORE: Peaty wins British 100m title as he looks to LA

Available to UK users only.

From rugged coastlines to sandy shores with turquoise waters, the UK is home to many stunning beaches

Discovering a beach in the UK where the water isn’t freezing cold is a genuine bonus, particularly given the abundance of breathtaking beaches on offer. From dramatic coastlines to sandy stretches boasting turquoise waters, these stunning locations are typically synonymous with icy seas, especially during winter when UK sea temperatures hover around 10C on average.

Research has identified the warmest coastal waters throughout the country, helping Brits plan their next seaside escape for the sunnier months to come. The study, carried out by SIXT, measured sea temperatures around the UK, with a Cornish “hidden gem” claiming the number one position.

Portloe, tucked away on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall, holds the crown for the UK’s warmest sea, with an average annual temperature of 15.9C, providing a far more pleasant experience for those fancying a paddle, reports Cornwall Live.

Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cornwall, the picturesque fishing village overlooks dazzling turquoise waters and is surrounded by verdant rolling hills.

The village’s beach features a small sandy shoreline at low tide, ideal for a gentler swim.

With a pleasant average maximum sea temperature of 15.2C, Rye in East Sussex secures second place on the list.

This delightful town attracts numerous visitors each year with its charming cobblestone streets and Georgian architecture.

TripAdvisor reviewer Ruth M described Rye’s beach, known as Camber Sands, as: “In my view, possibly the best beach in the UK.”

The breathtaking sand dunes of Camber Sands have frequently served as a filming location for major blockbusters, including the 2014 hit The Theory of Everything, which charts the life of physicist Stephen Hawking.

Taking third spot is another East Sussex treasure – Hastings. The coastal town has steadily climbed the rankings of late, attracting visitors with its impressive selection of new hotels and restaurants.

Boasting a mix of pebbles and golden sand, the beach offers sweeping views across the English Channel, where sea temperatures can reach as high as 15.1C.

LOATING on my back along the narrow channel fringed by mangroves, the gentle current pushes me onwards in the warm, clear waters.

This incredible natural lazy river just south of Tulum represents everything that is magical about the raw beauty of Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

The Muyil Lagoon — and the canals carved by the ancient Mayans — are the ultimate in relaxation.

There’s a serene calm as you glide along with water so sparkling and clear you can easily see the sandy bottom and spot small fish darting through the reeds.

On all sides, you’re surrounded by dense vegetation and the roots of red mangroves and beautiful orchids.

Deep in the heart of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, our tour had started at the Muyil ruins.

PARK UP

Former Parkdean holiday park’s VERY glam makeover with fancy new lodges and pool

SHORE WINS

How to bag yourself a stunning British seaside holiday break for just £49

Quieter than the archaeological wonders at Chichen Itza or Tulum, it still has its stepped temple pyramids shaded by ancient trees and forests.

From there it was a thrilling boat ride over the Muyil and Chunyaxche freshwater lagoons before we were dropped off for our 40-minute lazy river ride.

Clambering out and along a boardwalk through the mangroves to return back to our boat, I was grateful for the water shoes we’d donned before our swim as the bleached wood was scorching hot in the sunshine.

We’d certainly earned a sunset cocktail back at our hotel — the TRS Yucatan, an all- inclusive 5H adults-only paradise in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

My ultra-modern room came complete with a minibar you can personalise with your favourite drinks, as well as a shaded terrace with plunge pool and hanging day bed.

But the lure of the multi-level infinity pool overlooking the beach was an easy way to tempt me away from my room, followed closely by the Ibiza vibes of the Helios beach club right on the soft sands of its private beach.

The TRS Yucatan is part of the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa and you can use the facilities across its nearby sister hotels, which tots up to a total of eight pools, 21 restaurants and 31 bars.

But the TRS Yucatan is the more premium of the hotels in the complex — top-shelf spirits and quality wines in the bars, and a butler caring for your every need in each of the small, luxury blocks.

The food is elevated too and you’d be missing out if you didn’t indulge at the El Gaucho Argentinian steak house or one of the other five restaurants serving Mexican, French, Italian and Caribbean cuisine exclusive to the adult-only hotel.

And while the lure of the multiple pools and 24/7 dining might mean you’re keen to stay put, it would be a shame to miss out on more natural wonders on the doorstep.

Just a ten-minute drive from the hotel is Akumal Bay, where snorkelling tours from the sandy shores reward you with multiple sightings of loggerhead and green turtles.

Grazing on the sea grasses in the calm bay and feeding among the reefs, the turtles are often joined by stingrays and a kaleidoscope of smaller fish.

Book as early in the day as you can, to beat the crowds and enjoy calmer waters.

We combined our early-morning snorkel with another unique Mayan natural wonder — a swim through one of the thousands of cenotes across the Riviera Maya.

These natural sinkholes occur when the limestone bedrock above underground rivers collapses, exposing the water below.

While some are large openings you can easily access, others involve swimming into underground caverns that in some cases can be vast.

We swam through a complex of incredible caves at Yaxmulito, a bit of a hidden gem and far less busy than some of the other popular cenotes in the area.

Its remote location means a host of wildlife to spot in the dense jungle, from spider monkeys and marmots in the trees to iguanas on the ground and even bats in the caves!

With a local guide to help us navigate through the maze of caverns, we swam through caves that were lit cleverly to illuminate the ancient limestone above us — squeezing between stalactite limestone columns that have formed over more than 10,000 years into tiny, unlit caverns.

While magical, some of the spaces were probably not ideal for anyone who is prone to claustrophobia.

Clambering out, we topped off a day in this natural paradise with a lunch of slow-cooked chicken marinated in spices and a hearty pork stew, served up with red rice, refried beans and handmade tortillas alongside delicious salads and salsas.

Served up in a rustic, open-air, thatched-roof building in the stunning jungle location and with a powerful margarita from the bar to wash it down, days don’t come much better.

Earlier on Wednesday, Grace Davison set a new Irish Senior and Championship record of 54.45 in the 100m freestyle heats to reach Commonwealth Games and European consideration and while slightly slower in the final with a time of 54.88, it was enough to claim gold

The 18-year-old Ards swimmer finished ahead of Larne’s Danielle Hill whose 55.92 is also enough for Commonwealth Games consideration, while National Centre Ulster’s Victoria Catterson finished third in 56.12.

“I’m really happy with that (day), but if I’m honest I’m probably a little bit disappointed with tonight, I wanted to go a bit quicker, I was 54.4 this morning and 54.8 there,” Davison reflected.

“But it’s all learning for me and I think a big thing for me is learning to be quicker in the morning, so when I do go to the international stage I can progress through the rounds, so if anything, it’s interesting to see that I can go quicker in the morning than in the final.

“I’m really happy to get all those times out of the way on the first day of the competition, it’s pretty cool.”

In the Open 100m freestyle final, Limerick swimmer Evan Bailey took gold in 48.98 with Bangor’s James Ward second and Lisburn City’s Matthew Hamilton third.

Jack Cassin claimed the 200m butterfly title with a personal best and championship record of 1:57.05, finishing ahead of team-mate Paddy Johnston and UCD’s Sean Donnellan.

Templeogue’s Ellen Walshe won the 200m butterfly title in 2:09.74 – under the consideration time for the European Aquatics Champinships – with National Centre Ulster’s Alana Burns Atkin second and Eve Leleux third.

Clare Custer won the 800m freestyle title in 8:52.63, finishing ahead of Bangor team-mates Chloe Stewart and Eva Hand with visitor Fleur Lewis of Loughborough University first home in the race with a time of 8:48.33.

Competition continues tomorrow (Thursday) through to Sunday.

Duped. Scammed. Gouged. Sidelined.

LA28 organizers probably didn’t count on such words accompanying their first big ticket rollout ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. After all, the committee and city leaders spent the last six months talking up the event.

The LA28 committee described the arrival of the Games as a boon for the city’s inhabitants, with unifying statements: “Creating the Games together!” Mayor Karen Bass promoted a “Games for All” vision. And we’ve been told over and over that tickets to events would start as low as $28, the 24% ticketing fee included!

The presale ticket lottery for those residing in ZIP Codes around LA28 venues also meant we would have a fair shake at getting into the Games, right? Finally, an affordable way into a major L.A. sporting event for those of us who are not Casey Wasserman, the multimillionaire chairman of the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

But that’s not what SoCal locals found in their first real brush with ticket access over the past week.

The presale launched Thursday, and by 10 a.m. Friday, aspiring ticket buyers reported that all artistic gymnastics events were marked “unavailable,” as was the opening ceremony. The few available tickets to swimming and athletic events such as track and field started at $1,116.27 per seat. Friends described the prices as “Criminal,” “Greedy AF” and “horrific.” My sibling said she felt crestfallen and likened it to discovering there was no Santa Claus. Jeffrey Epstein-level deception is where my mind went (please refer back to Wasserman).

Sunday was my window to sign in for the privilege of seeing what wasn’t available, or what was so far out of my price range it might as well have been cordoned off behind a gold rope and glass. There were no tennis, artistic gymnastics or men’s basketball tickets available. And by Monday, there were only a handful of events accessible for less than $150 a ticket (handball, women’s cricket, Judo). The women’s basketball bronze-medal game started at $407.17 a ticket.

Wait, was that a FBL08 Football (Soccer) Women’s Preliminary ticket at only $104.30? Forget it. It’s in St.Louis, among the handful of football (soccer) games that will take place outside California. The canoe slalom and kayak cross are scheduled for venues in Oklahoma City. Tickets are probably still available for those events, which even with air travel figured in may be the closest you’ll get an affordable LA28 event.

By Tuesday’s draw, we were graciously given the option to purchase closing ceremony tickets at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, at $4,961.20 apiece.

Remember L.A., we’re all in this together.

With that in mind, LA28 has offered locals another way in that won’t cost a dime: Volunteer to work the events throughout L.A., be it at the SoFi Arena, the Rose Bowl, the Coliseum or in Santa Anita. We should probably clarify that the dime saved is theirs, not yours. You’ll be working for free.

Those of us who registered and were selected for the ticket draw had a 48-hour time slot once the LA28 ticket portal opened to purchase up to 12 tickets per session or event. As that was hardly enough time to sell my home, jewelry and pets for ticket funds, my family and I will be watching swimming, table tennis and the 4×400-meter relay competitions from somewhere outside of L.A. That way we’ll avoid the LA28 traffic, limited parking and inflated prices.

More tickets will become available, according to LA28. Tickets for the general public for the LA28 Olympic Games are on sale from April 9 to 19. This “Drop 1” is available to fans worldwide who registered for the ticket draw and were selected for a time slot. Maybe they saved the lion’s share of tickets for the rest of the world … because they need locals to volunteer?

When the organizers claimed they would be “celebrating the communities closest to the action with the LA & OKC Locals Presale … giving local residents the chance to experience the Games up close and secure seats starting at $28,” they didn’t say that the “experience” would likely be outside their venues, on your TV screen, with $28 worth of streaming fees and snacks.

Nothing like being locked out of a party that’s taking place in your own backyard. Way to go, LA28.

BROCKWELL Lido has been saved just days after its operator went into administration.

The popular lido in Herne Hill that’s open year-round, which also has an on-site gym and café, has been taken over by the local council.

Brockwell Lido has been open since 1937, but there were fears that it would close when its operator Fusion Lifestyle went into administration on April 1, 2026.

However, Lambeth Council has already stepped in to take control of the outdoor pool, gym and café.

It confirmed that it will transfer to its in-house leisure service called Active Lambeth from July 1, 2026.

Luckily for keen swimmers, there will be no interruption and the lido will continue to be open to the public.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

COAST IT

White sand beaches, pirate pubs & Gibraltar Point – Sun readers Lincolnshire faves

It’s a very popular south London lido and attracts nearly 200,000 visitors during the peak summer season.

The swim spot was even crowned the ‘Best Lido in Britain’ by the AA in 2025, based on its popularity, reviews, value, and other factors.

Last year, it was also named the ‘Best Lido in London’ by Time Out.

Brockwell Lido opened in the 1930s with the aim of creating an “oasis in the city” for locals, many of whom cannot afford a holiday, according to its website.

The unheated 50-metre lido is on a Grade II-listed site and is open throughout the year.

During the winter when the water is at its coldest there are two sauna pods so visitors can warm up after their swim.

Under Fusion Lifestyle’s operation, tickets were priced at £9.50 for an adult swim and £6 for juniors.

Brockwell Lido also has a gym, outdoor space for sunbathing and an on-site café which serves up hot and cold drinks, and sourdough pizzas.

Another lido that will open this summer despite previously being marked for closure is in Devon.

In February, the local council announced plans to close Teignmouth Lido in order to save money.

Officials said that not reopening Teignmouth Lido could save £74,000 in 2026.

Just one month later, the decision was reversed by the executive committee of Teignbridge Council.

The 25-metre outdoor pool first opened in the 1970s and opens seasonally, usually having its debut in May half-term.

It has partial opening hours in June and July and then opens full time during the summer holidays.

The pool is heated and holds various swim sessions, from public to fun sessions, as well as activities like aqua fit and aqua circuits.

Check out one of our favourite seaside towns in Devon…

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Sidmouth, Devon
Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.

BOOK A STAY

For more on lidos, this grotty car park could turn into a beautiful outdoor pool as the seaside town plans to bring it back after 50 years.

And this dreamy free lido is opening in UK with sweeping city views, sandpits and even its own sauna.

A NEW £550,000 splash play area is coming to the UK and it opens in just a few days.

The new water play area called Saltwich Splash, in Droitwich, will open this week.

The free-to-visit splash play area will feature boards with butterflies and flowers spraying water, water arches, a tipper bucket, scenic boulders and a water run with different levels.

For onlooking parents there will be plenty of outdoor seating too.

The new splash park will officially open on April 3 and be open each day between 10am and 6pm from now until September.

The £550,000 project included moving the existing play area at the lido to space next to tennis courts.

Read more on travel inspo

DEEP DIVE

All the lidos in the UK mapped – with FREE entry, water slides and cocktail bars

BUNNY WELL SPENT

Cheapest Easter days out whatever the weather & FREE kids activities

Many locals have taken to social media to share their excitement for the new attraction.

One person said: “It looks amazing!! What a fabulous addition to a great park.”

Another added: “This looks like a good summer meet up spot!”

A spokesperson for Wychavon District Council said in a Facebook post: “Water play season is nearly here — and the kids are ready, even if the water is… let’s call it ‘refreshing’.”

They added that they are also listening to feedback from the community and will hold a public consultation in the summer regarding fencing being installed around the new splash area, as well as two other water play sites in the area.

In a Facebook post last year, Councillor Richard Morris revealed that the splash park was due to open in August 2025 but was pushed back.

The new Saltwich Splash is the third water play area to be upgraded in the area, with new water play spots open in Pershore last year and Evesham in 2023.

The water play area in Evesham features hydro blast jets, a water spider, a spray cannon, an archway with jets and a water curtain.

Then the water play in Pershore is themed around the history of the famous local horse racing derby, Land O’Plums Steeplechase.

Visitors can head to the splash play area in Droitwich for free, but if they wish to use the lido it will cost them £7.20 per person.

Droitwich Spa Lido is one of the UK’s last remaining inland, open-air, saltwater swimming pools, according to its website.

The pool is 40 metres long and also features a sun terrace and small cafe.

Droitwich Spa is sat on large salt beds and has been for centuries.

In fact, the town’s natural brine is 10 times stronger than sea water and is only rivalled by the Dead Sea.

When the lido originally opened in 1935, diluted brine was pumped into the pool from local streams and it was heated to the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea.

Today, the water is still heated to 23C and the original art deco building remains.

In other water attraction news, the UK’s biggest indoor waterpark with 18 slides and huge wave pool is getting a £500,000 makeover.

Plus, a new £450million water attraction in the UK is finally starting to be built – here’s when it will open.

Before we enter the clouds on snow-capped Helvellyn, I glance back down at Ullswater. The early morning sun is bursting around the dark corners of High Dodd and Sleet Fell, sending a flush of light across the golden bracken and on to the hammered silver of the lake.

Further away to the south, ragged patches of snow cling to the high gullies. The nearest village, Glenridding, can barely be seen behind the leafless trees and all I can hear is the gurgle of the stream. It is the quintessential Lakeland scene: the steep slopes above the water, the soft colours and hard rock, all combining into something inimitable. And judging by the photographic and artistic record, it is one that has hardly changed since the Cumbrian wind first ruffled a Romantic poet’s curls.

Our best loved national parks – the Lake District, Peak District, Eryri (Snowdonia) and Dartmoor – all officially opened 75 years ago, in 1951. It was the result of a long campaign, arguably begun by one of those Romantics, William Wordsworth, a poet whose particular love for the Lakes led him to observe that the area should be “a sort of national property, in which every man has a right and an interest who has an eye to perceive and a heart to enjoy”. The resident of Dove Cottage at Grasmere fought, successfully, against railway building, noting the stupidity of destroying something precious in the pretence of increasing its influence.

That niggling dilemma has dogged the national parks ever since, but if Wordsworth were here now, I think he might approve, at least at first glance. The fate of some Alpine beauty spots has been avoided: no high-rise buildings break through the trees, no sports infrastructure litters the summits, and engineers have not blasted tunnels for bigger, faster, road and rail connections.

The planning process is tortuous, and woe betide anyone who likes a colour not in the Farrow & Ball catalogue, but our national parks survive, without sacrificing too much of their original charm.

Back in the 1970s my dad began taking me on his hiking trips. In those days, I didn’t share his excitement at “the views”, but I instantly grasped the magic of swimming under waterfalls, scrambling along ridges and sitting on mountain tops to eat hard-boiled eggs dipped in salt. He took us to all the national parks, and introduced us to their highlights. It was the start of a lifetime of exploration.

Dartmoor

The only area in England and Wales that has legal wild camping, Dartmoor is also the most threatened. A recent report detailed the sorry decline in biodiversity on its sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), but the truth is it remains in a better state than many other places. What makes Dartmoor special is the sheer extent of heathland: over 11,000 hectares of heather, gorse, bilberry and moor grasses, inhabited by birds, lizards, snakes and some rare butterflies. The top bird here is the red grouse, recently recognised as a distinct species, making it only the second reliably identifiable endemic British bird species.

Dartmoor’s reputation for other, more controversial species, is firmly established. On my first visit as a boy, I was reading The Hound of the Baskervilles and also glued to reports of escaped large cats. When we hiked past the infamous prison, and dad told us about “the Mad Axeman” inside, Dartmoor was firmly established in my head as the single most exciting area of Britain. I’ve never had reason to change that view.

Arguably the most evocative place is Wistman’s Wood, which is accessed from Two Bridges hotel, but popularity tends to destroy mystery and this is now an Instagrammed honeypot. Other excellent woodlands can be found down the Lydford Gorge near Tavistock or the Bovey Valley near Lustleigh, a village of thatched roofs where a cream tea is the acme of snackery. Try the Primrose Tearooms.

Nearby is Haytor Rocks, a magnet for climbers, and everyone else. It’s beautiful but popular. For tranquillity, try the military firing ranges: there’s nothing like an M115 Howitzer to deter most hikers, or perhaps it’s simply the need to check live firing times. It does seem to put visitors off, and there are wonderful viewpoints to be found, such as Yes Tor and High Willhays.

Eryri

In Eryri, the hunt for peace and tranquillity has one rule: avoid Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Any other peak will be quiet in comparison. If you must go up Wales’s highest mountain, I suggest taking a less-frequented path, like the Watkin or Rhyd Ddu and go early – and I mean headtorch early. Another good option is the Ranger Path (Cwellyn), where the wind blew me off my feet as a nine-year-old. You might escape the crowds, but you can’t escape the weather.

Yr Wyddfa’s Crib Goch, one of Britain’s greatest ridge scrambles, can be a bit of a trial when oversubscribed, but there are many fine alternatives. Try Crib Lem on Carnedd Dafydd, accessible from Bethesda, or the Idwal Staircase, a tougher challenge that some might prefer to do roped up. Steve Ashton’s book Scrambles in Snowdonia is the essential guide.

One feature I love about Eryri is the way its industrial heritage has been repurposed to contemporary needs: the various slate mine attractions and the steam railways go from strength to strength. Bala Lake Railway has started work on extending its line into Bala town, a significant addition.

Lake District

The opening of the first parks triggered a wave of interest in hiking and a demand for route information. Like many others, my dad discovered Alfred Wainwright, whose hand-drawn pictorial guides are still a good way to find routes. Wainwright’s own favourite was Haystacks Fell, with an ascent from Buttermere via Scarth Gap. My own initiation into the joys of scrambling started with Wainwright routes up Lord’s Rake on Scafell Pike and Jack’s Rake on Pavey Ark, both serious undertakings.

Scrambling and its sister sports, fell-running and scree-racing, have a proud history in Lakeland. Over in Wasdale, sheep farmer Joss Naylor was an inspiration. As a teenager, I witnessed his hell-for-leather approach to scree slopes, transforming them from places to be avoided into a new challenge.

Wasdale, with its historic inn, remains a favourite. If the trail to Scafell Pike is often busy, look out for classic treks like the Mosedale Horseshoe, taking in Pillar, a stiff challenge when torn shreds of cloud are whistling around your ears. For the sure-footed, the climbers’ trail passing beneath Napes Needle is another gem. The Needle is a satisfying climb with historic importance. Photos of early pioneers the Abraham brothers, standing on top in their 1890s hobnail boots, fuelled interest in the new sport of rock climbing.

Across to the east, the 17½-mile trek from Pooley Bridge to Troutbeck over High Street is an absolute gem, with sustained panoramas on a clear day. Another classic is theKentmere Round, which normally starts at St Cuthbert’s church, near Staveley. For sheer delight in Cumbrian topographical names, the Kentmere Round is a must: Yoke Fell is followed by Wander Scar, Toadhowe Well and Shipman Knotts, among others. The best advice is to find a fell with an unfamiliar name, get the OS map and devise a route. Asking a local also usually pays off.

After an epic day of snow and ice on Helvellyn, I take my own advice. I am staying at Another Place hotel along the Ullswater north shore. The lakeside panorama tells the tale of changing times: there are paddleboards and kayaks on the water; groups heading off on wild swims; and a mobile sauna by the shore. Hotel director and local man David Vaughan tips me off about a favourite walk, on nearby Gowbarrow Fell.

The path starts at Aira Force waterfall, a well-known attraction, and the car park is busy. Beyond the falls, however, things are quieter. At 481 metres, the Gowbarrow summit is not high, but the panorama is superb. Further on comes the real climax: a balcony walk around the contours and above the lake.

A kestrel swoops past, close enough to see the wind ruffle its chestnut feathers. At the end, the path drops down to the woods and there’s a young woman, hesitating. Her kit looks fresh from the packet.

“Is there any scrambling up there?” she asks nervously.

“No,” I say, noticing her immaculate nails. “But there’s lots of mud.”

She takes a deep breath and grins. “OK.” Then sets off. Joss Naylor, my dad and the Romantic poets would all be proud. Our parks are still doing their best for us.

Accommodation was provided by Another Place, The Lake, in Ullswater, which has double rooms from £125 B&B. Further information, visit nationalparks.uk

Surrounded by countryside and quaint shops, spending the night in this historic crescent building felt like living out a life in a period drama manor

Pulling up to the hotel felt like I was stepping into the world of Bridgerton. It was impossible not to be immediately blown away by the sheer size of its Georgian masterpiece, which is the exact greeting I’d expect from a five-star hotel.

The Buxton Crescent Hotel sits at the very heart of the Derbyshire town. Really, it is the centrepiece of the place, and so it would be hard to imagine staying anywhere else when visiting for a weekend.

Buxton, as a spa town, rivals Bath and is famous for its natural and ancient spring waters that have been filtered through the Peak District’s limestone for 5,000 years. It’s these clean, drinkable, and consistently warm waters that provide mineral-rich and calming waters to the spa within the hotel.

These small but significant details are what make the Buxton Crescent hotel feel so swanky. To know I was staying within the walls of such a historic building certainly helped me live out my period drama dreams.

Room

After a very warm welcome and helpful valet service from the team, we were directed to our humble abode for the night, which was one of the Crescent Rooms with rear-facing views. The décor had a timeless feel to it that felt aged, but with class, generally the kind I’d expect for a hotel of this sort – but it was nothing mind-blowing.

Best Derbyshire holiday cottage deals

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £32 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Derbyshire is known for its dramatic Peak District landscapes, historic market towns and stately country houses. Sykes Cottages has hundreds of places to stay, with prices from £32 per night.

It was clean, the bed was incredibly comfortable, and it had everything we needed for a simple night’s stay. Normally, the package we enjoyed – which included a night’s stay, spa access, dinner, and breakfast – would cost around £510 for this time of year.

A particularly noteworthy feature of the room was the shower, which, to be honest, was potentially the best I’ve ever had, with a huge overhead waterfall and amazing water pressure. I guess you’d expect nothing less from a town quite literally famous for its water and cleansing methods, and it certainly beats the half-hearted drip of a flimsy budget hotel bathroom.

Spa facilities

Buxton Crescent is part of the Champneys Spa empire, but it definitely didn’t feel like a chain. Instead, it offered an authentic spa experience, and one of luxury at that.

I was impressed by just how big the place was and kept stumbling upon different rooms, areas, underground, and on the roof – like the rest of the hotel, it is a bit of a maze.

There are a number of unique features that make this spa a standout in my eyes, the first blindingly obvious one – the epic rooftop pool. It’s rare to find an outdoor pool anywhere in Derbyshire, let alone one on the roof of an 18th-century building, and yet it certainly adds a wow factor to the place.

Even amid the thick fog and cold of June, its thermal waters and bubbling pools create a cool environment for a relaxing swim. It’s a shame the views aren’t much to write home about, considering Buxton is surrounded by beauty.

Adding to this sense of magic is the colour-illuminated relaxation pool in a dimly lit room. The thermal pool sits peacefully beneath an impressive stained-glass canopy that reflects onto the water and the original 1920s tiles lining the pool. I think it’s these standout elements combined that lend the hotel its five-star status.

I was lucky enough to experience one of the unique water-based treatments, which the hotel claims is not available anywhere else in the UK. Opting for the Signature Wave Balance on the Water Couch, I was going into this rather blindly.

The masseuse was friendly and made me feel incredibly comfortable as she used the waterbed’s rhythms to create movement beneath me and gently helped relax my muscles. Personally, I don’t think this treatment was for me, and I would have enjoyed a more intense massage over a relaxation one, not to mention the atmosphere outside of the room was a slight mood killer.

With it being a Saturday, a bit of busyness at the spa is expected. However, outside of the room, I could hear doors shutting, floorboards creaking, and people chatting, and it was hard to stay in my ‘waterbed cocoon’ with all that going on – there’s only so much tranquil music can drown out.

Restaurant

I am everyone’s least favourite type of person to dine with (vegetarian), so if a menu isn’t stacked with options, which they rarely are, I can be a bit of an awkward one. However, the veggie options at the hotel were drool-worthy and felt just as fancy as any other meat-based dish. Not to mention, the setting and service were arguably the most five-star aspects of this place.

As we entered the restaurant for our reservation, we immediately felt underdressed, as guests were quite literally suited and booted for their evening meal. The dimly lit restaurant, wine stands, and well-dressed waiters made the experience feel very fancy, adding to my sense of a regal stay.

I couldn’t help but find the way the space transformed in the morning quite humorous. While the furniture remains the same, the lights are up, people are helping themselves to food, and all of the same guests’ blazers are swapped for hoodies.

In my opinion, there’s only so fancy a breakfast can get in a hotel, when really, everyone just wants a full English. I was pleased to see both vegetarian and vegan options of this, but more importantly, alongside a menu of dishes, you could tuck into smoothies, fruits, yoghurts, pastries, the lot.

Whilst it did sort of feel like the shine had worn off by morning with coffee-stained menus and mugs, as far as hotel breakfasts go, I thought it was still up there with the best.

In the area

There’s no questioning how perfectly placed the Buxton Crescent Hotel is in respect of all that the town has to offer; it is in the centre of it all. So much so that I thought it felt as though the town was built around this very building.

Attached to the building is the Cavendish Arcade, which offers a range of independent shops perfect to mooch around. In fact, this building is actually where the town’s original hot baths were first housed.

Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel entrance is the high street, bursting with cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as other little roads leading you to more hidden independent spots. I’d certainly suggest a wander, as some of the best-looking foodie spots are slightly more tucked away from the Greggs and Café Nero of it all – shock.

For deeper exploration, Buxton acts as the ideal hub for hikers and cyclists keen to explore the Peak District National Park. Lud’s Church is one of the closest and most popular routes, full of dramatic views and a sense of mystery with its moss-covered gorges.

Meanwhile, a more challenging hike would take you to Dragon’s Back, a ridge walk near Buxton that showcases the jagged, rugged limestone cliffs of the peaks. Previously, I parked up in the village of Hollinsclough and walked from there, but there are other alternative starting points.

The Buxton Crescent Hotel is the ultimate romantic spa getaway in the Peak District, and that was evident by the number of couples surrounding us at dinner, in the spa, and on our hike. Clearly, we missed the memo all this time that Buxton is, in fact, the place to be for an idyllic romantic getaway.

Book it

Rooms at Champneys Buxton Crescent Hotel & Wellness Spa start from £185 including bed and breakfast. For general hotel bookings, please visit: buxtoncrescent.com and contact Email: info@buxtoncrescent.com Tel: +44 1298 808 999

WORK is set to restart on a disused lido in Cumbria – two years after it was originally set to reopen.

The Grade-II listed lido in Grange-over-Sands has been closed since 1993, but could welcome back locals as soon as this summer.

The pool on the promenade in Grange-over-Sands first opened in 1932 and is the only surviving seaside lido in the north of England.

In 1993 the lido closed because of low usage and rising repair costs.

Work then began in 2023 with £6.8million worth of funding to restore the site with an initial opening timeframe of just 14 months.

The opening date was delayed but work continued – during this time there was an upgrade to the pavilion building and an accessible entrance from the promenade was created.

HOP TO IT

The best UK family days out from £10 to completely FREE in the Easter holidays

FUN FREEBIES

Huge list of 100 free family days out this spring – from concerts to festivals

The changing rooms have been upgraded, and work to the roof and terraces has been completed, so have security upgrades, cleaning, and decoration.

A new play area on-site has already been built and work to the diving board has been completed.

However, work was paused in May 2025 after problems with concrete at the site were discovered.

Now, it’s set to restart in April 2026, with Westmorland and Furness Council saying it hopes the site will be open at the end of this summer.

In its initial opening, it won’t be used as a lido.

There is a temporary infill of the pool and the site will be used as a public space before phase two of the restoration begins.

On the Save Grange Lido website, it explains: “There’s to be a 25m 6 lane pool with a depth of 1.35m which can be used for County Level competition and training, a smaller, shallower 13m pool (0.9m deep) and a paddling pool or splash pad.”

Locals have been vocal in wanting the outdoor lido to reopen for swimming.

In 2011, the lido was granted Grade-II listed status and in the same year, the Save Grange Lido group was formed.

18,000 people signed a petition calling on the council to include the reopening of the pool in any plans to restore the lido site.

Here’s another English seaside town’s beachfront lido that is set to reopen this summer despite fears of closure.

And this popular English seaside town reveals plans for huge £4.5million makeover.

A SEAFRONT attraction has taken a major step closer to being restored to its former glory.

The seaside town of Worthing is looking to save its lido – but it could come at a cost of £4.5million.

Worthing Lido sits right on the front of the town’s beach minutes from its popular art deco pier.

It was once a popular seawater swimming pool between 1957 and 1988.

And it might be making a comeback as the local council has said it will commit £1.29million towards the first step of its redevelopment.

Councillor Sophie Cox, leader of the council, said: “The community has made it clear how much the lido means to them and that they want us to invest in it for the decades to come.

HOP TO IT

The best UK family days out from £10 to completely FREE in the Easter holidays

FUN FREEBIES

Huge list of 100 free family days out this spring – from concerts to festivals

“We’re determined to make that a reality.

“Using more than £1m from the Community Infrastructure Levy shows our commitment to turning plans into action, but we know that more is needed to cover even the least expensive substructure solution.”

The funding marks the first time ever that a cash sum has been set aside for the former lido.

While the £1.29million will cover initial works, there are predictions that the work will cost at least £4.5 million.

The lido on Worthing Beach was originally built as a bandstand in 1925 and was used as a performing space for 30 years.

In 1957, the space was converted into an unheated swimming pool.

It was a popular spot for swimmers up through into the 1980s.

In 1988, Worthing Lido was even used as a temporary home to dolphins from Brighton Sealife Centre.

The dolphins were relocated to the lido while their permanent enclosure at the Sealife Centre was undergoing renovations.

In 1989 the pool was covered over and the site transformed into an entertainment centre.

It’s now home to a cafe, arcade, and is occasionally used as an event space.

For more on lidos, here are all of the new ones set to open across the UK from seafront pools to city swimming spots.

And here’s one English seaside town’s beachfront lido which will reopen this summer despite fears of closure.

A LIDO that was set to close for good has backtracked and confirmed that it will reopen for the 2026 summer season.

The outdoor pool in Teignmouth was marked for closure earlier this year, but the decision has since been overturned.

In February of this year, Teignbridge Council announced plans to close its beachfront lido in order to save money.

Officials said that not reopening Teignmouth Lido could save £74,000 in 2026.

Now, the decision has been reversed by the executive committee of Teignbridge Council.

The council announced the news on social media and said: “Our Executive Committee has today (Tuesday 10 March) voted to open Teignmouth Lido this summer.

HOP TO IT

The best UK family days out from £10 to completely FREE in the Easter holidays

FUN FREEBIES

Huge list of 100 free family days out this spring – from concerts to festivals

“Teignbridge District Council will operate the pool this summer and will work with community groups interested in taking on the Lido to ensure a safe handover.

“Councillors acknowledged the difficulties of balancing the books but agreed that opening the Lido would deliver value over price and enable the community to keep using the pool while Teignbridge works with groups to secure the asset’s long-term future.”

Since the news of the lido’s potential closure broke last month, the local community has been campaigning to reopen the lido.

Over 2,500 people having signed a petition to stop the lido’s closure, according to the Teignmouth Community Lido Trust.

After the executive committee meeting campaigner Catherine Brown said: “This is a brilliant outcome.

“It’s unbelievable that the council has gone from a unanimous decision to close it to a unanimous decision to keep it open!”

The 25-metre outdoor pool first opened in the 1970s and opens seasonally, usually having its debut in May half-term.

It has partial opening hours in June and July and then opens full time during the summer holidays.

The pool is heated and holds various swim sessions, from public to fun sessions, as well as activities like aqua fit and aqua circuits.

Four years ago, the pool underwent a refurbishment of £800,000 and then a further £30,000 was spent on repairs, according to Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Teignmouth Community Lido Trust has expressed its hope to take over the lido site and keep it open for years to come.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding who grew up in the area is also a fan of the lido. She said: “Teignmouth Lido is more than just a gem on the South West coast; for me, it’s the backdrop of my childhood.

“For over a decade, my school summer holidays were defined by afternoons spent there with my family – so to hear that the lido could close is heartbreaking.

“With ample patio and sun-drenched patches of grass surrounding the 25-metre crystal clear pool, it was the rare kind of place where parents could relax while kids felt a bit of freedom.”

For more on swimming, here are all the lidos in the UK mapped – with water slides, cocktail bars and some are even FREE to enter.

Plus this new ‘floating park’ with sauna and lido is set to open in popular a London district as part of a huge £5billion upgrade.