Swimming

SUNSHINE and hot weather in the UK has felt like a long time coming and finally this weekend it will reach highs of 30C – ideal for spending time at a lido.

And you are not short for choice when it comes to picking a lido – with over 100 across the country.

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

Even though most charge admission fees (unless you’re a toddler), there are some gems that are free and others that have ways to get around paying.

Free to all

Whether it be a tidal pool or open-air lido, there are a number of venues around the UK that are completely free for everyone to visit.

For example, Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall is a semi-natural tidal pool, found right on the beach.

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In Margate, Kent, you could head to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool for free – it is Grade II listed and is the UK’s largest tidal pool.

Over in Wales, you could visit Blackpill Lido in Swansea, which also has a children’s play area and climbing rock.

Embedded in the rock, Pittenweem Tidal Pool in Fife, Scotland is another free tidal pool.

Also in Fife, you can head to St Monans Tidal Pool, which is next to a historic windmill.

Another great option down in Devon is Mount Wise Pools, which is free for everyone and boasts three pools – a 25-metre main pool, a fun pool with fountains, a whirlpool and a bubble pool and a paddling pool for kids.

As for paddling pools, you could head to Stoke Park paddling pool in Guildford.

There are a number of free splash pads too across the country, such as Great Hollands in Wokingham – which has 13 water soakers, two bucket drenchers, fountain jets and water tunnels.

Free for certain age groups

Depending on your age, there might be some offers available to you at a lido or swimming spot near you.

For example, if you are under 16-years-old or over 60, you could head to Hamstead Heath Ponds in London, for free before 9:30am.

The same applies to Parliament Hill Lido in London.

It is worth checking whether any pools or lidos have age-related offers, with the most common being free entry for under 16s or 18s and for over 60s.

Free for local residents

Your local council might give out free swim passes or access to lidos near you.

For example, if you are a Wandsworth resident in London, under 18-years-old, a student or from a low income household – you can swim for free at Tooting Bec Lido.

Often you will need to bring proof of address and age to get free access, but it is worth looking into if your area offers such a scheme.

Other offers

There are some other lido offers across the UK that can get you free access.

For example, there are many pop-up lidos across the UK, which are usually free to visit.

For example, Summer Splash in East London is an outdoor lido that sits over the water at Royal Victoria Dock and will return between July 25 and August 17.

Another chance to get free entry is on open days, usually in September.

Across the UK, thousands of venues usually open their doors for free as part of England‘s largest festival of history and culture.

You will often find historic, Art Deco lidos participating.

Keep an eye out for lidos offering taster sessions too, which are usually free.

A BELOVED lido, boasting elephant slides and splash pads, is set to reopen this Bank Holiday weekend.

This beloved outdoor pool is the last riverside tidal lido in Britain.

The Strand Lido Pool in Gillingham, Medway, will welcome back visitors this Saturday.

Listed as the UK’s only riverside salt water pool, this Kent-based lido uses cleaned river water that is safe for public swimming.

Opened back in 1896, Medway’s only lido has been inviting families to swim for over 130 years.

This Victorian-era lido includes a host of swimming facilities for all ages, including an outdoor leisure pool and toddler paddling pool.

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Children will love the elephant slides into the paddling pool, and cruising along the 300-metre lazy river.

For more advanced swimmers, there is also a central swimming zone, fitted with six 25-metre lengths to get some exercise this summer.

In 2025, The Strand introduced a free-to-use splash pad designed for children aged three to 11.

The splash pad features 30 sensor-activated waterjets in a beach-themed play area, opening at the same time as the lido with no booking required.

Strand visitors can also enjoy refreshments from the cafe, a mini train ride, crazy golf, tennis, a children’s play area and more.

Around the lido, visitors can buy pool inflatables, enjoy a break at the pool-side cafe, and lounge on the seating and sunbeds provided.

To enjoy all this summer fun, entry to The Strand Lido costs £8.15 for adults, and £5.35 for children, with under threes going free.

The pool will be operating on weekends from May 23 with two bookable sessions between 10.30am to 1.30pm, and 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

It will then be open for seven days a week during the school summer holidays – starting from Tuesday, July 21.

WHO doesn’t love a trip to the British seaside on a sunny day? That is, as long as the water is clean.

With temperatures hitting highs of 30C this weekend, Brits will be flocking to the coastline to enjoy the weather at some of our best beaches – but before you dive in headfirst, make sure it’s safe for swimming.

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While most beaches are absolutely fine to have a paddle – there are some that you absolutely do not want to swim in because of bad water quality and even sewage spills.

Swimming in polluted water or water of poor classification can leave people ill due to the likelihood of harmful bacteria, viruses, or pathogens like E. coli being present.

The most common illness associated with bathing in dirty water is gastroenteritis, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

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In most cases these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own – but some cases can be severe and result in hospitalisation.

Channel 4 even did a recent three-part series called Dirty Business based on the investigation into England’s systemic sewage pollution crisis.

The series exposes widespread, illegal raw sewage discharges into UK waterways and the failure of privatised water companies to properly manage environmental regulation.

So, before you go swimming this weekend, and later this summer – it’s important to do some checks first.

Live sewage spills

The best place to check if bathing water has been recently affected by sewage spills is with Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

The marine conservation and campaigning charity is fighting to keep our favourite swim spots clean.

On their website, you can see which bathing water has been recently affected by sewage as it updates a map with live discharge information.

Louise Reddy, Senior Policy Officer at Surfers Against Sewage told Sun Travel: “If you’re heading to the beach or planning on taking a dip in a lake or river, check the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app.

“This is the UK’s only real-time water quality information service ensuring thousands of water users around the UK can check for pollution alerts, and make an informed choice about entering the water. You can download the app, or view pollution alerts on the web version.

“We shouldn’t need to check for sewage alerts before diving in, however the grim reality is that rain or shine, water companies are dumping sewage into our wild waters, whilst paying out profits to shareholders.

“That’s why we are demanding that the Government takes the bold action needed to restructure the water industry, removing the profit motive and changing the system so it operates for people and the planet.”

Water quality

Swimfo on the government website allows you to look up details of a designated bathing water by name or location and see the quality of its waters.

These are then classified and from best to worst these are “excellent”, “good”, “sufficient” or “poor”.

Where water quality is poor, the water it has a marker along with the words, “Bathing is not advised”.

Be aware, however, that this is based on testing from last year.

Water testing for 2026 will be undertaken 20 times between May 15 and September 30.

If you’re heading to beaches not in England, information about bathing water quality in other countries in the UK can be found here: Scotland (SEPA), Wales (NRW), or Northern Ireland (DAERA)

Blue Flag beaches

Across the country, the ‘Blue Flag’ is awarded to swimming spots that are clean, safe, and well-managed.

These were announced two days ago with a total of 61 sites including beaches, a marina and an inland water bathing area have been awarded the accolade.

If you’re heading to a Blue Flag spot this weekend like Whitley Bay, Southwold or Botany Bay, the flag should be flying.

It’s recognisable as a vibrant blue flag with a distinct white circle in the middle and what looks like a blue wave inside.

But there are some instances in which the flag is revoked – for example if water quality drops below the strict standard.

So if you don’t see it on your trip to the seaside, check online to find out why.

Other flags

When you get to the beach, check around for other flags which will advise on safety.

If you visit a lifeguarded beach, there will be flags on the beach to show you where it’s safe to swim.

If you’re planning to swim or bodyboard, stay between the red-and-yellow flags as that is where lifeguards are on duty.

A solid red flags means ‘Dangerous conditions: do not enter the water.’

And of course if the beach or bathing water isn’t lifeguarded make sure to take extra safety precautions.

Check for further safety tips on the RNLI website.

ACROSS the UK this bank holiday weekend, temperatures are set to hit 28C and what better way to enjoy it than heading for a refreshing dip?

Well, the good news for Brits is that there are a ton of lidos reopening this weekend across the country.

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Saturday May 23

Lots of lidos will be reopening on Saturday May 23, including some with upgrades.

In Devon, Teignmouth Lido will reopen after being saved from closure by the local community.

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

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“For over a decade, my school summer holidays were defined by afternoons spent there with my family.

“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.”

Swim sessions cost from £8.40 per adult and £5.40 per child.

Also in Devon, Moretonhampstead Lido has recently been upgraded with a new pool lining.

Sessions at the 25-metre, 27C heated pool cost from £4 per child and £5.50 per adult.

In Cornwall, Mount Wise Lido is also reopening and is free to visit.

The lido claims to be “one of the best outdoor swimming complexes in the country” with a 25- metre main pool, fun pool with fountains, stepping stones and awhirlpoolo, and a separate paddling pool.

Riverside Park and Pools in Wallingford will open this weekend as well and is located directly next to a campsite, making it the ideal weekend escape.

Swim sessions cost £7 per person to swim and you can stay in the neighbouring campsite for £35 a night.

Other lidos reopening on Saturday include:

• Letchworth Lido, Hertfordshire
• Hitchin Lido, Hertfordshire
• Aldershot Lido, Hampshire
• Bathurst Pool, Gloucestershire
• Bourne Outdoor Swimming Pool, Lincolnshire
• Clyst Hydon Lido, Devon
• Eversholt Swimming Pool, Bedfordshire
• Finchley Outdoor Lido, London
• Greystoke Lido, Cumbria
• Hayle Lido, Cornwall
• Brightlingsea Lido, Essex
• Salcombe Lido, Devon
• Shap Lido, Cumbria
• Tinside Lido, Devon
• Woodstock Lido, Oxfordshire

Sunday May 24

Three lidos are set to reopen for the season on Sunday.

The first is Chagford Lido, near Dartmoor in Devon, which will celebrate with a barbeque from 2pm.

Having originally opened back in the 1930s, the lido can be found on the banks of the River Teign and is heated to 27C.

There is also a Tea Shed for refreshments and snacks as well as a toddler pool.

You don’t need to book to visit, and sessions cost from £6.50 for an adult swim or £3.50 per child.

Also opening on Sunday in Devon is Dartmouth Lido, which is heated to 28C and stretches 25 metres by 8.5 metres.

There is also a small shop onsite and two-hour sessions cost from £7 per adult and £5 per child.

Over in York, Helmsley Lido – Yorkshire‘s only open air pool – will also open on Sunday.

Sessions cost from £6.25 per adult and £3.95 per child.

THE UK isn’t short of lidos but a new ‘floating’ swimming pool is opening right by the River Thames next month.

Sea Lanes in Canary Wharf’s Eden Dock will be opening on June 19 and will be a year-round swimming attraction.

The venue is billing itself as “London’s leading destination for open water swimming, health and wellbeing”.

Visitors will be able to dive into a 50-metre-long and 1.3-metre-deep floating swimming pool, with six lanes and then – for after a refreshing dip – there will also be two saunas.

The attraction will feature a clubhouse as well, with year-round wellness events such as talks and members’ socials and a place to grab food and drink.

The first event will be on June 25 and will be an Open Water Masterclass with Olympian Katy Sexton, who will coach swimmers and share pro tips.

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If visitors want to rent a wetsuit, they can do so at a small store too.

The pool will be open from 6am to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 7am to 7pm at the weekends.

Visitors can opt for different memberships including the Founder Membership for the first 500 members which costs £75 a month and includes swim and sauna access.

Alternatively, visitors can pay-per-swim, which will cost £10 for a swim session, £10 for a sauna session or £18 for both.

The pool hopes to be able to help swimmers transition from pools to open water.

Joe McNulty, director at Sea Lanes previously said: “Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will be more than just a swimming pool – it will be an urban oasis for health and wellbeing all set within the green and biodiverse waterfront of Eden Dock.”

Tourism experts are predicting a bumper year for “staycations” with more of us choosing to holiday in the UK due to continuing uncertainty around jet fuel prices and possible flight cancellations. Holidaymakers are spoilt for choice with more than 350,000 UK self-catering listings on booking platforms, from rustic barn conversions to seaside villas with all mod cons for large family gatherings.

We’ve done some of the leg work and whittled down a selection of cottages which all offer something special, whether it’s a stunning location, a breathtaking view or a level of comfort and style that wouldn’t be out of place in a boutique hotel.

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As the Instagrammification of interiors makes holiday cottages increasingly difficult to tell apart, one place stands out: Riverbank in Hunworth. Opened last year by the family behind pocket-sized sister cottage Spinks Nest, this brick-and-flint workers’ cottage in the village of Hunworth, near Holt, deftly weaves together richly textured fabrics, pretty wallpapers, earthy heritage paints and carefully chosen vintage finds. Beneath its rustic cosiness, an exacting attention to detail extends to high-spec mattresses and some seriously whizzy kitchen appliances. Sit and read beside the chalk stream that winds through the garden, or head out for a stroll around North Norfolk’s bird-rich marshes and unspoilt beaches (Holkham is 30 minutes’ drive away).
Sleeps four adults (three beds can be added for children), from £1,940 a week, riverbanknorfolk.com

Fairytale seclusion in Bedfordshire

If you were looking for filming locations for Hansel and Gretel, Keeper’s Cottage would be a shoo-in as the gingerbread cottage. Deep within the Shuttleworth estate and surrounded by Scots pines, this former gamekeeper’s cottage was built in 1878 as part of a project to create a model estate. Rescued from dereliction and opened as a holiday cottage with refreshed interiors in 2007, it makes a romantic secluded base for exploring the estate’s vintage aircraft and Regency gardens. Alternatively, walk over to neighbouring Old Warden to peer at more model houses before stopping for a pint or a steak and stout pie at the Hare & Hounds.
Sleeps four, from £1,694 a week, landmarktrust.org.uk

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A BRAND new lido could be coming to one of the UK’s most beautiful cities under new plans.

A formal bid has been made to transform an old leisure centre into a prime swim spot in the city of Winchester.

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Winchester’s River Park Leisure Centre, which closed in 2021, would instead have an outdoor swimming pool, as well as lido a splash pad and food and drink stands.

The lido designs have been created by Design Engine Architects, with previous projects including university campuses and private homes across the UK.

The bid has been put to Winchester City Council by Sea Lanes which runs the lido in nearby Brighton and Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth.

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Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes, said: “We submitted our bid as part of the consultation for the site. We worked with the (Winchester Lido) community group, which really supported the bid.

“We’re really excited to bring a lido to Winchester. I think the decision will be soon, if it’s still on track, and then we will be working with the city if we get the opportunity to pursue the project.

“There’s huge community support for the lido. We have worked with the community group, which contacted us about the site. It is something that has been bubbling around for a while.”

The plan has been met with positivity from locals.

On a Facebook post announcing the news, one said: “Absolutely stunning! Can’t wait to hear more about it!”

Another wrote: “Hard to imagine how this would not be good for everyone in Winchester. Wonderful first visual.”

A third added: “I swam in Hilsea Lido the other day – fantastic. This would be great.”

There was previously an open-air swimming lido in Winchester on Worthy Lane, which opened in the 1930s and closed in the late 1970s – since then, Winchester hasn’t had a lido.

Nearby Hilsea Lido had been closed since 2022 but reopened on May 2 after a £7.6million revamp.

New showers and toilets, including a Changing Places toilet, and a sauna were added as part of the upgrades.

Formerly a saltwater pool, the 220-foot lido now uses unheated chlorinated fresh water.

The lido served as a training centre for the Team GB diving team ahead of the 1936 and 1952 Olympics, and it also featured as a filming location for The Who’s 1975 film Tommy.

THE best family-friendly campsite in the country has been revealed, and it has a heated outdoor swimming pool and games room.

Trefach Holiday Park tucked away in Pembrokeshire topped the ranks when it came to the most family-friendly campsite in the UK – and it’s not hard to see why.

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Pitchup.com, the UK’s leading outdoor accommodation website, has found the best campsites for families across the country.

The rankings are based on ‘child-friendly’ ratings from nearly 200,000 customer reviews. 

Trefach Holiday Park is tucked away in the Pembrokeshire valley, but is well-worth a visit for any families this summer and scored 9.3 for ‘child-friendliness’.

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When it comes to entertainment during the summer, Trefach Holiday Park’s star of the show is definitely its swimming pool.

The outdoor that’s heated pool makes for a refreshing dip in the summer and is open between May 25 and September 4.

Adults can watch as their children splash about from the courtyard terrace.

One visitor said: “The pool was a big hit with the kids and kept them entertained for hours.”

Another described the campsite as a “little gem” which was great for their “family trip.”

On-site is its own restaurant and cafe which in the high season (July and August) is open every day from 10am until late for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It also has a play area, games room, TV room, laundrette as well as toilet blocks and showers.

Location-wise, the campsite is close to the hills of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park so it’s a great base for those who like to take scenic walks or want to explore seaside villages.

The nearest fishing villages are the likes of Tenby and Fishguard, it’s also close to the town of Cardigan.

Around Cardigan Bay, visitors can take boats out to do some dolphin-spotting.

Pitch types vary from electric grass tent and touring pitches to electric gravel motorhome pitches. Tent pitches can sleep up to six people for £46 per night – or £7.60pppn.

THE UK has some incredible beach lidos, but this one in the south of England is now award-winning.

Just inland beyond Saltdean Beach in Brighton is its beautiful art deco pool that previously underwent a revamp – and has just won a prestigious prize.

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Saltdean Lido has been open since 1938 to keen swimmers and has undergone significant upgrades throughout the years.

But in 2010, Saltdean Lido began a major revamp, preserving original features, restoring the building and upgrading the café, library, ballroom and an exercise space.

It cost an estimated £11million which was paid for by donations and National Lottery funding.

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After 14 years, it was finally completed in 2024 and now, it is one of six winners in the South East division of the 2026 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards.

The prestigious architecture award celebrates design innovation and social impact of buildings around the country.

Along with the other winners, Saltdean Lido was praised as being “exceptional.”

Saltdean Lido is a 40 metre outdoor heated pool and remains open all year, even during the winter.

It has a kids’ splash pool and grassy area making it a popular spot in the summer months.

In the lido building is a café which recently rebranded as the Reading Room, which serves up snacks, toasties and drinks.

On-site is also a gym, as well as saunas and plunge pools designed to increase circulation and boost immune systems.

Classes are held at the lido too, from yoga to Pilates, tai chi and dance – it’s also home to a public library.

There’s a huge ballroom too where events are held and it can even be hired out for weddings.

Events take place throughout the year; coming up in a few months is ‘Dogtember’, which is dubbed the ‘biggest dog swimming event in the UK’.

It runs for four weekends where dogs and humans alike will take to the pool in 90-minute sessions.

Built in the 1930s, the lido was considered such an innovative design of its time.

However, it was forced to close just two years later due to the war and remained closed for the next 19 years.

It was even nearly bought by Butlins in 1958 when it was derelict but this plan was scrapped.

The lido reopened in 1964 after being bought by the Brighton Town Council.

Holiday park’s across the UK have been ranked by the best for child-friendliness and the top 10 showcases sites with incredible facilities from outdoor heated pools to highly rated kids’ club

Fresh rankings have unveiled the top family campsites across the UK, and their locations hidden in the most peaceful corners of the countryside make them a tempting treat.

As more families ditch overseas holidays in favour of budget-friendly breaks closer to home, outdoor getaways have surged in popularity. But with young children in mind, not just any campsite will do — parents often seek out sites with top-notch facilities and plenty of entertainment to make the trip that little bit smoother.

A standout site in Pembrokeshire has been crowned Britain’s finest, according to new data from Pitchup.com, which analysed nearly 200,000 verified customer reviews to compile its top ten list.

The rankings reveal that the highest-scoring site for ‘child-friendliness’ is Trefach Holiday Park in Mynachlog-ddu, Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, which earned an impressive 9.3/10 from guest reviews.

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One delighted visitor wrote: “I was recommended this site by a friend and we were not disappointed. It has a heated pool which we all thoroughly enjoyed on our stay. Fantastic food there. The whole site was so clean and tidy, and it was a very peaceful site. I would highly recommend it, and we will definitely be returning next year for a stay.”

What sets the park apart as a premier destination is its outdoor heated pool, where parents can unwind on the terrace with a cold drink while watching the kids splash about. For those looking to keep little ones occupied, there is also a highly regarded kids’ club alongside a wealth of entertainment facilities, including a play area and games room.

Also featuring on the list of the UK’s finest family-friendly campsites is Jubilee Camping in Hampshire at number two, and Panoramic Camping and Glamping in Swansea at number three. The Swansea site is a peaceful, rural retreat just a 10-minute stroll from a local pub, offering a back-to-basics camping experience. It also features its own bar and pizza oven on site.

Another standout, on the other end of the UK to the winners, is Riverside Holiday Village in Somerset at number 10, with a score of 8.7 for its child-friendliness.

The campsite is beloved for its tranquil setting along the river’s bend in Bleadon, and its convenient location, set a mere 10 minute drive from the bustling seaside town of Weston-super-Mare. Another being the huge amount of fun and entertainment for children with a games arcade and a heated indoor swimming pool on site.

It’s evident that the UK is brimming with outstanding camping destinations, with family-friendly sites spanning the length and breadth of the country — from Somerset and Devon to Swansea, Cheshire and Wiltshire.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “Camping and glamping holidays continue to be a popular choice for families looking to spend quality time together outdoors, particularly as more people seek flexible and affordable UK breaks. The sites featured in these rankings stood out for creating welcoming, family-friendly experiences that give children the freedom to explore while helping parents relax and unwind.

“We’re seeing families place increasing value on outdoor space, nature and simple shared experiences, whether that’s wildlife watching, campfires or easy access to beaches and walking routes. The variety of sites featured across the UK also shows there’s strong demand for family-friendly stays in every corner of Great Britain.”

The UK’s best family friendly campsites

• Trefach Holiday Park, Pembrokeshire
• Jubilee Camping, Hampshire
• Panoramic Camping and Glamping, Swansea
• Little Thornham Holidays, Wiltshire
• Magical Malpas PYO Farm, Cheshire
• Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, Perthshire
• Puddleduck Glamping, Lancashire
• South Ford Farm Camping, Devon
• Poplar Grove Farm Caravan Park, Lancashire
• Riverside Holiday Village, Somerset

A HUGE aqua park with wakeboarding and cosy lodges is adding even more to its site.

Slightly inland of Sandwich Bay in Kent, Whitemills Aqua Park is building new sauna pods and even a plunge pool with work planned to start in autumn.

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Plans have been approved for Whitemills Aqua Park to build a new gym, sauna pods, and plunge pool.

These were given the green light by Dover District Council (DDC) earlier this month.

Other additions include an outdoor pergola over a decked area at the back of the cafe which overlooks the main lake.

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A decked upper floor and a glass railing will be added to the roof of existing storage containers where the planned sauna pod, hot tub and plunge pool will be.

Managing director, Wayne Cooper, said: “We’re delighted the application has been approved and believe it will provide a real boost to the site, particularly during our off-peak season.

“We’re currently finalising the next steps, with construction expected to begin in the autumn.”

Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park officially opened its doors on July 9, 2022.

It consists of a huge lake with an inflatable playground that’s essentially an obstacle course with slides, climbing walls and balance challenges with sessions from £22.50pp.

The site is purpose-built for wakeboarding from beginner sessions to 1-2-1 lessons and even ‘Wake & Cake’ where every class finishes with coffee and cake.

Other activities include paddleboarding, Ringo Rides and open water swimming.

There is an existing sauna already on site which is designed for ‘deep muscle relaxation, detoxification, and stress relief’.

This is supposed to be followed by a cold plunge which helps with circulation and recovery.

A sauna and cold plunge experience can be booked from £12.50pp.

Visitors can even stay overnight in their wooden lodges or pitch up a tent at the campsites.

The lodges sleep up to six people which come with kitted-out kitchens, a private bathroom, cosy bedrooms and lounge area with a TV – six of the lodges are pet-friendly.

Tantrum Lodge is a special accommodation choice with a private outdoor bathtub designed to be used in the evenings outside.

There are 20 tent pitches too with electric hook-up, access to modern shower and toilet blocks, and there’s an on-site restaurant and bar.

Tent pitches for up to six campers start from £35 (or £5.83pppn).

The Whitemills Kitchen serves up everything from sweet treats and snacks to full-on meals from breakfast to burgers, pasta, pizza and Sunday roasts.

Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park is less than a 15-minute drive from Sandwich Bay.

The sweeping shingle beach is found between Ramsgate and Deal in Kent.

The pretty seaside town of Sandwich is worth the visit too with timber-framed buildings and pubs like the Mermaid’s Locker.

A BEACHFRONT lido in a pretty seaside town is set to reopen this month.

Brightlinsea in Essex is one of the last remaining lidos in the county, dating back to the 1930s.

Along with a 50m outdoor pool, there is also a smaller toddler pool as well as sunloungers, changing rooms and a cafe.

Set to open from May 23, sessions will run from 7am until 5pm, with the first three hours for relaxed lane swimming sessions.

Other sessions include aquacise and ‘little dipper’ ones for younger swimmers.

Having first opened in 1932 as a tidal salt pool, it is now a freshwater pool.

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It nearly closed in 2017, only to remain open thanks to a group of volunteers who still run it now.

One previous visitor wrote: “The atmosphere at the Lido has to be mentioned it felt like you were on holiday, everyone chatting and smiling.”

During the summertime, Brightlingsea is much quieter than its neighbours such as Clacton.

However, it’s shingle beach is recognisable thanks to its line of colourful beach huts on the promenade.

One said: “Very unspoilt, family oriented, beautiful beach. Traditional town back in the 50’s.”

Brightlingsea is on the Sunshine Coast, which one mum said is like “going back in time to seaside holidays of the past.”

Mum Catherine Lofthouse told The Sun: “Because I was on the Sunshine Coast of Essex, which is often compared to Spain thanks to it being one of the sunniest, driest spots in the country.

“What I really loved about exploring the Essex seaside is the sheer variety of experiences on one relatively small stretch of coast, bookended by Brightlingsea in the south and Harwich in the north.”

PLANS for a mega new city centre leisure facility costing £36million have been unveiled.

The first designs include two swimming pools, a cafe, a family play area, health and wellbeing rooms, a fitness suite, and a number of studios.

Peterborough City Council said plans have been finalised after consultation with residents, with further details set to go on public display at a drop-in session on Tuesday, May 19.

A planning application is due to be submitted in July, with construction at the Embankment site set to begin early next year.

The sports hub will then open in 2028, housing the city’s only public indoor swimming pool after Peterborough’s Regional Pool was demolished last year due to structural issues.

It is set to have a 25-metre eight-lane pool, as well as another 20-metre activity pool with a movable floor, among a range of other facilities.

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Members of the public will have an opportunity to talk to the design team at the drop-in session later this month, with further information provided on sustainability, floor plans, timelines, and transport options.

Jamie Fenton, culture, sports and leisure partnership manager at the council, said: “We know that residents are still feeling the loss of the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre and that is why we are moving as quickly as we can to deliver a new, modern facility for the city.

“We had a fantastic response to the initial engagement activity earlier in the year and we have used what people told us to develop the next phase of planning and designs.”

He added: “It is really exciting to be at a stage where we can show these to people and start having conversations around what a new leisure development will offer our residents.”

According to the council, £20million of the site’s funding has come from the government’s Growth Mission Fund, while £16million has been committed by the authority.

The development is still looking for private funding and grants “to assist with the costs”.

WITH warm weather on the way, many Brits are looking for the best places to take a dip.

If sea swimming isn’t for you, don’t worry, there are a variety of heated lidos open all summer long.

Whether you’re swimming laps or soaking up the sun with friends, nothing says a British summer like an outdoor pool.

With on-site cafes and splash parks for younger children, there’s plenty on offer at these lidos.

And even if you’re not the strongest swimmer, all these locations offer Swim For All sessions throughout the summer.

These seven lidos even offer heated waters so you don’t have to worry about taking a chilly dip.

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Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club

This 50-metre South London pool offers warm water temperatures of 22 to 28 degrees, depending on the sun.

Fitness swimmers and families alike are welcome at this lido, with dedicated lanes open from June to September, plus a state-of-the-art gym, exercise studio, tennis courts, and an on-site cafe.

London Fields Lido

Open year-round, this Hackney pool is also Olympic-sized and is at its busiest during the warm summer months.

Swimmers of all experience levels can enjoy 50-minute slots, while sunbathing sessions last for two hours, and the on-site cafe is open all day.

Oasis Sports Centre

Measuring 27.5 metres, this Camden pool offers a consistent temperature of 25 degrees all summer long, and is described as one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Swim sessions are available for all levels, lasting 50 minutes at a time until 5pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends, with other facilities also available, including a gym, sports studios, squash courts, and a sauna.

Pools On The Park

Also located in London, this 33-metre pool also maintains a comfortable temperature of 25 degrees.

It features easy step access and floodlighting so you can swim early in the morning and into the evening during the off-season too.

Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool

Located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool measures 25 metres and there’s even a free splash pad next door.

A kiosk offering light refreshments is also available on-site, from 9am until 6pm.

Riverside Park and Pools

This 23-metre outdoor pool is also heated, making it the ideal spot for a family day out in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire.

There’s even a splash park for your little ones, as well as an on-site cafe and a nearby campsite.

Woodstock Open Air Pool

Measuring 25 metres, Woodstock Open Air Pool, also in Oxfordshire, features four lanes for swimming as well as a diving board.

This pool is open from May 24 until July 20, with changing facilities, hot showers, a cafe, and picnic area all on site.

Ticket buyer: Alec Mackie of Los Angeles

Events: Men’s baseball gold medal finals, women’s basketball gold medal finals, men’s soccer gold medal finals, swimming preliminary and tennis quarter final mixed doubles

Thoughts: ”My uncle made a spreadsheet. The tickets are for me, my uncle, friends and I’m hoping to take my nephew as well. I was 10 years old at the 1984 Olympics and got to go to gymnastics, swimming and closing ceremonies, and my nephew will be 10 in 2028. I know L.A. is going to have an amazing Olympics, we are Los Angeles! Ten million creative, beautiful people, always dreaming and we know how to wow people. I can’t wait and hopefully traffic is smooth, a glamorous sequel to ’84.”

A MUCH-LOVED lido nestled in the UK countryside is reopening this weekend. 

The Art Deco attraction, which features a “lagoon” pool and slides, first opened in 1935 as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations for King George V.

At the height of summer, Ilkley Lido, which was threatened with closure in 2024, attracts up to 5,000 people a day and is now Grade II listed.

Inside is a large swimming pool, with a shallow end for kids as well as a slide. It is surrounded by a grassy area and has views across Ilkley Moor.

An Art Deco cafe remains unchanged at the site, which also includes changing rooms, tennis courts and a picnic area.

It will reopen on Saturday, May 9, from 10am to 4pm. 

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From Monday to Friday it will be open from 7.30am to 8.30am and 2pm to 6pm, and open from 10am to 2pm every Sunday.

A full summer programme, with extended opening times, will come into effect on May 23.

Adult tickets cost £7.25 and £3.75 for children.

The lido has hosted the Ilkley Triathlon since the early 1990s – one of the longest running sprint events in the country.

There are, however, no plans as yet for open air events at the attraction this year.

As previously reported, the Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group said the attraction runs at a £280,000 loss every year.

A POPULAR English lido is re-opening just in time for summer – and it’s had a total makeover.

The outdoor splash park featuring fun elephant slides and a lazy river will welcome back families later this month, following a refresh.

An opening date for The Strand Lido and Leisure Park in Gillingham has been confirmed.

The refurbished Kent lido, which has the UK’s only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool, will begin bringing the summer fun from Saturday May 23.

It will first be open for weekends, before offering its facilities seven days a week in the school summer holidays.

Two pool sessions are set to run every day the lido is open. The first from 10.30am to 1.30pm and the second from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

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Entry to sessions must be booked online. While children under three go free, adult tickets are £8.15, with junior and senior tickets priced at £5.35.

The spruced up lido was revived last year, funded by contributions from housing developments to Medway Council.

The Strand, which first opened in 1896, now features a new splash pad for children aged three to 11.

There’s also a beach-themed play area with 30 sensor-activated water jets alongside the large outdoor pool, elephant-shaped water slides and a 300 metre lazy river.

Those who love a long swim can make use of the open-air pool’s six 25 metre lanes.

After a day of water play, families can relax with a refreshment at the Victorian lido’s cafe, enjoy a hit on the refurbished tennis courts or take on a round of mini golf.

There’s even a miniature train for little ones to ride.

A HISTORIC UK lido is reopening today after undergoing a major £7.6million revamp.

Swimmers in the seaside town will be able to take a dip in the outdoor pool for the first time in four years.

Closed since 2022, Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth, has been renovated for public use by local council, with funding from the government.

The refurbishment, which started in 2024, was prompted by health and safety risks of the 90-year-old structure.

The grand reopening will take place today (Saturday, May 2), with an ice cream parlour and food van now based on site.

Works also include the reinforcement of its base and walls, the replacement of old pool equipment, and the restoration of the original shallow lagoons.

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New showers and toilets, including a Changing Places toilet, and a sauna were added as part of the upgrades.

Formerly a saltwater pool, the 220-foot lido will now feature unheated chlorinated fresh water.

A long-term sustainable heating solution is part of future plans for the lido.

Hilsea Lido will be run by Sea Lanes Brighton, a group of local businesses and open-water swimming enthusiasts, alongside South Downs Leisure.

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.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Judit Kollat, the lido’s general manager, told the BBC: “As Hilsea Lido celebrates its 90th birthday, we are proud to be leading the next chapter in its history.

“It is more than a pool, it’s a place with history and heart.

“We aim to create a vibrant hub for the local community, a centre for both mental and physical wellbeing. The lido will offer something for everyone.”

Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes, the new operators of the lido, said: “We’re excited to open the doors, welcome everyone back, and start a brand‑new chapter for Hilsea Lido.”

Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure, which assisted the project, added: “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 lido served as a training centre for the Team GB diving team ahead of the 1936 and 1952 Olympics, and it also featured as a filming location for The Who’s 1975 film Tommy.

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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