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.
ENGLAND
Standout design in Norfolk
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 £1,940a week, riverbanknorfolk.com
Fairytale seclusion in Bedfordshire
Photograph: John Miller
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
A treasure chest in the North York Moors
Tucked amid the steep cobbled lanes and red-roofed cottages that totter down to the sea at Robin Hood’s Bay, Burnharbour is a two-bedroom hideaway painted in moody blue-green and ruby. With textile and design lecturers as owners, it’s like a live-in treasure chest, with shell-barnacled lampshades, a Zellige-tiled bathroom and a little library of carefully chosen books. Go rockpooling down at the shore, dillydally over coffee or lunch with a view at neighbouring cafe the Cove, follow one of the footpaths along the coast, or take a day trip to Whitby to explore the abbey, and eat chocolate “japs” at Botham’s or lemon-top ice-creams at the Sandside Bar. Sleeps four, from £560a week, baytownholidaycottages.co.uk
Artful upcycling in Cornwall
Among a hamlet of holiday cottages and shepherds’ huts a few miles inland from the beaches, rockpools and fish restaurants of Looe, Gamekeeper’s Cottage is a colourful and cosy two-bedroom retreat that has been artfully upcycled from a more dated predecessor. Kitchen cupboards have been painted apple green, a rainforest shower has been installed (along with glossy tiles) over the bath, and a wood burner now sits in the sitting room’s stone fireplace, surrounded by pretty floral wallpaper. That’s only half the story, though; as with all Cottage Orné’s properties, guests get access to an outdoor pool, sauna, meditation and yoga studio, and a crafting workshop. Sleeps four, from £2,325a week, cottageorne.com
A Georgian townhouse in Kent
In the centre of Deal, steps from the beach and handy for Sunday roasts at the Rose, or ramen at the Blue Pelican, Rogue’s Cottage stands out from a glut of pretty holiday properties in this cool Kent town. A dainty Georgian townhouse, it has been transformed by interior designer Ashley Ferry with a winning pairing of seaweed, saltwater and coral paintwork with furnishings that would please even the most grizzled of sea dogs – among them a deep copper bathtub, antique headboards and a dinky wood-burning stove. Better still, there’s a tiny courtyard terrace for dining away from the surrounding hubbub. Sleeps four, from £1,055a week, keeperscottages.co.uk
A mill in the Yorkshire Dales
Overlooking Lake Semerwater in Raydale, a quiet dale off Wensleydale, the 18th-century Silk Mill is one of three self-catering properties threaded across the Wood End estate (the other two are contemporary one-bedroom timber cottages). Elegantly refurbished by its owner, interior designer Jonathan Reed, the mill is well placed for hay meadow picnics, swims in the lake or hikes over to Hawes and beyond (go an extra mile or so for lunch at Simonstone Hall). Sit on the terrace listening for curlews, or enjoy some in-house art appreciation, admiring co-owner Graeme Black’s paintings of the surrounding trees. You can see more of them, plus works by other artists, at Thorns Gallery, also on the estate. Sleeps four, from £2,392a week, thorns.gallery/accommodation
A historic lookout, Devon
Sea views don’t get more full-frontal than those at Brandy Head Observation Post near Budleigh Salterton. It was built in 1940 for the RAF’s top-secret Gunnery Research Unit and restored from dereliction six years ago. On the South West Coast Path and accessible only on foot, its terrace makes a perfect vantage point for hikers and birders. With one double bed, two twin bunks, a shower room and an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, it’s a practical little base camp for forays to local beaches, along the paths that loop through the River Otter Estuary nature reserve, or to Otterton Mill for farm shop foraging and live folk music. Sleeps six, £900a week, stantyway.com
A hideaway in the Peak District
In the former lead-mining village of Bonsall, Bert’s Cottage is a model of pale-rendered restraint on the outside, but inside it’s awash with colour, texture and pattern. Refurbished by antique jewellery expert Matt Gerrish and his ballerina wife, Lauren Cuthbertson, this four-bedroom hideaway is exactly the marriage of heritage, theatre and grace you might expect. Antique chests rest against walls busy with paintings, prints and botanical wallpapers, the traditional elements loosened up by bright pops of colour. The location is hard to beat, too; it’s handy for rugged Peak District walks, the historic mills and bookish pleasures of Cromford, days out at Chatsworth and Haddon Hall, and the kiss-me-quick pleasures of Matlock. Sleeps eight, from £1,473 for five nights, bertscottage.co.uk
Coniston views in the Lake District
It’s all about the view at this studio apartment on the shores of Coniston Water. The Coachman’s Quarters is the smallest of three self-catering cottages at Brantwood, John Ruskin’s final home. If the accommodation is rather minibus in scale, the prospect that unfurls through its picture window is more doubledecker. Sit and watch the light fade over the Old Man of Coniston, or steal outside to explore Brantwood’s 100 hectares (250 acres) of gardens and woodland in peace after the day visitors have left. Run by a charitable trust, the site is now home to a museum dedicated to the Victorian polymath, and its grounds are a popular RHS partner garden. Sleeps two, from £955 a week, brantwood.org.uk
Futuristic pods in Somerset
Photograph: Joseph Horton
In Somerset’s quieter western reaches, East Quay is quietly stealing a march on the county’s better-known artistic enclaves. Overlooking Watchet’s pretty harbour, this cafe, gallery and community arts space looks like it’s been beamed down from Bilbao or Hamburg, with the ambition to match. Run as a social enterprise, it’s a buzzy place for brunch, cocktails, a gig, a craft workshop or an exhibition. But those in the know book one of its five basic self-catering pods and explore the wider region while they’re there. Walk the spectacular Quantocks, visit Greencombe Gardens, or head to Dunster to tour its castle and have pizza or drinks with the best view for miles in the Luttrell Arms’ secret garden. Pods sleep between two and six, from £810a week, eastquaywatchet.co.uk
Old meets new in Herefordshire
Photograph: Kate Darby
More tumbleup than tumbledown, Croft Lodge Studio is a real one-off. Within a new, fully insulated corrugated iron shell sit the ruins of a listed 18th-century home, including ancient oak beams, ivy and birds’ nests (hence its no under-10s rule). This radical preservation project near Croft won a Royal Institute of British Architects award. Modern amenities include a wet room, underfloor heating and an EV charger. There’s a bluebell wood on the doorstep, and the surrounding parkland leads to the National Trust’s Croft Castle estate. Wander over to Aymestrey for damson negronis and plates of rhubarb-cured trout at the Riverside inn. Sleeps four, from £817a week, cottages.com
History and nature in Nottinghamshire
Outside the village of Misterton, the Pump House Art Studio, a cathedral-like holiday let, was originally built in 1828 to drain excess water from the fens into the River Idle. It’s one of two identical houses separated by a glass walkway (the owner lives in the other half) and blends industrial high ceilings, vast windows and steel beams with a restful natural setting. Beyond the property’s private garden lies a site of special scientific interest inhabited by kingfishers, owls and herons. There’s a mid-century vibe to the interiors, which stretch to a kitchen, mezzanine lounge, library nook and two double bedrooms, and walls decorated with local art. Walk along quiet river and canalside paths, or drive 15 minutes to explore the 15th-century mansion Gainsborough Old Hall. Sleeps four, from £1,052 a week, handpickedcottages.co.uk
Exacting style in Suffolk
Photograph: Safia Shakarchi
Restaries may be a collection of six holiday rentals set on a farm, but the vibe is more Guy Ritchie than Old MacDonald. With backgrounds at Soho House and in fashion consulting, owners Gem and Thom Bon-Scherdel have brought exacting style and a nous for hospitality to their 16th-century farmhouse and outbuildings near Westhall. The three-bed Cider Store is decorated with local art, bespoke furniture and a pink, peach and ochre colour palette designed to reflect local sunsets. It’s near the coast, but there’s plenty to do in situ, with a playground, a swimming pool and add-on activities for adults from massages and cooking classes to horse riding. Sleeps six, from £3,000 a week, restaries.com
Harbour views in Hampshire
Right on the water’s edge at Priddy’s Hard, a former naval ammunition facility in Gosport, Adventure Prospect is a two-bedroom cottage built in 1899 as a place for the workers to change. Renovated by the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust a few years ago, it’s now a smart holiday rental. Decorated in soothing seaweed shades, with a walk-in shower and a lofty open-plan kitchen and sitting room, it also has a private landscaped terrace with wide-angle views across Portsmouth harbour. The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower sits on one side; on the other, the Powder Monkey taphouse serves pub classics such as sausage and mash alongside its own craft beers. Sleeps four, from £1,272 a week, airbnb.co.uk
A quirky conversion in Northumberland
Photograph: Tracey Bloxham
You’ll need to spend a bit more than a penny to visit Berwick-upon-Tweed’s former ladies’ toilets these days, but so you should given the upgrade to facilities. They have been converted into a studio apartment by the property’s current owner, and the renovation puts the Victorian building’s original glazed bricks and match boarding centre stage, while adding such modern comforts as a double bed, kitchenette and wet room. In a quiet corner of the town, just beside its ancient walls and within easy reach of cafes, shops, galleries and coastal paths, the Loovre also has a private courtyard for drinks or dinner outside, and high-level windows for light. Berwick’s railway station is less than 10 minutes’ walk away for day trips. Sleeps two, from £716.50a week, crabtreeandcrabtree.com
SCOTLAND
A gothic bolthole in Perthshire
Photograph: Tracey Bloxham
Off-grid cottages are rarely as elegant as the 19th-century Gatehouse, one of five rental options dotted across the Monzie estate. Powered by the estate’s own 1950s hydro plant, this turreted gothic bolthole has a spiral staircase and a gorse-coloured slipper bath. Spot red squirrels, owls, hares and deer from the windows, roam across 1,600 hectares of rolling Perthshire countryside, or sign up for a free private tour of Monzie Castle – one of the guest perks. Three miles away is Crieff, with its distillery tours, gardens and adventure parks, as well as bakeries, galleries and a gorgeous old whisky shop. Sleeps four, from £1,768 a week, monzieestate.com
An island escape in the Highlands
Look away if you like your rentals with the hum of traffic, coffee shops on every corner and the reassuring roll of an Ocado van over asphalt. On an island in Loch Sunart, Carna House is more suited to castaways. One of only three houses on Carna, two of which are available to rent, the property’s rates include a return boat crossing from Laga Bay, an hour’s drive from Fort William. Cars are left in a private car park and, with limited wifi, screens might as well be, too. No one’s going to be Instagramming the interiors here, but who cares about mismatched fabrics when you have your binoculars fixed on the seals, otters or sea eagles? Scale the island’s 170-metre summit or head out on the water in the boat provided. Sleeps eight, from £2,500 a week, isleofcarna.co.uk
Scandi design in Midlothian
The sauna at Eastside, near Penicuik
In a quiet glen near Penicuik in the Pentland Hills south-west of Edinburgh, Eastside is a collection of cottages on a working farm. One is more traditional, but four are an ode to clean-lined, light-soaked Scandinavian design. The Wash House is one of these, a serene, one-bedroom hideaway with a wood-burner and sculptural slatted ash screening. Rental comes with access to Eastside’s woodland spa, a fern-dappled dell with a steam-sauna yurt and spring-water plunge pool. Don’t miss a trip to Little Sparta, Ian Hamilton Finlay’s sculpture garden 30 minutes’ drive away. Sleeps two, from £1,260 a week, thisiseastside.com
Simple but stylish in Dumfries & Galloway
The nearby village of Rockcliffe. Photograph: John James/Alamy
Steps from the water in the cute coastal village of Kippford, this affordable three-bedroom retreat is all about the reflective views. Simple but stylish, with a butter-coloured bathroom, wood-burning stove, vintage furniture and a small terrace, 1 Ford View has one double bedroom and two singles. Stroll to the beach, listen to the jingling of yacht masts or sit in the window seat upstairs and watch the sun set over the estuary. It’s a 1.5-mile ramble over to pretty Rockcliffe for homemade cake at the Garden Room cafe. Or drive 20 minutes to Castle Douglas to browse the shops and visit Threave Garden. Sleeps four, from £708 a week, gonetothebeach.co.uk
Tradition with a twist, Aberdeenshire
Photograph: Kym Grimshaw
Overlooking the river on the Glen Dye estate near Banchory, Gamekeeper’s Cottage is a model of modern country style. Its traditional sash windows, wooden floorboards and Highland stonework form a homely backdrop to bright artworks, colourful textiles and vintage finds. Cosy as it is, stays here are all about exploring the estate. With 15,000 acres of moorland, woods and riverbanks on hand, there are endless possibilities for hiking, forest bathing and wild swimming, plus food and crafts events. Guests can choose add-on experiences, from sessions in a wood-fired hot tub or woodland sauna to game-cooking masterclasses and natural ink workshops. Sleeps six, from £1,315 a week, glendyecabinsandcottages.com
A waterside hideaway in the Highlands
You know you’re on the right lines when the website for a property, like this waterside hideaway near Gairloch, has a tab for “adventures” rather than just “things to do”. When you’re done visiting Inverewe Gardens, taking an otter safari or coasteering, Arrowdale makes a luxurious base to retreat to, with its wood-burning stove, high-spec kitchen and panoramic windows. Shieldaig Lodge is less than a mile away for decadent dining or a dram with a view, or you can enjoy scenic picnics in the extensive grounds. One option is a deserted beach that’s just a 30-minute paddle away – two tandem kayaks come with the house. Sleeps six, from £2,350 a week, sawdays.co.uk
A harbourside haven in the Scottish Borders
There’s magic at every turn at the dinky Blue Cabin by the Sea, perched above Cove harbour like an outcrop of lazurite. Run as a fundraising enterprise to help pay for the harbour’s upkeep, it’s approached on foot via a tunnel. Owned by architect Ben Tindall and sculptor Jill Watson, it has a cornflower-blue sitting room with Orkney chairs, two pea-green bedrooms, one with bunks, and a kitchen with cupboard handles shaped like fronds of seaweed. Swim in the harbour, keeping an eye out for seals, buy crab from local fishers, walk along the coast to the ruins of Fast Castle or visit Dunbar, a 15-minute drive north, to visit conservationist John Muir’s Birthplace. Sleeps four, from £1,250 a week, bluecabinbythesea.co.uk
WALES
A manor house in Gwynedd
Character seeps from every stone at this seven-bedroom manor house near Porthmadog on the north Wales coast. It’s just the place if you’re dreaming of an Enid Blyton-style group gathering. Though Carregfelen dates from the 14th century, it was extended in the 1920s by the owner’s uncle, Clough Williams-Ellis, and has many of the Portmeirion architect’s signature traits, from the turquoise paintwork to gardens designed to frame spectacular views (in this case, of Moel y Gest mountain). Inglenook fireplaces, a show-stopping dining room and walls lavishly hung with art complete the scene. Book a private session in the estate’s woodland sauna after a day hiking the hills or the craggy ruins of Criccieth Castle. Sleeps 11, from £3,034 a week, wernholidaycottages.co.uk
Comfort and character in Ynys Môn (Anglesey)
Steps from the beach in pretty Beaumaris, Porth Hir has been looking out over the Menai strait to Eryri (Snowdonia) for 400 years. Pairing beams, antique furniture and decorative plasterwork with a modern range cooker, king-size beds and luxury bedlinen, it’s comfortable as well as characterful. A covered veranda means you can sit outside even on rain-soaked evenings, or gather in the first-floor lounge to watch the light fade over the sea. Visit Beaumaris Castle, go crabbing off the pier or walk along the coast path to the hamlet of Moel y Don, stopping off at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens or Grade I-listed Plas Newydd house. Sleeps six, from £1,500 a week, porthhiranglesey.co.uk
A cute thatch in Ceredigion
Wake to birdsong and fall asleep to the gentle rush of the river at 300-year-old Glan Yr Afon in Cardigan Bay. Set along what was once a drovers’ road (rumour has it that Owain Glyndŵr and his men once marched along it), this thatched hideaway near Llangrannog balances modern plumbing, electrics and insulation with carefully preserved architectural details. There’s space for four, with a king-size bedroom on the ground floor and a twin upstairs, and if the garden looks pretty as a picture that’s because it’s tended by an artist. Wander through woods to the coast; the Plwmp Tart cafe, above Penbryn beach, makes an excellent end goal. Sleeps four, from £1,350 a week, thatchedin.wales
Coastal seclusion, Gwynedd
Photograph: Matt Davies
Perched in the hills outside Aberdyfi, with its four-mile ribbon of sand, Glygyrog Wen makes a comfortable lookout on this mesmerising coastline, with its big skies, shifting tides and string of cafes, pubs and shops. It’s also a great base for walks through the moors, woodland and dunes of the Dyfi Biosphere. It’s not just about location, however. A high-spec kitchen, gleaming dining room, light-soaked lounge and four bedrooms provide plenty of space for groups or families to unwind, while a games barn ensures rain needn’t stop play. Downstairs is table tennis and table football, while upstairs is a mezzanine bar. Sleeps eight, from £1,955 a week, cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk
Stay on a vineyard in Powys
If Highbrook Cottage was a wine it would be crisp and biscuity, with a hint of zest. This pretty hideaway is set on a low-intervention vineyard near Presteigne, and its sorbet-coloured paintwork, tapestry blankets and a welcome pack plump with homemade welshcakes give traditional Welsh hospitality a fresh modern update. For zero-miles sipping, you can order the owners’ wine to be waiting for you on arrival. Head off on walks in the Radnor Forest or drive 15 minutes across the border into Herefordshire to visit the market in Kington, or stroll around the leafy idyll that is Hergest Croft Gardens. Sleeps four, from £765 a week, whinyardrocks.com
A former coaching inn in Carmarthenshire
A 17th-century coaching inn near Meidrim, painstakingly restored by a former Landmark Trust and National Trust conservation specialist, Maenllwyd pairs cosy fires and antique Welsh dressers with a smart walk-in shower and modern range cooker. It’s dog-friendly, and canine guests also have the run of an enclosed three-acre field. Human visitors seeking exercise are catered for too, with a full-size pickleball court and outdoor play equipment for younger children. By car, the Carmarthenshire coast is 30 minutes away for beach days. Laugharne, with its medieval castle and Dylan Thomas’s boathouse, is even closer. Sleeps seven, from £1,669 a week, underthethatch.co.uk
NORTHERN IRELAND
A rural retreat in County Derry
Taking his great-great-uncle Barney’s derelict cottage near Maghera as a starting point, local architect Patrick Bradley added a cantilevered shipping container to create a rural retreat that honours new and old alike. Inside is a plywood-lined kitchen and dining space, bathroom and double bedroom, with sliding doors opening on to a balcony. Outside is a firepit seating area and twin outdoor bathtubs, looking out over the adjacent meadow. The An Croí Coffee House and Bistro, a social enterprise cafe, is three minutes’ drive away for homemade soups or pancakes, and Seamus Heaney HomePlace, an arts centre celebrating the life and work of the great Irish poet, is a 20-minute drive. Sleeps two, from £810 a week, barneysruins.com
A stylish stable, County Derry
Stable One is the fourth cottage to open at Camus House, a listed Georgian estate outside Coleraine. It’s a stylishly restored outbuilding with an open-plan kitchen, dining room and living room, its restful buttermilk and caramel paintwork brought to life by vintage furniture and fresh flowers. Great for forays to the Causeway Coast beaches, it’s a 20-minutes drive from Portstewart Strand, Whiterocks or Downhill. The fact the owners previously ran a cafe means the welcome pack is a step above the norm. Fuel up on homemade jam, local bread and granola before hitting the leafy riverside walk that starts directly opposite the house. Sleeps four, from £1,148 a week, airbnb.co.uk
All prices are for late May and June, and were correct at the time of going to press
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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The lido could be built on the site of a former leisure centreCredit: Friends of River Park
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Winchester’s River Park Leisure Centre, which closed in 2021, would instead have an outdoor swimmingpool, 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.
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.
New renders have revealed the design for Winchester’s potential lidoCredit: Design Engine Architects
“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.”
The site of the River Park Leisure Centre has been marked for the lidoCredit: Alamy
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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Trefach Holiday Park has been revealed to be the most family-friendly campsiteCredit: UnknownFor entertainment, the holiday park has a heated swimming poolCredit: Unknown
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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’.
When it comes to entertainment during the summer, Trefach Holiday Park’s star of the show is definitely its swimmingpool.
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.
There’s also a children’s play area and an arcadeCredit: Unknown
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.
The heated pool is open between May 25 and September 4Credit: hoseasonsThere’s an on-site bar and restaurant for campers tooCredit: Hoseasons
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.
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.
Here are the top 10 campsites for families….
Trefach Holiday Park, Pembrokeshire (scored 9.3 for child-friendliness)
Jubilee Camping, Hampshire (scored 9.2 for child-friendliness)
Panoramic Camping and Glamping, Swansea (scored 8.9 for child-friendliness)
Little Thornham Holidays, Wiltshire (scored 8.9 for child-friendliness)
Magical Malpas PYO Farm, Cheshire (scored 8.8 for child-friendliness)
Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, Perthshire (scored 8.8 for child-friendliness)
Puddleduck Glamping, Lancashire (scored 8.8 for child-friendliness)
South Ford Farm Camping, Devon (scored 8.8 for child-friendliness)
Poplar Grove Farm Caravan Park, Lancashire (scored 8.7 for child-friendliness)
Riverside Holiday Village, Somerset (scored 8.7 for child-friendliness)
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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The lido on the outskirts of Saltdean has just won an awardCredit: Saltdean Lido The art deco pool finished a 14-year-long refurb in 2024Credit: Refer to Source
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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.
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.”
The lido has a kids splash pool and grassy area tooCredit: Alamy
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
15:47, 13 May 2026Updated 15:48, 13 May 2026
Many sites on the top 10 list have swimming pools for families(Image: pitchup)
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.
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.”
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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Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park is set to add sauna pods, gym and plunge poolCredit: PitchupWhitemills has an enormous aqua park inflatable on its lakeCredit: Pitchup
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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.
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 nextsteps, with construction expected to begin in the autumn.”
The Aqua Park now has cosy wooden lodges for overnight staysCredit: Pitchup
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.
There is an existing sauna already on site which is designed for ‘deep muscle relaxation, detoxification, and stress relief’.
Sandwich Bay Beach is less than a 15-minute drive awayCredit: Alamy
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.
Sessions on the aqua park start from £22.50ppCredit: Tripadvisor
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.
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.”
It is also called the Sunshine Coast for having some of the UK’s driest weatherCredit: AlamyThe pool will be open until August 31Credit: Google maps
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.
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The first designs for a new sports facility in Peterborough have been releasedCredit: Peterborough City CouncilThe site is set to include an eight-lane 25m pool as well as a 20m activity pool with a moveable floorCredit: Peterborough Leisure
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.
A planning application is due to be submitted in July, outling the works planned for the city’s Embankment areaCredit: Peterborough City CouncilWork on the £36million project is set to begin in early 2027, with the site opening the following yearCredit: Peterborough City Council
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.
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Seven outdoor pools are open this summer in the UK, offering swimmers heated watersCredit: PASwimmers of all abilities are welcome at these heated pools throughout the summerCredit: EPA
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.
Charlton Lido & Lifestyle Club keeps water temperatures between a comfortable 22 and 28 degreesCredit: Alamy
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
London Fields Lido offers Olympic-length lanes for fitness swimmers and learners alikeCredit: Alamy
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
Oasis Sports Centre is located in Camden and described as one of London’s best kept secretsCredit: Tripadvisor
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
Pools On the Park is open year-round for swimmers in LondonCredit: 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
Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool in Oxfordshire includes a splash pad for young childrenCredit: Facebook/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
Riverside Park and Pools also features an on-site cafe and a splash park for little childrenCredit: Wallingford Town Council
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
Woodstock Open Air Pool has lane swimming and a diving boardCredit: Facebook
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.
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.”
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.
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Hilsea Lido will reopen to the public from today (May 2)Credit: SolentThe seaside lido has been closed for four years as it undergoes a major revampCredit: Portsmouth City Council
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.
The lido was formerly used as a Team GB Olympic training poolCredit: SolentThe refurbished lido also has a sauna on siteCredit: Solent
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.
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Droitwich Spa Lido is one of the only remaining open air saltwater lidos in the countryCredit: Alamy
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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.”
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.
Top 10 lidos and outdoor pools in the UK
Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall
Tinside Lido, Plymouth, Devon
Brockwell Lido, London
Hathersage Swimming Pool, Peak District, Derbyshire
Saltdean Lido, Brighton, East Sussex
Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Bristol Lido, Clifton, Bristol
Ilkley Lido, West Yorkshire
Gourock Outdoor Pool, Inverclyde, Scotland
Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool, Cheshire
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.
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 will reopen on May 2Credit: Google maps
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 in Somerset will also reopen on May 2Credit: Google maps
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.
Totting Bec Lido recently underwent a £4million refurbCredit: Alamy
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.”
Backpill Lido, which is free to visit, will reopen on May 2Credit: Supplied
Blackpill Lido, Swansea
Blackpill Lido in Swansea, Wales, is completely free to visit and will reopen on May 2.
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.
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The pool re-opened in 2015 following a multi-million pound renovationCredit: Ceri BreezeThe lido offers three pools, an outdoor play areas and an inflatable course on weekendsCredit: Ceri Breeze
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.
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.
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Tooting Bec Lido is reopening this week for the spring and summer seasonCredit: AlamyIt underwent a huge renovation last year as well, costing millionsCredit: Alamy
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.
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.
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.
The lido’s facilities also include an ice cream parlour and food van on siteCredit: Portsmouth City Council
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.
Saunas will also be part of the new designCredit: Alamy
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.
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Cotswold Country Beach is the UK’s largest inland beachCredit: AlamyRutland Water has 140 metres of sandy shorelineCredit: Alamy
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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.
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 minigolf 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 amini 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 theAqua Parkinflatable course,mini-golf, andwatersportsrequires paid-for tickets.
If you actually want to see the coastline, check out our favourite seaside towns…
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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A number of UK lidos are being upgrading this year including Portishead Open Air Pool (pictured)Credit: TripAdvisorHilsea Lido will also reopen this year, having been closed since 2022Credit: Instagram/Hilsea LidoA floating lido is set to open in Canary Wharf, London, this summerCredit: Sea Lanes
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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.
The brand new £4million heated lido will have a huge pool, kids’ splash park and spa zone.
A new lido will also open with a spa in Illford, called Valentines LidoCredit: Redbridge Council
Our favourite UK holiday parks
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The refurb at Hilsea Lido will cost £7.75millionCredit: Facebook
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.
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.
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Portishead Open Air Pool has opened after a £1.3million refurbishmentCredit: TripAdvisorThe café at the swimming pool in Portishead has a new look tooCredit: Portishead Open Air Pool
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.
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.
Portishead Open Air Pool has recently reopened after a huge makeoverCredit: Alamy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
