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.
Read more on travel inspo
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.