A TOWN in Hertfordshire that has been compared to southern France has just had an upgrade to its lido.
The outdoor pool in Hitchin has reopened for the summer season with some new upgrades.
The 50 metre heated lido on the outskirts of the town first opened in 1938 and reopened on 23 May this year for the swim season.
It has an art deco design and is surrounded by sunbathing terraces; there’s also a lawned area for picnicking.
Prior to it reopening for this year’s summer season, Hitchin Lido had upgrades to its changing rooms including new cubicles, lockers, sinks, tile flooring and mirrors.
The funding was given to the lido from a former swimmer, Hazel Jacobs, who left money in her will after passing away two years ago.
Paul Francis, general manager at Hitchin Lido, said: “We are truly grateful to Hazel for this wonderful gift to the Lido.
“The refurbishment has transformed the facilities for our visitors, with new lockers, improved changing rooms and a much fresher environment for everyone to enjoy.”
It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to the lido as it can get very busy during the summer.
Tickets for adults start from £5.80 and children from £2.90.
The Hertfordshire town has been compared to the south of France in recent years thanks to its European-style attraction that’s been called “Little Provence” by visitors.
Hitchin Lavender is just outside of the town and is a pretty lavender field that one visitor said “feels like France rather then Hitchin!”
This year, Hitchin Lavender opens on June 20 and closes on August 7.
Tickets can be booked online from £7.53.
If you visit the main town, you’ll find Hitchin has cobbled streets and is filled with coffee shops.
And while it doesn’t feel like Provence, Travel Reporter Alice Penwill did compare it to another destination.
She said: “When it comes to looking like France, I’d say the market square is one of the only parts that does, however it reminds me more of a town in somewhere northern like Normandy, rather than the south.
“There were food and drink vans pitched up on the sides with a few seats dotted around, a large clock and a corn exchange building with a cupola and weather vane – which I have seen in France.”
She added: “Another hint of France was the tall houses and bars with the classic-looking wooden timber beams and window frames (although this trait is arguably both French and English).
“There are at least five bakeries though, which I’ll grant the TikTokers is a key factor in all French towns.”
Hitchin is known for its bustling food and drink scene from Hermitage, which is a restaurant, cocktail bar, bagel shop, and oyster bar all under one roof.
When it comes to pubs, the Kite at The Red Hart is a popular stop, as is The George and the Wetherspoons called The Angel Vaults Inn.