Unique Victorian lido with outdoor lazy river to reopen with new £250k splash zone
Plus, the European 'pleasure island' with lido, flumes and wave pool with new TUI flights from the UK
DIVE IN Unique Victorian lido with outdoor lazy river to reopen with new £250k splash zone
THE only remaining riverside tidal lido in the UK is reopening soon with a new 'splash' feature following a £250,000 refurbishment.
The Strand Lido and Leisure Park in Gillingham, in Kent, has reopened with a new splash pad.
Advertisement
5
The new splash pad has opened for the summer season
Credit: instagram/@medwaysport
5
It is the UK's only remaining riverside tidal lido
Credit: The Strand Pool
5
Visitors can also enjoy a lido and lazy river
Credit: instagram/@medwaysport
The lido's new splash pad is designed for children between three and 11-years-old.
The new water feature has 30 sensor-activated waterjets in a beach-themed play area, as well as new bins and railings.
The existing paddling pool has reopened, too.
Overall, the leisure complex includes an outdoor leisure pool, six 25-metre lanes for swimming, a 300-metre lazy river, a café and play areas.
Advertisement
There is also a pool inflatable shop on site, a poolside cafe, changing areas and toilets.
The Strand Park, more widely, is home to a miniature train ride, four newly refurbished tennis courts, an outdoor gym, riverside walks, a picnic area and access to the pebbled beach area.
The Strand originally opened in 1896 and is now the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country.
Last year it was officially recognised as being 'historically significant' after gaining membership to Historic Pools of Britain.
Advertisement
Speaking previously, Councillor Nina Gurung, Medway Council's portfolio holder for heritage, culture and leisure, said: "We are proud to have invested in this exciting project to improve the already great offering and add a brand-new fun feature for our children and families to enjoy both this summer and for years to come."
To access the pools, sessions need to be booked online.
Historic 'on-of-a-kind' lido has three heated swimming pools
Adult admission costs £7.20, whilst it costs £4.75 for juniors and seniors.
According to Clare Short, from Historic Pools of Britain, The Strand Lido is a "pool that epitomises the spirit of lidos as a place for fun and wellbeing, which it has been providing to its community and visitors for over 120 years, and that is historically significant as the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country."
Advertisement
In addition, the pool is Medway's only open air swimming pool or lido.
After heading to the lido last year, one visitor said: "[Strand Lido] felt a bit like being on holiday and the kids loved it.
"We played in the lovely park after and done the little train ride - kids enjoyed that.
5
The pool is Medway's only open air swimming pool or lido
Credit: instagram/@medwaysport
Advertisement
"The fair was on too. [It] was as a nice little day out and local too."
Another added: "Just loved this place so much to entertain our two-year-old. [A] sand pit, train, swings, slides, paddling pool, pebbles, water … everything a little person could want."
A seafront English lido named one of the best in Europe has also reopened with £4.5million revamp to be unveiled in weeks.
Plus, the European 'pleasure island' with lido, flumes and wave pool gets new TUI flights from the UK.
Advertisement
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
TUI issues travel update to tourists as 6.2 mag earthquake rocks holiday island
TUI has sent an urgent message to holidaymakers in Rhodes, Greece following a huge 6.2 magnitude earthquake hitting the holiday island in the early hours of this morning A huge earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale has rocked the Greek island of Rhodes today. The earthquake was felt across the island with tourists reporting hotels were 'violently swaying and shaking' during the quake. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) a quake measuring a magnitude of 6.2 at 2.17am this morning. A nearby earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale hit Marmaris, Turkey in the early hours of this morning. Marmaris' governor, Idris Akbiyik, reported that seven people were being treated for injuries after jumping from windows or balconies in panic but there was no immediate report of any serious damage. Over 282 reports have bene made to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) about the earthquake in Marmaris that was measured at 74km deep. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage according to USGS. Holidaymakeres have taken to social media to share how they were awoken by the quake this morning. One person wrote on X: "Woke us up — the hotel room shook violently while we were on holiday in Rhodes. Never felt an earthquake before, so it was a little concerning." Another wrote: "My best friend is out in Rhodes and not long been woken up by a 6+ magnitude earthquake, Is there anymore chance of any other earthquake or repercussions occurring ? Thank you." A message sent by TUI to a Brit tourist currently holidaying in Rhodes reads: "Dear Guests. We would like to inform you that an earthquake occurred at 02.17am with a magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was located approximately 18 kilometres from Rhodes, at a depth of 68 kilometers (42 miles). "Local authorities are currently assessing the situation. At this time, there are no reports of significant damage or injuries. As a precaution, please remain calm and follow any safety instructions provided by your accommodation or local officials. "Should any specific action be required on your part, rest assured that we will contact you directly with further guidance. Your safety and well-being are our top priority." TUI holidays fly from over 20 UK airports to over 100 destinations, it's a popular choice among people looking for package holidays. Rhodes is a popular holiday destination for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and the well-preserved Medieval Old Town. While Turkey is loved by tourists for its stunning beaches, ancient historical sites, and a unique blend of East and West cultures. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. The FCDO have yet to issue any warnings for Brits traveling to Rhodes or Turkey. The extent of damage to buildings in both Rhodes and Marmaris is not yet known.
Daily Mirror
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Hotels in Greece and Turkey 'sway and shake' after massive 6.2 mag quake hits
A huge earthquake has caused hotels in Rhodes and Turkey to "sway and shake really violently" this morning. At around 12.30am a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck 16 miles from Rhodes, Greece. The tremor was felt across parts of Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Greece, and several other countries in the region. The coastal town of Marmaris in nearby Turkey was also hit by an earthquake at around 2.17am this mroning. It has been reported that at least seven people were injured while trying escape homes in panic. It is not yet known if any infastructure has been damaged or if any injuries have been reported in Rhodes. Holidaymakers in Rhodes, Greece have been sent an ugent message by TUI this morning. In the message hey stress: "please remain calm and follow any safety instructions provided by your accommodation or local officials." The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. The FCDO have yet to issue any warnings for Brits traveling to Rhodes or Turkey. The Mediterranean region is seismically active. Earthquakes have historically caused widespread damage across central and southern Greece, Cyprus, Sicily, Crete, the Nile Delta, Northern Libya, the Atlas Mountains of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The highest rates of seismicity in the Mediterranean region are found along the Hellenic subduction zone of southern Greece, along the North Anatolian Fault Zone of western Turkey and the Calabrian subduction zone of southern Italy. So far 273 reports have been made to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) about the earthquake in Marmaris that was masured at 74km deep. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage according to USGS. A 5.8-magnitude earthquake shook the Mediterranean coastal town of Marmaris this morning, Turkey's disaster management agency said. At least seven people were injured while trying escape homes in panic. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency said the earthquake was centered in the Mediterranean Sea and struck at 02:17 a.m. It was felt in neighboring regions, including in the Greek island of Rhodes, waking many from their sleep, Turkey's NTV television reported. Marmaris' governor, Idris Akbiyik, told the station that seven people were being treated for injuries after jumping from windows or balconies in panic but there was no immediate report of any serious damage. Turkey sits on top of major fault lines and earthquakes are frequent. One tourist took to X to say: "Woke us up — the hotel room shook violently while we were on holiday in Rhodes. Never felt an earthquake before, so it was a little concerning." My best friend is out in Rhodes and not long been woken up by a 6+ magnitude earthquake, Is there anymore chance of any other earthquake or repercussions occurring ? Thank you According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), a significant earthquake occurred on June 3, 2025, at 12.17am UTC, registering a magnitude of 6.2. #Earthquake (#σεισμός) M6.2 strikes 20 km W of #Ródos (#Greece) 3 min ago. More info:
Daily Mirror
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Underrated UK seaside town to get £30 million boost with direct link to big city
The Grand Central route connecting the English capital and Lincolnshire seaside town of Cleethorpes would stop at Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Thorne South, Crowle and Althorpe stations An underrated seaside town is about to enjoy a major boost when a direct train line to London is launched. Plans are afoot to bring back direct trains between Cleethorpes and London King's Cross for the first time since 1992. Rail operator Grand Central is hoping to be given permission from Network Rail to start running the services again. The route connecting the English capital and Lincolnshire seaside town would stop at Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Thorne South, Crowle and Althorpe stations. Grand Central hopes to run four return services per day, offering an extra 775,000 seats annually. The rail firm has estimated this could bring an extra £30 million in economic growth to the region. Simon Lightwood, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport, said: "The Department continues to review the application from Grand Central to introduce open-access services between London and Cleethorpes, and will provide its views to the regulator in due course. Access to the rail network, however, is ultimately a decision for the regulator." If the plans are approved by Network Rail, the services could start running from December 2026. That will mean the three and a half hour journey between the two settlements will be cut significantly, and the now required change at Doncaster would be ditched. As well as providing swifter access to London for the 30,000 people that live in Cleethorpes, the new service gives great access to the seaside town for those living along the route. The modestly sized Victorian seaside resort has four miles of soft golden sands and has been a tourist 'magnet' since its railway opened back in 1863. While many of the UK's coastal gems have fallen into disrepair following the boom in holidays over to sunny Spain, Cleethorpes has managed to preserve its glamorous nostalgia. Snuggled on the estuary of the Humber in North East Lincolnshire, the town ticks all the coastal must-haves. There are swathes of bright-light arcades, a string of souvenir shops flogging rock (the sweet kind) and fridge magnets, and a long-stretching promenade offering stunning sea views. Cleethorpes has also become a haven for water sports enthusiasts, bird-watchers, and adrenaline seekers alike. On a sunny day, the town is a great place to spot wildlife on the saltmarsh, paddle-board or kite surf out into the sea, or make your stomach churn on the funfair. . Often touted as Britain's best chippy, Papa's is conveniently located on Cleethorpes Pier - and regularly sees punters queuing for hours to get their hands on some well-deserved fried food. Cleethorpes has kept its reputation as an affordable holiday destination, with a plethora of accommodations catering to different budgets. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, April 25-27) in a 'luxury' apartment on the beachfront costs £170, based on two adults sharing.
