One of UK's oldest lidos with water slides, sauna & gym to stay open ALL winter under new plans
5
Guildford Lido reopened this weekend following refurbishment
Credit: Guildford Lido
5
The lido includes water slides and a children's play area
Credit: Guildford Lido
5
Entry costs from £5.57
Credit: Guildford Lido
The change will see the
PROCUREMENT EXERCISE
The Lido was closed in November last year for renovation but has since reopened.
Guildford Borough Council has announced it hopes to award a new
An existing contract that oversees the management and delivery of services at Guildford Spectrum,
Read more in Travel
The council said it undertook a "robust" procurement exercise to secure a future operator from November this year.
FREEDOM LEISURE PROPOSAL
What was included in the Freedom Leisure proposal?
Introduction of a state-of-the-art soft play facility to replace the undersized existing soft play provision at the Spectrum
Expansion and re-design of the existing Spectrum gym
Introduction of a new mini golf solution, 'Puttify'
Installation of a new interactive water splash pad and play area within the Spectrum Leisure pool
For the Lido, a new Reformer Pilates and Yoga/Hot Yoga Studio to replace the existing gym
Three new floodlit Padel Tennis Courts (to replace the redundant crazy golf site and existing catering building)
Sauna Cabin & Ice bath therapy dip pools
Floodlights for year-round swimming
For the first time since 2020 year round
Freedom Leisure proposed operating the pool during the suimmer and between 7am and 9pm during winter months.
Most read in News Travel
This would be subject to external lighting being installed at the
THE NEW CONTRACT
The new contract would see the winning tenderer commit to paying an average annual management fee of approximately £2.5 million over a decade long period.
Historic UK lido with 'stunning' mountain views that has been abandoned for decades
The current operator paid the council just £1.1 million in 2024/2025.
The council currently sorts out the utility bills for the
New arrangements would see the
The
5
The Lido's cafe has also been upgraded
Credit: BPM
5
Visitors can purchase a season pass from £115
Credit: Refer to Source - Alamy
A key risk of the new contract is the potential for a significant increase in utility bills meaning extra costs for the
If the council does not agree to fund the investment in leisure, the operator would either not deliver on its promises or would have to
The proposed contractor still has a number of hurdles to get over before being handed the facilities.
A final decision is due to be made at the end of July but before then
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer
:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
"If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
"It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life".
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: 'Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
'Children may try to grab these from the pool's edge and fall in."
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman,
"And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
'
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The Irish Sun
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- The Irish Sun
One of UK's oldest lidos with water slides, sauna & gym to stay open ALL winter under new plans
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