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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Treasured art-deco lido on UK seafront opens new cove, pool and cafe in £4.5million revamp
AN iconic lido with stunning coastal views has opened exciting new facilities as part of ongoing works. The 3 Tinside Lido has undergone a £4.5 million revamp to add year-round spaces to the facility Credit: Tinside Lido 3 The outdoor pool offers stunning views across Plymouth Sound Credit: Tinside Lido This historic structure has been part of the Tinside landscape for almost a century, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Originally opened in 1935, the premises was refurbished for the first time in 2005. And now, the Tinside Lido has officially opened new spaces, further enhancing its draw to tourists and locals alike. The outdoor pool has been carefully restored and reimagined as part of the UK's first National Marine Park. Read More On Lidos Underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building have been transformed as part of the development. Recent revamp The project was carried out to safeguard the space for future generations and has created a connection with Plymouth Sound. As part of the work, the first floor of the lido has been brought back into use as a flexible, multi-purpose space. It has been earmarked for youth activities, digital learning, training, and events, and is supported by a new kitchen and bar facility. Most read in News Travel Meanwhile, the sun terrace has been revitalised with a café pod and a pop-up event space. Ramped access has also been installed to ensure everyone can enjoy the stunning views. New £4million lido to open in UK next year In addition, the building that provides both pool and cove access, has been remodelled to include improved accessibility and changing facilities. This work was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund's Heritage Horizons Award, the UK Government's Youth Investment Fund and Levelling Up Fund, and Plymouth City Council. Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, spoke about the revamp. 'People use the word iconic all the time but Tinside honestly is," he said. "It's treasured not only by the people of Plymouth but visitors from far and wide – and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city, if not the country. 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. ' "But it's not just a spectacular place to go for a swim and take in our amazing waterfront." He went on to say that the renovation has breathed "new life" into the area. 'This regeneration is such an important project for the city," the councillor continued. "It's not only protected a much-loved part of Plymouth's heritage. "It's helped to secure its future, by creating new, inspirational spaces that the whole community – and visitors to the city – can enjoy for many years to come. Exciting times are ahead.' Taryn Nixon, trustee at The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Chair of England – London and South Committee, also spoke about the work. 'Tinside Lido is a shining example of reinvesting in our heritage to create amazing new opportunities for people and for the city," she said. "The lido has been such an iconic part of Plymouth's identity since 1935 and thanks to National Lottery players it has been given new life, in its 90th birthday year, for completely new audiences to connect with Plymouth's rich ocean heritage. "The Heritage Fund is very proud to have been able to support this ambitious project and the wider Plymouth Sound National Marine Park through our Heritage Horizon Awards.' The National Lottery Heritage Fund launched the Heritage Horizons Awards in 2019 to support ambitious, innovative, and transformational projects hoping to revolutionise UK heritage. These awards help to transform lives and economies, and also put the UK at the lead of major environmental, cultural, and heritage projects. They also show confidence in the country's heritage sector to rebuild and thrive. Plymouth Active, which operates Tinside Lido in partnership with the Council, has also welcomed the project's completion. It noted its significance for the future of the lido and its commitment to giving every child in Plymouth the opportunity to learn to swim. Year-round space Rhys Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Active, spoke to the 'We're delighted to see these new spaces at Tinside Lido open for the community," he said. "Tinside is a vital part of our mission to give every child in Plymouth the chance to learn to swim and develop a love for the water. "The new facilities also open up opportunities for events and activities that will help sustain Tinside for future generations.' The restoration also paves the way for new uses to support the lido's long-term sustainability, year-round. This includes the potential to host silent discos, open-air cinema events, and weddings,. These events would generate income that will help sustain youth activities beyond the five-year Heritage Horizons Award period. More on lidos Plus, another And An Plus, a 3 Tinside Lido now features a cafe pod, cove access, and an indoor area for hosting events Credit: Alamy


Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Treasured art-deco lido on UK seafront opens new cove, pool and cafe in £4.5million revamp
The revamp sets the space up for year-round use SPLASH OUT Treasured art-deco lido on UK seafront opens new cove, pool and cafe in £4.5million revamp AN iconic lido with stunning coastal views has opened exciting new facilities as part of ongoing works. The major renovation has totalled £4.5 million and includes a new cove cafe and bar on the premises. Advertisement 3 Tinside Lido has undergone a £4.5 million revamp to add year-round spaces to the facility Credit: Tinside Lido 3 The outdoor pool offers stunning views across Plymouth Sound Credit: Tinside Lido This historic structure has been part of the Tinside landscape for almost a century, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Originally opened in 1935, the premises was refurbished for the first time in 2005. And now, the Tinside Lido has officially opened new spaces, further enhancing its draw to tourists and locals alike. The outdoor pool has been carefully restored and reimagined as part of the UK's first National Marine Park. Advertisement Underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building have been transformed as part of the development. Recent revamp The project was carried out to safeguard the space for future generations and has created a connection with Plymouth Sound. As part of the work, the first floor of the lido has been brought back into use as a flexible, multi-purpose space. It has been earmarked for youth activities, digital learning, training, and events, and is supported by a new kitchen and bar facility. Advertisement Meanwhile, the sun terrace has been revitalised with a café pod and a pop-up event space. Ramped access has also been installed to ensure everyone can enjoy the stunning views. New £4million lido to open in UK next year In addition, the building that provides both pool and cove access, has been remodelled to include improved accessibility and changing facilities. This work was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund's Heritage Horizons Award, the UK Government's Youth Investment Fund and Levelling Up Fund, and Plymouth City Council. Advertisement Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, spoke about the revamp. 'People use the word iconic all the time but Tinside honestly is," he said. "It's treasured not only by the people of Plymouth but visitors from far and wide – and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city, if not the country. 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 Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: "Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency. "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, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: "Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult. "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. 'Waterparks are often very busy places and it's easy to lose sight of a child in a split second." "But it's not just a spectacular place to go for a swim and take in our amazing waterfront." Advertisement He went on to say that the renovation has breathed "new life" into the area. 'This regeneration is such an important project for the city," the councillor continued. "It's not only protected a much-loved part of Plymouth's heritage. "It's helped to secure its future, by creating new, inspirational spaces that the whole community – and visitors to the city – can enjoy for many years to come. Exciting times are ahead.' Advertisement Taryn Nixon, trustee at The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Chair of England – London and South Committee, also spoke about the work. 'Tinside Lido is a shining example of reinvesting in our heritage to create amazing new opportunities for people and for the city," she said. "The lido has been such an iconic part of Plymouth's identity since 1935 and thanks to National Lottery players it has been given new life, in its 90th birthday year, for completely new audiences to connect with Plymouth's rich ocean heritage. "The Heritage Fund is very proud to have been able to support this ambitious project and the wider Plymouth Sound National Marine Park through our Heritage Horizon Awards.' Advertisement The National Lottery Heritage Fund launched the Heritage Horizons Awards in 2019 to support ambitious, innovative, and transformational projects hoping to revolutionise UK heritage. These awards help to transform lives and economies, and also put the UK at the lead of major environmental, cultural, and heritage projects. They also show confidence in the country's heritage sector to rebuild and thrive. Plymouth Active, which operates Tinside Lido in partnership with the Council, has also welcomed the project's completion. Advertisement It noted its significance for the future of the lido and its commitment to giving every child in Plymouth the opportunity to learn to swim. Year-round space Rhys Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Active, spoke to the Plymouth Herald about the revitalised space. 'We're delighted to see these new spaces at Tinside Lido open for the community," he said. "Tinside is a vital part of our mission to give every child in Plymouth the chance to learn to swim and develop a love for the water. Advertisement "The new facilities also open up opportunities for events and activities that will help sustain Tinside for future generations.' The restoration also paves the way for new uses to support the lido's long-term sustainability, year-round. This includes the potential to host silent discos, open-air cinema events, and weddings,. These events would generate income that will help sustain youth activities beyond the five-year Heritage Horizons Award period. Advertisement More on lidos Plus, another historic seaside lido, which has been abandoned for decades. And Britain's deepest lido, which boasts its own lagoon, is set to reopen after a three-year closure. An historic lido featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool and waterslide has reopened after a £130,000 upgrade. Plus, a historic lido with "stunning" mountain views that has been abandoned for decades. Advertisement


Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Map reveals UK's 10 best lidos to take a dip in this summer with 1930s art-deco pool topping list – some are even free
THE UK'S 10 best lidos have been revealed, with a 1930s pool with its own sauna topping the list. With the school holidays just around the corner, and more sunny days on the way, many parents will be looking for ways to entertain their kids on the cheap. Lidos provide hours of fun for the whole family, with many having spots to sunbathe and even free entry. 1. Brockwell Lido The AA analysed 164 UK lidos and outdoor pools based on reviews, search volume, Instagram tags, entry, parking fees, temperature and hours of sunlight, and Brockwell Lido came out on top, with a score of 82.9/100. 9 Brockwell Lido is in south west London The south-west London lido features a 1930s art deco, Grade II listed building, a large 50m pool and even it's own cafe. Those not keen on swimming can even visit the sauna, and there are plenty of spots to sunbathe too. 2. Tooting Bec Lido Just down the road from Brockwell is Tooting Bec Lido, which came second on the list, with a score of 76.41. 9 Tooting Lido is one of the oldest in the UK Credit: Alamy This lido is one of the oldest in the UK, having been built in 1906 and is the UK's largest freshwater swimming pool, measuring 91.4m in length. It has a cafe, plenty of space to sunbathe and even a separate pool for kids. 3. Sale Water Park A Greater Manchester gem, Sale Water Park is third on the list, with a score of 76.34. The man-made lake was created from a former gravel pit used in the construction of the M60 motorway. It is popular for water sports such as kayaking, sailing and windsurfing, and you can swim in the lake during designated swimming sessions. Look around historic 200-year-old lido with stunning seaside views abandoned for decades 4. London Fields Lido Over in East London, London Fields Lido came fourth on the list, with a score of 71.13. 9 People take to the water for an early morning cool down at London Fields Lido, in Hackney, east London Credit: Alamy The popular swimming spot opened way back in 1932 and is one of the capital's only heated pools, meaning it is open all year round. It has a sundeck and a cafe, with swimming lessons and fitness classes held in the pool. 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 Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: "Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency. "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, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: "Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult. "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. 'Waterparks are often very busy places and it's easy to lose sight of a child in a split second." 5. Thames Lido Thames Lido in Reading comes fifth on the list, with a score of 70.34. First opened back in 1903 as the Ladies Swimming Bath, it is one of the oldest in the UK, and underwent a huge renovation in 2017. 9 Thames Lido first opened in 1903 Credit: Alamy As well as a pool, the facility also has a small spa and a restaurant. 6. Hampstead Ponds Hampstead Ponds on Hampstead Heath came in at number 6, with a score of 67.54. There are three ponds, ladies', men's and mixed ponds, with the single gender pools open year round, and the mixed pond only open during the summer. 9 A man at the mens swimming pond on Hampstead Heath London England Credit: Alamy Only those over eight are able to swim in the ponds, and under 15s must be accompanied by and adult. 7. Clevedon Marine Lake Number seven on the list is Clevedon Marine Lake, in Somerset, which got a score of 67.10. The tidal pool holds 15,000sqm of sea water which flows in on the tide, and opened back in 1929. 9 Clevedon Marine Lake is completely free Credit: PA It's completely free to enter, and you can also paddle board and canoe in the lake. 8. Hampton Pool Hampton Pool in London is eighth on the list, with a score of 65.36. The heated pool is open all year round and the lido even hosts concerts in the summer. 9 Hampton Pool hosts concerts in the summer Credit: Dan Charity 9. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool Walpole Bay Tidal Pool in Margate, Kent is number nine on the list, with a score of 65.21. Built back in 1937, the pool is Grade II listed, and covers four acres, making it the biggest tidal pool in the UK. 9 Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is open all year round Credit: Getty Located on Margate Beach, it's free to enter, and open all year round. 10. Guilford Lido The final lido in the top 10 is Guildford Lido in Surrey, which has a score of 64.56. The outdoor pool first opened in 1933 and has so much for kids, including water slides, interactive toys and a mini golf course. 9 Guildford Lido has lots for the kids Credit: Guildford Lido


The Irish Sun
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
One of UK's oldest lidos with water slides, sauna & gym to stay open ALL winter under new plans
A POPULAR UK Lido in Surrey is due to remain open all winter under new management. 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. '


Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Look around historic 200-year-old lido with stunning seaside views abandoned for decades
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR seaside town was once home to an outdoor lido that attracted visitors from far and wide. Now the historic location lies empty, with the over 200-year-old pool filled with sand. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The Cliftonville Lido has been closed since the late 1970s, with the entire facility closing in the early 2000s Credit: Alamy 6 The tidal pool could hold 1,000 bathers at a time and featured a terraced amphitheatre for spectators Credit: Alamy Cliftonville saw its iconic Clifton Baths, which were constructed in 1824, converted into a massive outdoor pool in 1926. The facility was officially named the Cliftonville Lido in 1938 and could hold up to 1,000 bathers at a time. It was designed to be filled daily by the tidal flow and even included a terraced amphitheatre with seating for spectators. This proved especially handy for the various swimming competitions and water spectacles hosted at the venue. Over the years of operation the Cliftonville Lido even held various beauty pageants, including a "Miss Lido" competition in 1953. Unique features The premises, which measures just under 80,000 square-feet, also included cafes, bars, diving boards, slides, and promenade terraces. This Grade II listed establishment is excavated into the cliffs, offering stunning views of the coastline. The building features bright red roof‑tiles, Art Deco porthole windows, and the iconic four‑sided 'Lido' beacon. It also boasted one of the earliest seawater plunge baths, a domed circular chamber, and a tunnel for storing bathing machines, all of which are unique to Britain. The lido thrived from the 1940s to the 1970s, even featuring an aquarium, zoo, billiard hall, puppet theatre, and nightclubs. Historic UK lido with 'stunning' mountain views that has been abandoned for decades Closure of facilities However, the outdoor pool closed around 1977 or 1978 and was filled with sand. The last nightclub on the premises closed in the 1980s while the lido bar and snooker hall remained open until the 2000s. It was awarded historical status in 2008 for its rare architectural and historical value, with part of site collapsing due to disrepair over the years. And while it was acquired by private owners, the part of the complex conatining the outdoor pool is council‑owned. Local volunteers have helped to clear debris from the premises while the group Save Margate Lido CIC continues a campaign to restore the site for mixed community, leisure, cultural, and retail use. 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 Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: "Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency. "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, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: "Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult. "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. 'Waterparks are often very busy places and it's easy to lose sight of a child in a split second." Cliftonville Lido offers a glimpse into Margate's seaside heyday and was even the site where renowned artist Tracey Emin is said to have learned to swim. Other UK lidos Plus, all the lidos you can visit around the UK to cool off in the summer heat. And a historic lido with stunning mountain views that has been abandoned for decades. A popular UK beach town also plans to reopen a beloved lido for the summer season. And a round-up of the lesser-known lidos you can visit to beat the scorching heat. 6 The lido was filled with sand after it was officially closed to prevent it being filled by the tide Credit: Alamy 6 The area of the facility that includes the outdoor pool is owned by the local council Credit: Alamy 6 The lido proved a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with a restaurant, bar, nightclubs, and even an aquarium and zoo on-site Credit: Alamy