Latest news with #lidos
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Beccles, Peterborough and Whittlesey venues get summer boost
With much of the UK experiencing heatwaves, many of us are looking for ways to keep the mercury rises, some are taking the plunge and packed lidos are seeing the benefits - along with pubs and cafes offering a cooling drink beneath a shady out of ten of the UK's hottest ever days were recorded at locations in eastern businesses in the region have been explaining how having fun in the sun - safely - is giving takings a welcome boost. Matt Day, general manager at Beccles Lido in Suffolk, said two of the biggest threats to the success of the outdoor pool were energy costs and weather that does not encourage the crowds to come out and splash about."This year the weather's been very kind to us - we've got some glorious weather and lots of people here having fun," he said."We've got so many more people coming this year than at this time last year and things are looking a lot better for us." Last year, they were forced to consider losing staff and closing over the winter, but with the warm weather and a new lower energy contract, things are looking very good again, said Mr Day."It's absolutely flipped - and the more people that come, the better we'll look for the long-term."He admitted the weather was "out of our control" and weeks of forecast rain made staff "just put our head in our hands"."But then you get a weather forecast that we've got for the next couple of weeks and we're cheering and shouting from the rooftops to get people in here."The income was important, he said, as grants to help the facility keep going and make improvements often needed to be "match-funded" by the lido."We're happy to ride the highs and the lows to keep it going for everybody," he added. Karen Perks, a director of The Shed Tap Room and Deli, in Peterborough, is in her first year running the business, but having managed other pub venues, she said: "We definitely see an uplift with the sun."We're never guaranteed a good summer in England... but I think, when it is here, [people] just make the most of it."Warm weather "massively" increased footfall, she said."You can see it on their faces that they're just having a great time and that's why they'll be here for two or three hours rather than just coming for a quick pint."You just pray it's going to be a good summer and this year, it's been a good one," she added. Tim Forster, director of Fenland Aqua Park in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, was all in favour of the warmer weather."It's increasing our business drastically. The weather's bringing people out in droves - they're loving it," he said."We're doing 350 people a day and we hope the weather continues like this." He said he had seen a marked difference to this time last year. "We always like to say the kids are getting wet anyway, so it doesn't matter, but spectators love sitting around in the sunshine watching... so it definitely affects our business. "If the weather wasn't as good our numbers might be down to about a third of what we're doing now." And the increased footfall was important, he said."The equipment's expensive and we've only got a short season to make money so we've got to make hay while the sun shines - and make the most of it."More sunshine - more jobs - larger profit," he added. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- The 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
Olivia Stringer, Fabulous Digital Writer Published: Invalid Date, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
The Independent
20-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Where can I swim in London? The best pools, from lidos to hotel rooftops
Summer in the capital is all fun and games until the shiny skyscrapers reflect the sun and sizzle the streets below and the piles of concrete become giant ovens, leaving little respite from the searing temperatures in the built-up spaces. Luckily for Londoners, however, there are ways to stay cool amid the sweltering temperatures, and one of the most popular ways is heading to the nearest water source for a swim. London has a surprising number of places to swim, from lidos and lakes to sports centres and private pools, many of which become easier to enjoy in the summer with longer opening times and more activities for kids on school holidays. Many are also adapted to be accessible, with ramps, poolside hoists, poolpods and changing rooms accommodating for all, while those who don't have a big budget to spend on club and hotel pools can find places to swim for free or at a lower cost. With the forecasters predicting a hotter-than-normal summer and more heatwaves on the way, here is a guide on where to find the best pools in London. Lidos London's lidos offer a much sought-after opportunity to cool off amid the harsh summer heat exacerbated in sweaty, busy, built-up areas. London Fields Lido in Hackney has a 50m Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool that is also heated, which ideal if it gets a little windy or chilly in the summer months. The large sundeck and sunbathing area are popular hangout spots when the temperature climbs to the high 20s, and the Hoxton Beach Cafe kiosk offers swimmers falafel salads and cakes. Herne Hill's Brockwell Park has a much-loved lido too, also home to a 50m outdoor swimming pool next to an Art Deco listed building with health and fitness facilities inside. South London chain Four Hundred Rabbits has also snagged a place poolside, serving sourdough pizza and craft beers. Those who want a bit of cold water therapy should head to Parliament Hill's open-air unheated lido to jump into the cooler water after a session in its sauna, while Tooting Bec's lido, which prides itself on being the UK's largest freshwater outdoor pool, is ideal for active swimmers. Charlton's heated outdoor lido in Greenwich has a summer sun terrace for relaxing in the heat, while its indoor pool offers activities and lessons tailored to kids of all ages. If heading to an inner-city lido doesn't quite quench your thirst to escape the concrete jungle, why not try swimming a little closer to nature? The ever-popular Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds in north London include three natural bathing ponds, one exclusively for women's use, another just for men and a third for all genders. Bathers can also head to London's largest lake every day in the summer months at the Serpentine Lido, found in one of London's royal green spaces, Hyde Park. One of the rarer places to swim, only open between 25 July and 17 August, is Summer Splash, which transforms the Royal Victoria Dock every year into one of London's most unique lidos. The free, family-friendly lido is overseen by lifeguards and is complete with a faux sandy beach and deckchairs. Leisure and sports centres Pools found in leisure or sports centres are suited to those who don't fancy swimming outdoors or are not used to cold water plunging, as well as usually offering a wider range of activities. At Finchley Lido Leisure Centre in Barnet, kids will enjoy hours playing in the leisure pool, which includes wave machines, jets and water cannons. For a state-of-the-art experience designed by award-winning architect Zaha Hadid, head to the London Aquatics Centre in Stratford to swim where athletes won their medals during the 2012 Olympics. Lane swimmers will love the 50m competition pool, while kids can spend time learning to swim with their families in the equally large training pool. Or head to the diving pool and release your inner Tom Daley with platforms ranging from one to 10m high. For those who want to pair escaping the summer heat with a swimming lesson or a pool fitness session, Crystal Place National Sports Centre is an ideal spot, providing a 25m training pool and a smaller teaching pool. While some fitness centres can be a touch outdated, the modern and sleek Britannia Leisure Centre in Hackney adds some luxury to its indoor pool sessions. Meanwhile, the leisure centre in Leyton is undoubtedly one of the best pools for kids to visit, with its fast water flume and aqua play area complete with waterslides and tipping buckets. Hotel pools While lidos are ideal for a bit of socialising in the summer sun and leisure centres offer a place to keep fit and for kids to burn off some steam, there are also pools for people seeking a session of pure relaxation away from the blazing heat. London's hotels are proud owners of some of the best spas in the country, and with that comes reposeful pools with a view over the city or sparkling rooftop splashabouts. Pools are not always reserved for guests; many offer day passes for entry to their spas. The Corinthia's sultry pool is found in its ESPA spa, and is lined with stainless steel, Italian marble and a mirrored ceiling to reflect the water ripples that set a relaxed mood. For a sky-high experience, head to the Sky Pool at Shangri-La The Shard, an outstanding facility 182m high, making it the highest swimming pool in Western Europe and providing some of the best cityscape views you can get while going for a paddle. A bit closer to the ground, you will find a 25m swimming pool in Mayfair's luxury Mandarin Oriental spa. The pool area is scattered with lights that are reflected on the ceiling and water to invoke a sense of submerging yourself in a starry sky. If you find yourself staying at The Dorchester in Mayfair, head to the hotel's heated pool complete with a sauna and steam room, or spend a bit of time in the hydrotherapy pool for ultimate relaxation. Spas Not all the best spas are found in hotels; there are some institutions dedicated solely to bathing and rejuvenating. They're also often more affordable than pricy hotel day passes. Seek out one of London's oldest spa facilities, the Art Deco Porchester Spa near Paddington Station, which has a whole range of facilities from saunas to Turkish hot rooms. Those who want to take a dip can do so at the small, large and cold plunge pools. If a whole range of pools is what you are looking for, head over to Aire Ancient Baths London near Embankment to tour the thermal baths set at differing temperatures, from warm tepidarium to cold frigiarum and the saltwater pool. Private clubs One of the main selling points of a private club membership during the summer months is the exclusive access to pools to take refuge from the sticky warmth in the city. Soho House's array of rooftop pools is popular among those who have their hands on a membership (or know someone who does). In Temple, 180 House's rooftop pool is accompanied by an outdoor terrace and views across the city, while the outdoor pool on White City House's rooftop is lined with Malibu beach-style loungers and draped in fairy lights. Shoreditch House is also home to a rooftop pool with skyline views. Ten Trinity Square at the Four Seasons is also a popular haunt for those who can splash on private members' access, home to a glass mosaic-tiled pool that leads to a smaller heated vitality pool. Found on top of the Virgin-Shoreditch hotel, the Blue Marlin Ibiza London private members' club also has an intimate rooftop pool situated next to its Mediterranean restaurant. If you are a member of Ned's Club at the five-star hotel The Ned, sweltering summer temperatures will pass you by while relaxing in the rooftop pool or the indoor 20m pool.
