From open-air pools and lidos to the UK’s largest inland beach, there’s plenty of choice for those wishing to go for a dip.
Thermae Bath Spa
The Romans knew a thing or two about the benefits of swimming in the warm mineral-rich water that rose from a spring in Bath, or Aquae Sulis as it was known more than 2,000 years ago.
Now it’s possible to enjoy a similar experience but in an open-air rooftop pool with air seats and bubbling jets, along with marvellous views over the modern day city and surrounding hills at Thermae Bath Spa.
This pool sits atop the New Royal Bath, a fusion of glass, stone, light and water that’s linked to five historic buildings within the complex. Other facilities include a wellness suite, indoor Minerva Bath and a café.
thermaebathspa.com
Chippy Lido
‘An oasis of calm in a busy world’ is how the lido in Chipping Norton is regarded by the many people who flock there to swim and relax. There are two pools – one measuring 25m with four lanes and another suitable for toddlers. There’s an attractive tree-lined lawn and a café too.
This-family friendly lido has been part of life in Chipping Norton since it opened in 1970 after the people of the town raised more than £20,000 to have it built. Since 2004 the facility has been run as a charity by the community.
Pre-booking is recommended, although it is possible to pay on the door, subject to availability.
chippylido.co.uk
AquaVenture
The Cotswolds’ largest inflatable waterpark offers plenty of open air challenges and promises to be the “ultimate total wipe out-style experience”. AquaVenture at Cotswold Coutnry Park & Beach offers a Mammoth Tower to climb, The Tornado to bounce on, various slides and many other ingredients for a fun day out. Participants need to be at least six years old and children aged six to 10 need to be accompanied by an adult. See the website for opening times and full conditions.
www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com/things-to-do/aquaventure
Cotswold Country Park and Beach
The UK’s largest inland sandy beach, complete with a beautiful lagoon for paddling, can be found at the Cotswold Country Park and Beach. Located at Spratsgate Lane in Shorncote, on the edge of the Cotswold Water Park, entry tickets include access to adventure playgrounds, and mini golf is available daily. There’s also a beach shack for refreshments and it’s possible to hire a barbecue. Pre-booking is advised.
* https://www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com/
Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool
Water from a natural spring feeds Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, which is situated close to the riverside walk near Cirencester Park. The 27m main pool and children’s pool, which has a depth of 50cm, is open seven days a week over the summer months. The water is heated to an average temperature of 26°C and there’s a large patio on which to bathe in between swims and a tuck shop selling ice creams and refreshments. The pool opened in 1870 and is now run as a charity.
www.cirenopenair.org.uk
Stratford Park Lido
The open air swimming pool in Stroud can be used from the end of May until the first weekend of September.
Located at Stratford Park, which also has a heated indoor pool, the 50m-long lido has been a popular part of life in Stroud since 1937. The pool is fed by spring water and was heated up until the Second World War, since when it’s been a cold water facility. The lido has a listed parabolic diving board, an art deco fountain and changing rooms. The Friends of Stratford Park Lido is a community group working with Stroud District Council and Everyone Active to develop the pool.
everyoneactive.com
Sandford Parks Lido
Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham is a 50m heated pool surrounded by four acres of attractive lawns and flower beds, and even a fountain. There’s a smaller pool and play park for children and a café. Much of the lido was built during the 1930s but the facilities have since been adapted to improve accessibility, with a hoist to assist people with mobility issues to get in and out the water. The lido, one of the largest outdoor swimming facilities in the UK, is situated in Keynsham Road, with ample parking close by. The facility is run by a charity.
* https://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/
Berkeley Community Swimming Pool
The 18m open air pool in Berkeley is just the job after a day exploring the town’s castle and St Mary’s Church nearby. There are lawns either side of the water for bathing and a 5m paddling pool for toddlers too. Trained life guards are on duty at all times. The 50-year-old pool belongs to a charity run by local volunteers.
* https://www.facebook.com/BerkeleyPool/
Wotton Pool
Head to Symn Lane in Wotton-under-Edge to enjoy the delights of the town’s open air pool. This 18m-long facility is just over 2m at its deepest point. The pool is heated to between 28 and 30°C using a combination of solar power and off peak electricity. This facility dates back to 1959, when pupils and teachers from the former Wotton-under-Edge County Secondary School and some local engineers came together to build it as an “educational project”, and it’s now run as a community enterprise. Pre-booking for the pool is not required, just pay on the door.
* wottonpool.co.uk
Woodgreen Leisure Centre
The 50m swimming pool at Banbury’s Woodgreen Leisure Centre is great for a casual swimming or doing lengths. There are eight lanes, split into fast, medium and slow, and private changing cubicles and showers. Pay-as-you-go sessions are available.
* https://www.leisurecentre.com/woodgreen-leisure-centre/swim
