The Great British Lido Revival

Pontypridd Lido, built in 1927 recently restored
 
If you haven’t noticed, the British Lido is having a revival, after years left abandoned (and many demolished) in favour of indoor pools, leisure centres and foreign holidays. 


Jubilee Pool, Penzance built 1935
 
The 1930s was the heyday for outdoor swimming and the Art Deco movement influenced the design of many of these iconic baths.
 
The Jubilee Pool in Penzance, opened in 1935, recently adapted to use geothermal energy from a 410m drilled well to heat its water, is the first geothermally heated lido in Britain and can now stay open to the public all year round.


Saltdean Lido, Brighton built 1935
 
The iconic grade II listed Saltdean Lido, dubbed “The seventh wonder of the English Seaside” was rescued from the developers 10 years ago by a community effort, and has been restored to its 1937 crescent-shaped ‘art deco’ glory.


Ponty Lido, Pontipridd Wales built 1927
 
Built in 1927 and paid for by the local mining community, the Pontypridd Lido in South Wales merged arts and crafts with art deco architecture, to bring a Mediterranean vibe to the valleys. Recently restored, the pool retains the 1920s original outdoor changing booths and turnstiles.


Tooting Bec Lido, built 1906
 
Tooting Bec Lido was built in 1906 and modernised in 1931. It is Britain’s biggest outdoor pool at 90m in length, boasts brightly coloured changing booths and is open all year round.