When the weather turns warmer, Londoners love nothing more than taking a plunge in their nearest lido, and in 2026, east London swimmers will have a fancy new outdoor pool to take a dip in. Plans for a potential new lido in Valentines Park in Ilford were first revealed back in 2022, and after construction began this past April, it looks set to open just in time for the arrival of warmer weather in spring 2026.
The first council-run outdoor pool to be build in London for several decades, Valentines Lido will feature all sorts of swish facilities alongside the main 25-metre 6-lane swimming pool, including a spa pool, plunge pool and children’s splash pad, a steam room and treatment rooms, an on-site gym and dance studio, can parking, meeting rooms, a café and picnic area.
The exact date of the lido’s opening is yet to be announced, but if everything goes swimmingly, Ilford residences will be able to take the plunge from April.
If you can’t wait until then, here’s Time Out’s list of the best lidos in the city.