We had a seriously hot summer this year. Like, really hot. Like actually-broke-a-few-records hot. And the one thing we were all desperate for (aside from Calippos) was a wide open outdoor pool of ice-cold water to plunge ourselves into.
Annoyingly, there aren’t actually that many around. At least not as many as we would like. But luckily for us, the oldest lido in Britain has finally reopened to the public for the first time in nearly 40 years. And even though not all of us are brave enough to brace al-fresco swimming in the colder months, at least we know it will be there for next year, eh?
The lido, Cleveland Pools, is now officially back in business. It can be found on Hampton Row in Bath, and no one has swum in it since the 1980s. The pool dates back more than 200 years, but now it has been refurbished after around £9 million was raised by the public.
To secure a session, head to the Cleveland Pools website, where you’ll be able to book and pay-as-you-go throughout autumn.
The venue has said that the water will be unheated, and because it’s only recently been filled it’ll come in at about 20C. They advise bringing a wetsuit if you’re not used to the chilliness, but it should be light work for the hard nuts. Plus, there will be (hot) outdoor showers and a kiosk serving refreshments.
Cleveland Pools are still taking donations, as they have plans to fund a pontoon and a potential kiosk canopy. You can donate here.
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