THE UK's trendiest seaside town has lido that been declared a "national treasure". The only catch - you can't swim in it. 3 A trendy UK seaside lido has been named a listed attraction - but you can't swim in it 3 Margate's main lido is too unsafe to swim in Credit: Getty The Marine Terrace Tidal Pool on Margate Beach in Kent has been listed at Grade II by the by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England .
However, you aren't allowed to swim in it, as it has said it is too unsafe due to the "uneven depth". The pool , built in 1937, is opposite the Victorian Nayland Rock shelter, where TS Eliot is believed to have composed part of his famous poem 'The Waste Land'. The man-made pool fills naturally as the tide comes in and was originally designed to give the public easier access to sea water swimming, as at low tide the shoreline can be more than 200 metres away.
Councillor Rick Everitt, leader of Thanet District Council and portfolio holder for planning, said: "Grade II Listed status ensures a certain level of protection for heritage buildings and structures, and I am pleased that the historical significance of both Margate's Tidal Pool and the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool has been recognised." Councillor Steve Albon, cabinet member for coastal and cleansing, added "Margate is a much-loved seaside resort with a long tradition of sea-bathing. "Though members of the public are not permitted to swim or dive in the pool now, for important safety reason.