If you think of a lido , you’ll likely conjure up an image of an outdoor pool in a city, the perfect respite from the hubbub of urban life. Lidos traditionally, at least, are located firmly by the sea . Taking their name from the Italian word for coastline , these pools saw a boom of construction in the 20th century.
Part of the post-war public works programme, which aimed to promote health as well as jobs along the British coast, lidos remain a popular spot for casual swimmers and also those who take it slightly more seriously. Britain’s coast still has a number of top-notch lidos. These are some of the best.
Read Next I've visited more than 100 lidos – these are my favourite places to swim Saltdean Lido, Saltdean, East Sussex Saltdean Lido, just east of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, has a very rich history indeed. Designed by architect Richard WH Jones in “Streamline Moderne” Art Deco style, it was opened in 1938 before closing during the Second World War. Restored and reopened in 1964, its survival was threatened again in 2010, when the then-leaseholder wanted to redevelop the site.
By 2017, though, it was restored after being saved from demolition by a community campaign. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength . In 2018, Historic England named it as one of the seven wonders of The English Seaside , alongside structures such as Blackpool Tower and Brighton’s Royal Pavilion .
Applauded as one of the best surviving examples of lido design in the UK.