25 Outdoor pools and lidos in the UK to enjoy while the warm weather lasts

Yes, we are rapidly saying goodbye to summer and the lovely warm weather that comes along with it. But, as Autumn gets into full swing, you don't necessarily have to say arrivederci to swimming in your favourite outdoor pool, too. In fact, swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit the whole year round – although you may have to adjust your expectations from 'fun dip' to 'quite chilly workout'.

The benefits of swimming range from improving your muscle mass to helping to support your mental health. Factor in the wins that come with cold water exposure, and you can see why jumping in an outdoor pool should be high on your list of workouts to try.

Plus, if you corral a friend into coming with you, it can be a shared shivery experience! And don't worry, WH has done the leg work so you don't have to keep searching 'outdoor swimming near me', 'swimming near me' or 'public pools near me'. Yep, you're welcome.

Okay, Speedo swimsuits at the ready, let's get into everything you need to know about outdoor pools and open-air swimming pools in the UK and where to find your closest one.

What's the difference between a lido and an outdoor pool?

They seem pretty similar, eh. The key difference between lidos and outdoor pools is that a lido tends to be near a body of water, e.g. a beach or sea. Saying that some outdoor swimming pools buck the trend – e.g. Brockwell Lido and Tooting Bec Lido. They're both outdoor public pools, so we'd suggest worrying less about the name and more about how many strokes you're going to master by the end of the year.

What do I need to know about swimming in colder weather?

Unless the outdoor pool you're swimming in is heated, the temperature is going to be something to contend with. As the weather cools down, water temperature naturally follows suit and those refreshing summer dips can quickly become bracing Autumn plunges. To combat this, there are a couple of things to take into consideration.

From the clothing you choose to wear (swimming gloves, water boots and wetsuits are all viable options) to how long you plan on staying in the water and what you're going to have in your gym bag to wear afterwards (thick, dry socks and warm layers), try to think critically about your time at the outdoor pool. It's always better to be prepared than be taken unawares!

When will UK swimming pools reopen?

Outdoor swimming pools are open now!

Outdoor swimming pools were given the go-ahead to reopen on 29th March 2021, whilst indoor pools and gyms were able to reopen from 12th April 2021 in England. However, there are still some rules and precautions about heading back to your closest open swimming pool.

Swim England Guidelines state that you should not go to the pool if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, you should check your local pool's timetable and swimming guidelines before leaving the house and that you should aim to arrive at the pool ready to swim, with your swimming costume or swimming shorts on to minimise time spent in the changing room. The full list of guidelines can be found on the Swim England website.

Now, without further ado—scroll WH's pick of the best open outdoor swimming pools and lidos in the UK.

21 outdoor pools and outdoor swimming near me, wherever you're based