Jump directly to the content

A LIDO expert has shared the unusual road trip Brit holidaymakers can make this summer.

Authors Emma Pusill and Janet Wilkinson, who met online through their shared loved of lidos, have spent the last two decades visiting every lido in the UK.

a swimming pool with a sign that says " swim " on it
5
Shap Swimming Pool is the highest open-air swimming pool in the UKCredit: Shap Swimming Pool
a group of people are swimming in a large swimming pool
5
Askham Swimming Pool is the second stop on the lido road tripCredit: askhamandhelton.co.uk

Co-author Janet visited every lido in London in one weekend after reading an article in a newspaper 20 years ago.

After the pair become hooked on lidos, they documented their love, and knowledge, of the outdoor pools in the , revealing 120 of the best across the UK.

Emma Pusill recently revealed exactly where Brits can visit at as many as four lidos in one weekend.

She told Sun Online Travel: "There is a great little cluster in Cumbria, which is nice.

Read More on Lidos

"If you go up there, then you're going to be able to get yourself in probably three or four over the course of the weekend, maybe a bit more, if you're really diligent."

Here's what you need to know about finding all four.

Shap Swimming Pool

If you're travelling from the south, start by visiting Shap Swimming Pool in Penrith, England’s highest open-air pool.

Located on Shap Summit, the outdoor pool is just 16.5m-long and is warmed to take the chill off the edge.

The lido is run by volunteers from the local community, so it's best to ring ahead to check to see if it is open before visiting, entry starts from £6.

Askham Swimming Pool

Just a 15-minute drive from lies Askham Swimming Pool.

Historic 'on-of-a-kind' lido has three heated swimming pools

Emma and Janet wrote: "This 20-metre pool is gently heated to take off the chill, with a toddler pool with stepped entry to it, allowing length swimming and fun to happen alongside each other."

The pool typically opens after lunch, and there is a free car park nearby.

Hunsonby Swimming Pool

is a 22-minute drive north of Askham Swimming Pool, marking the third stop on the lido road trip.

The lido is surrounded by waist-high fences that remain unlocked, which means visitors can potentially visit at any time.

If visitors do take a respectful dip when the lido is unmanned, there's an honesty box by the pool for entry fees.

As well as the larger pool, there's also a paddling pool too.

a swimming pool with a sign that says no diving
5
The lido road trip takes Brits through CumbriaCredit: Shap Swimming Pool

Lazonby Pool

A 13-minute drive from Hunsonby Swimming Pool, there's Lazonby Pool.

They wrote: "This is one of only a handful of open-air pools in the UK we've found with an adjacent campsite, making it the perfect place to stay overnight and then enjoy an early-morning swim in a heated lido within yards of your bed."

Set alongside a quaint river, the open-air pool is in the heart of the village, with plenty of car parking around too boot.

The pool is 17m and there's a toddler pool too as well as a fountain for kids.

Other facilities include a changing rooms, with the campsite having hot showers and toilets too.

Entry starts from £6 per person.

Read More on The Sun

Five new water attractions opening in the UK

  1. Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
  2. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
  3. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
  4. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
  5. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the "surfing wellness resort" in the UK.

Kent's The Strand Lido in Gillingham has been compared to Greece because of its bright blue and white design.

And a lido in London is said to have similar vibes to that of Tenerife.

a swimming pool surrounded by colorful bunting and picnic tables
5
Hunsonby Swimming Pool has a larger pool and a paddling poolCredit: Hunsonby Swimming Club
a group of children are playing in a swimming pool
5
Lazonby Pool is located near a campsiteCredit: lazonbypool.co.uk
Topics