The lure of the lido

Where better to take a dip this summer than one of the fabulous open-air pools

- SALLY ROBINSON

This summer sees the opening of three sparkling new outdoor pools, while across the country our historic lidos are being restored: more than 100 are already open with 40 campaigns under way to revive others.

The golden age of the lido was in the 1930s, when 160 pools were built across Britain. By the 1990s, most had closed but, thanks to community groups and a resurgence in outdoor swimming, many have since reopened. Find out about the newcomers and some classic favourites…

Pontypridd 

Lido Ponty is the only one of its kind in Wales. Made up of three heated pools, one of which was frequented by Tom Jones in his youth! The listed art-deco lido was built in 1927 with help from the Miner's Welfare Fund, to encourage healthy living in an area of heavy industry. It closed in 1991, until a community campaign, help from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the local council led to it being renovated and it reopened in 2015.
rctcbc.gov.uk (search Lido)