"Harder to get a slot than Glastonbury": Britain's oldest Lido celebrates successful launch
Bath's historic lido, Cleveland Pools, welcomes its first swimmers for 40 years
Last updated 8th Sep 2023
Britain's oldest lido, Cleveland Pools, opens this weekend (Sunday 10th) for the first time in 40 years.
Following a community campaign lead by the Cleveland Pools trust, extensive fundraising and renovation has lead to the pool being fit for use once more.
Paul Simons is chair of the trust. He told me the success of this launch has been too much for their online booking system to handle.
"The 600 free swims on Sunday went in twenty minutes and then every available ticket for four days next week went - crashing the site!
"Please go on the website to book a ticket. If you haven't got a ticket don't come because they're like getting tickets for Glastonbury at the moment."
Rob Taylor is the pool operator, he said he knew the pool would be successful the moment he saw it.
"It's a stunning heritage site and it's so important to the people of Bath that when I came to site I just saw the potential here," he said, "much more than a swim."
First opened up to regency gentlemen in 1817, the Grade 2 listed building stopped being used as a lido in the 1980s, when a warmer leisure centre was opened in the area.
Sally Helvey is a volunteer with the Cleveland Pools Trust. Once the pool is open, she will be running historic talks and tours of the site.
"There's a lot more people in bath now," she said, "you've got former swimmers who bought their children here, who now want to bring their grandchildren here"
"It's not just about swimming, it's just as much about the heritage, the history.
"You can come here and enjoy the scenery - soak up the lovely atmosphere!"
Though the sense of history has been restored, the pool has seen a number of refurbishments and improvements, including a carbon neutral heating system and water pump, which will be up and running in time for next summer.
But as the country is hit by a heat wave, the water this weekend sits at a comfortable 23 degrees - perfect for a cold water dip.
Rob tells me there are big plans for the site to keep evolving, from history, tours to school trips.
"There is so much interest, we've got Bath rugby club all over us, we've got lots of local charities, we've got lots of schools and even the Jane Austen society!"
You can get a ticket on their website.