UK's oldest Lido to reopen in Bath next month

Cleveland Pools on the River Avon was built in 1815 but fell into disrepair in the 1980s

Cleveland Pools is reopening after a two decade campaign by residents
Author: James DiamondPublished 23rd Aug 2023

The UK's oldest outdoor swimming pool, which first opened in 1817 but closed in the 1980s, will fully reopen to the public next month.

Cleveland Pools in Bath had fallen into disrepair since closing 39 years ago, but has been restored by local residents who created the Cleveland Pools Trust to bring it back into use.

Work to reopen the site has been ongoing for years, with the team now confirming it will open again in full, on Sunday 10 September.

"As you know, Bath’s much-loved Georgian lido was saved for future generations following a Herculean 20-year effort, led by passionate volunteers and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund," a statement from the Trust reads.

"To celebrate this milestone being reached, and also to mark Heritage Open Days, swimming will be free on Sunday 10 September."

Construction work on the pools was finished around a year ago, and some closed events allowing people to swim have taken place since.

Some of those who donated to the restoration campaign were given the honour of being the first to swim in the new pool, on Saturday 17 September last year.

However, legal issues and continuing work to build a pontoon onto the river, mean that to date it has not fully opened.

If you want to go and take a dip when it finally does, spots have to be booked in advance.

Tickets will be available to book via the Cleveland Pools website from 10am on Saturday 2 September.

Three swimming spots will be available:

  • 10am-12pm
  • 12pm-2pm
  • 2pm-4pm

The water is not currently heated and is roughly 20 degrees, the Trust says.

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