IT’S no secret that the UK is becoming a nation of outdoor swimmers – especially when the weather heats up.
Now, the AA has revealed the very best of Britain’s lidos and outdoor pools from across the country.
The best lidos in the UK have been revealed by the AA Credit: Alamy
161 outdoor pools, lidos and tidal pools were ranked on factors like Google search popularity, review scores, social media engagement, local sunshine and temperature data for July.
Taking the number one spot was Brockwell Lido found in Herne Hill which earlier this year was saved from closure.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The lido which has an on-site gym and café received a score of 72.58 out of 100.
The AA said: “Taking the number one spot for another year, Brockwell Lido remains one of the country’s most beloved swimming destinations.
SEA VIEW
UK’s top £9.50 holiday park has waterpark & private beach with dolphins offshore
ISLE GO
Why Maldives holidays are cheaper than EVER – with crazy bargains from £1,437pp
“The iconic Art Deco pool, set within Brockwell Park, combines heritage charm with modern facilities and a lively atmosphere.
“Popular with families, fitness enthusiasts and sunseekers alike, it continues to stand out for its strong reviews, huge social media presence and year-round appeal.”
Coming in second place with a score of 67.18 is Stoney Cove in Leicestershire.
Rather than being your average outdoor swimming pool, Stoney Cove is a flooded quarry – it’s a popular spot for scuba diving and open-water swimming.
The AA added: “Stoney Cove has jumped from seventh place last year to second place and is one of Britain’s most distinctive outdoor swimming destinations.
“Best known as a world-class inland diving and watersports venue, the former quarry is spring-fed and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Brockwell Lido in London was declared the best in the country Credit: Alamy
“Its crystal-clear waters spanning 13 acres, excellent facilities and picturesque setting make it one of the UK‘s standout locations for adventurous swimmers.”
In third place was another London lido – Tooting Bec.
It’s the UK’s largest freshwater outdoor pool, lined by colourful changing rooms and it has a café and picnic area too.
Other London pools that made the list were London Fields Lido, Greenland Dock, Hampton Pool and Hampstead Mixed Pond.
Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall came in sixth place Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
The Hampstead Mixed Ponds is popular with Londoners Credit: Alamy
Further south, two swim spots in Cornwall made the list – the Bude Sea Pool which is a semi-natural tidal pool and Jubilee Pool which is the largest seawater pool.
Swimming pools and lidos on the Channel Islands also made the top 20 – these are Havre des Pas Bathing Pool and La Vallette Bathing Pools.
Other popular spots included Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester, Tollesbury Woodup Pool in Essex and Lido Ponty in Wales.
Here’s the full list of the AA’s lovesliest lidos and pools…
Brockwell Lido, London – 72.58
Stoney Cove, Leicestershire – 67.18
Tooting Bec, London – 65.55
London Fields Lido – 64.77
Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset – 64.61
Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall – 63.59
Sale Water Park, Greater Manchester – 62.70
Dancing Ledge, Dorset – 59.81
Greenland Dock, London – 57.66
Tollesbury Woodup Pool, Essex – 56.70
Hampton Pool, Greater London – 56.50
Havre des Pas Bathing Pool, Jersey – 56.15
Cheltenham Lido, Gloucestershire – 56.06
Hampstead Mixed Pond, London – 55.86
Viking Bay Tidal Pool, Kent – 55.61
Guildford Lido, Surrey – 55.60
Jubilee Pool, Cornwall – 55.45
La Vallette Bathing Pools, Guernsey – 54.73
Saltdean Lido, East Sussex – 54.49
Lido Ponty, Wales – 54.45
