The 90-year-old UK lido that was designed to look like a cruise ship and voted one of the best pools in Europe
THE UK is home to one of the best outdoor pools in Europe, where people can go for a swim while overlooking the sea.
Lidos have grown in popularity in recent years, particularly during the summer months when temperatures begin to rise.
One of the most picturesque places to go for a refreshing dip is in Plymouth, with Tinmouth lido named among Europe’s favourite outdoor swimming spots.
The lido is almost 90 years old, after first opening to the public back in 1935.
Since then, it has been closed several times for restoration, while also being abandoned for periods too.
However, the Grade II listed building has been restored and brought back to its original glory, with swimmers able to cool down in it every summer.
It’s set to open its doors once again for summer 2024 this weekend, with the season lasting from May 25 until September 15.
For those who want to visit and enjoy the view out to sea, without getting wet, there’s a sun deck next to the pool, which is one of the best places in the town to go sunbathing.
That’s according to Plymouth Active, who talked up the pool’s credentials, saying it had been listed among the best in Europe on more than one occasion.
They wrote: “Overlooking Plymouth’s spectacular seafront, Tinside Lido is consistently voted in the top 10 of Europe’s outdoor pools.
“As well as the pool itself, the facility also features a sun deck, which is generally considered to be one of the best places in Plymouth to soak up the sun.”
What makes the pool so aesthetically pleasing, is its art-deco cruise ship design, with architect John Wibberley taking inspiration from ocean liners when choosing its shape.
Atlas Obscura explained: “It holds historical significance as a Grade II listed building, adorning the city’s edge to the English Channel.
“It features an iconic Art-Deco style, with sleek lines, curved edges, and a stunning white façade.
“The design was influenced by the ‘ocean liner aesthetic’ renowned during that era, with many of the UK’s seaside towns building lidos in the 1930s as an ode to the rise of popularity in sport and fitness.”
Locals and visitors alike are all fans of the lido, which has an overall score of 4.5/5 on Google from hundreds of reviews.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
One wrote: “Being a Plymouth resident, it’s easy to overlook how lucky we are to have something like the lido on our doorstep.”
Another said” How lovely to spend time in this historical, stunning lido on a beautiful sunny day.”
A third added: “The best Lido in the South West. Friendly staff and great fun for all the family. Definitely worth a visit in the summer.”
The pool is set to reopen this weekend, but bookings can already be made online now.
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