On Monday, a coalition of 20 Labour MPs, along with the Fabian Society, called on water companies to fund the reopening of Britain’s lost lidos. The initiative aims to make outdoor swimming accessible for all, especially after a recent heatwave highlighted the necessity of these facilities.
History and Decline of Lidos in the UK
Once a staple of summer leisure, lidos across the UK were built in the 1930s to promote public health and recreation. However, by the end of the 1980s, nearly two-thirds had fallen into disrepair or been demolished. From over 300 lidos in the 1930s, only about a third remained operational by 1990.
Many communities have fought to save their local lidos. For instance, Tooting Bec Lido, the largest freshwater outdoor pool in the UK, was saved in the 1990s by local swimmers who took over its management. Similarly, Penny Mordaunt, a former Conservative cabinet minister, campaigned tirelessly to renovate the Hillsea Lido in Portsmouth, which reopened to the public this year.
Current Campaigns to Revive Lidos
Andrew Pakes, Labour MP for Peterborough, has been at the forefront of the campaign to preserve lidos. After his constituency’s lido faced closure, he successfully rallied support to keep it open. Pakes stated, “My Peterborough lido turned 90 this year and was almost shut down two years ago. I helped to run a campaign to turn it around and it has flourished since then.”
The Fabian Society's report suggests that the forthcoming water bill could include provisions requiring water companies to promote public access to safe outdoor swimming. This would involve collaboration with local authorities to ensure a minimum number of lidos per population.
Growing Popularity of Outdoor Swimming
As summer temperatures rise, outdoor swimming is becoming increasingly popular. The nation’s largest public swimming operator, Better, recorded a significant increase in visitors, with 542,998 swim visits between June and August 2025, up from 416,847 the previous year.
The MPs’ campaign highlights the importance of lidos not just as swimming facilities, but as cultural landmarks that offer everyone the right to leisure and recreation. Pakes emphasized, “These pools are a testament for how we did it in the past and show how we can be ambitious to create new lidos and reopen derelict lidos.”
- Tooting Bec Lido: saved from closure in the 1990s
- Hillsea Lido: reopened this year after extensive campaigning
- Peterborough Lido: celebrated 90 years with increased community support
- Broomhill Lido: restoration project underway aiming for a 2026 reopening
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Environment. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
