An outdoor swimming pool and lido in a West Yorkshire spa town with “beautiful surroundings” has been named one of the most refreshing in the UK to make the most of this summer.
Ilkley Pool and Lido was praised by The Times for being a “fitting attraction” due to its different areas for “lap” swimmers and children, among the backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales' “apple-green countryside”.
The Times wrote: “A beloved feature of 1930s Britain, the lido is fashionable all over again, with pretty open-air pools delighting swimmers from Yorkshire to Cornwall.
“With near-weekly headlines about polluted wild-swimming spots, a regularly cleaned and monitored outdoor pool seems a better bet.
“Meanwhile, local funding and National Lottery grants are allowing grand old public pools to be restored and reinvigorated on a yearly basis (the latest being Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham, granted £300,000 in government funding in March for a thorough polish-up).”
It adds: “Our shores have some beautifully preserved art deco pools, not to mention lovely seafront options where you can swim with a refreshing coastal breeze.
“Bring the family for the day to splash about, eat ice cream and sunbathe on the lawn, then retreat to a nearby hotel to make a weekend of it.”
Discover all seven of the UK’s most refreshing lidos here.
Why is Ilkley Pool and Lido among the UK’s best for a dip?
@leeds.life Soak up the sun at Ilkley Lido, a mere 15 miles away from Leeds - a true slice of paradise! 🌞 #Ilkley #Yorkshire #Bradford #fyp #Lido #drone #dronepals #Leeds ♬ summer on the inside - warner case & Jean Tonique & Max Kaluza
The Times explained: “A grade II listed pool opened in 1935, this mushroom-shaped swimming spot is a fitting attraction for its Yorkshire spa town.
“The apple-green countryside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park provides the backdrop to your swim, and there are lawns to dry off on afterwards.
“Thanks to its broad shape, there are areas for lap swimmers and children, including a water slide; good old-fashioned Yorkshire teas, coffees and ice creams are available at the snack bar (£11; bradford.gov.uk).
“Afterwards, wander the indie shops and tearooms in town, or walk the Twelve Apostles loop through Ilkley Moor to see a neolithic stone circle.
“Stay at the Gin Lounge, a quirky bar with rooms where the jewel-coloured suites have freestanding bathtubs.”
A recent visitor shared on Tripadvisor about their day out at Ilkley Pool and Lido: “Excellent outdoor pool with beautiful surroundings. Water was lovely and plenty of space for families to enjoy the day out. Thank you.”
Recommended reading:
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Someone else posted: “Beautiful big lido with extensive lawns with picnic tables and space to sunbathe. The pool is divided into sections so that serious swimmers doing lengths and kids messing about don't get in each other's way - both groups are entitled to be there.
“There is a slide for kids that deposits them into a safe, shallow area. An outstanding day out on a warm day - take a picnic and a good novel and dip in and out of the pool all day long. Lovely hot showers for afterwards as well - but be aware the pool water is not warm. (Doesn't bother me as I like it like that!)
“Nice family atmosphere. Be aware - reduced hours in the Autumn - check website or call before you go.”
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