Love a lido? Where to find one in the South

A 1930s lido that has been shut for four years due to refurbishment is now officially open.

Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth closed to swimmers in 2022 and underwent a £7.6m renovation programme which transformed the pool, toilets and changing rooms.

Lidos often serve as a community hub, providing the opportunity for physical exercise, mental health benefits and improving local economies.

As we approach the bank holiday, here are our picks of some of the lidos across the region in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Woodgreen Leisure Centre in Banbury

Cherwell District Council invested £130,000 in Woodgreen Leisure Centre in Banbury to upgrade its 50m outdoor swimming pool.

At the time the council's healthy communities chief, Rob Pattenden said the investment showed the swimming pool was "very much moving with the times".

The heated outdoor pool is open from 18 May to end of September.

Hinksey Outdoor Pool in Oxford

Hinksey outdoor pool reopened in April 2025 after Oxford City Council invested £300,000 for upgrades.

The 35m kidney-shaped heated pool is open seasonally and offers a shallow fun area for children, a deeper lane section for serious swimmers and a beach area for toddlers.

It is located in a wheelchair friendly park, which already boasts playgrounds, tennis courts, walking trails and a lake. You can either pay as you go or opt for a seasonal pass.

Riverside Swimming Pool at Wallingford

The heated outdoor pool is set adjacent to the River Thames.

It holds a variety of sessions, including swim for fitness, swim for all, outdoor aqua aerobics and swim doctor which means there is literally something for everyone.

The pool is managed on behalf of South Oxfordshire District Council by Better, who said a seasonal pass is best to utilise the facilities.

Chipping Norton Lido in Chipping Norton

This community-run lido is set in the heart of Oxfordshire and has two heated outdoor pools, a 25m swimming pool and a toddlers paddling pool.

It is open from the 13 May to 4 September. The lido offers dedicated adult lane sessions as well as regular activities including aquafit and synchro, and a cafe. It advises to book in advance.

Thames Lido in Reading

The Edwardian Lido and spa reopened in 2017 after a £3.5m renovation. Its 25m outdoor swimming pool is heated throughout the year to about 23-25C (73-77F).

It offers both membership and non-member visits, welcoming guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with swimming and spa packages.

All users are advised to book a slot in advance due to popularity.

Northcroft Lido in Newbury

The centre was revamped in 2022 to address long-term structural issues, with West Berkshire Council investing £5.7m in the refurbishment.

The project included reducing the pool from 72m to 50m Olympic length, adding a new splash pad and slides, improving accessibility and enhancing the changing facilities.

Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth

The 1930s lido is now welcoming the local community to enjoy "a new chapter as a year-round swimming destination".

The pool has been fully renovated, with its base and walls reinforced, old pool equipment replaced and its original shallow lagoons restored along with new showers and toilets, including a changing places toilet and a sauna.

The historic 67m open-air pool has flexible memberships and pay-as-you-go swims.

Director of Sea Lanes, who refurbished the building on behalf of Hilsea Lido and Portsmouth City Council, Harry Smith, said: "Hilsea Lido is more than a pool - it's a community hub.

"We're proud to bring this iconic site back to life for Portsmouth."

Aldershot Lido in Aldershot

The large open-air pool in Hampshire is the perfect place to spend a hot summer's day.

The unheated lido has three waterslides, a diving board and fountain, alongside a paddling pool for smaller children.

As well as a sandpit, picnic area, basketball area and cafe, it offers free parking and affordable prices.

The opening day for the pool is yet to be announced but will begin to be filled this week.

Petersfield Open Air Pool in Petersfield

The 25m heated open swimming pool has been open since 1962 and has a big community.

Open daily until autumn, it offers floating aqua sound baths, end-of-season cold weather swimming, saunas and more.

Lymington Seawater Baths in Lymington

Set in the Georgian market town, it claims to be the oldest lido in England, dating back to 1833.

The unheated swimming pool is 110m long by 50m wide. It has a shingle floor and staff recommend wearing wetsuit shoes or grip socks.

The centre also offers inflatable sessions and stand-up paddle boarding.

Waterside Pool in Ryde on the Isle of Wight

The 25m swimming pool is situated next to the boating lake and the Ryde Esplanade Beach.

Open all year round, with a retractable roof for summer showers and the odd heatwave.

The centre has activities for all ages and abilities, from lane swims, casual swims, fun swims to water workout classes and swimming lessons.

Shaftesbury Lido in Shaftesbury

The 23m lido is one of the oldest pools still operational in the country, having been used since about 1890.

It was reopened last year following a £100,000 refurbishment to replace the filtration system and pool liner.

The swimming pool is open all year round and is used for cold water swimming in the winter and heated to about 29C in the summer.