Whilst the temperature in London continues to soar, all we hot-and-bothered Londoners can think about is how desperately we want to submerge themselves in open water. The season for splashing around in a swimming pool is officially in full swing. And if you are partial to an al-fresco dip, I come bearing some news that will be right up your street swim-lane.
A rather iconic lido in Essex has recently reopened for the summer season. Brightlingsea Lido can be found on the Colchester coast, and it is one of the last remaining lidos in the UK dating back to the 1930s.
Brightlingsea Lido
Brightlingsea Lido is a 50-metre outdoor pool that set up shop back in 1932. It originally opened as a tidal saltwater pool, but was converted into a freshwater chlorinated pool in the 1970s. Perched on the edge of the charming seaside town of – you guessed it, folks – Brightlingsea; the lido was saved from closure back in 2017, and is now run by a group of volunteers.
Paying a visit to Brightlingsea Lido is a bit like stepping back in time. Many of the pool’s original features remain, and there’s a real retro feel to the place. There’s sun-loungers and changing facilities on site. as well as a cafe serving up affordable refreshments, and a whole host of events taking place throughout the season.
Getting to Brightlingsea Lido from London
Brightlinsea Lido is approximately a 2-hour drive from London, and there is plenty of pay-and-display parking available nearby. Non-drivers can hop on a train from Liverpool Street to Colchester, swap to an onwards train to Alresford, and then hop on a local bus from there.
Find out more about Brightlingsea Lido and plan your visit here.
