This year marks the 75th anniversary of Peterborough’s Lido, and there’s still time to visit this very distinctive art deco open air swimming pool before it closes for this season in early-September.
The venue has received a few nips and tucks for its three quarters of a century celebrations, so it looks just as good as it ever has done. It welcomed its first visitors back in May 1936, the year when King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne and the BBC started regular TV broadcasts to the nation.
Since then, the Lido has entertained millions of outdoor bathers, despite almost not making it through World War Two when it received a direct hit from a German bomb during the first air raid on the city in 1940. Fortunately, despite the Luftwaffe’s best efforts, the striking modernist building, with its towering clock over the main entrance, was rebuilt and is now one of the few survivors of its kind left in Britain. It was designated a Grade II listed building in 1992 because of its exceptional nature. Such has been its enduring popularity of this much-loved Peterborough landmark over the decades that in 1973 – when it was visited by a record 181,396 people – a 14-foot tunnel was found under one of the walls. It was believed to have been dug by children keen on getting in without having to stump up the five pence entrance fee!
The two-and-a-half acre site on the Embankment, within easy walking distance of the city centre, has three pools and for those concerned about summer weather temperamentality, don’t worry; all of them are heated. The main pool stretches for 50 yards and holds 500,000 gallons of water, and is complimented by smaller ones for learners and paddlers. There’s also a large lawn area for sunbathing, with play facilities for children, as well as a balcony and refreshment facilities. So, whatever your swimming skill, there’s something for all the family to enjoy. On a sunny day, few places are more fun, as an average of 16,800 attendees per season over the last 12 years have already discovered. There’s now even a Facebook page for fans as well.
The Lido is open from 9am to 8pm during August and through to 6pm until its 2011 season comes to an end on September 6. It does sometimes shut during bad weather though, so it’s best to check in advance if you’re unsure. Admission is £4.10 or £2.60 for under 16s and concessions. With a Vivacity Active membership card though – which gives discounts and other benefits for sporting and leisure facilities across the city, not just for the Lido – the price is just £3.00 per session or £2.30 for under 16s and concessions.
Since then, the Lido has entertained millions of outdoor bathers, despite almost not making it through World War Two when it received a direct hit from a German bomb during the first air raid on the city in 1940. Fortunately, despite the Luftwaffe’s best efforts, the striking modernist building, with its towering clock over the main entrance, was rebuilt and is now one of the few survivors of its kind left in Britain. It was designated a Grade II listed building in 1992 because of its exceptional nature. Such has been its enduring popularity of this much-loved Peterborough landmark over the decades that in 1973 – when it was visited by a record 181,396 people – a 14-foot tunnel was found under one of the walls. It was believed to have been dug by children keen on getting in without having to stump up the five pence entrance fee!
The Lido is open from 9am to 8pm during August and through to 6pm until its 2011 season comes to an end on September 6. It does sometimes shut during bad weather though, so it’s best to check in advance if you’re unsure. Admission is £4.10 or £2.60 for under 16s and concessions. With a Vivacity Active membership card though – which gives discounts and other benefits for sporting and leisure facilities across the city, not just for the Lido – the price is just £3.00 per session or £2.30 for under 16s and concessions.
