There's no place quite like a lido for basking in the glorious weather. It's the ultimate summer hangout spot whether you're soaking up rays with a gripping novel in hand or taking a refreshing dip in the vibrant turquoise waters.
For those keen to soak up the seaside vibes without actually hitting the ocean, this charming escape just an hour away from London could be the idyllic spot you're after. This particular oasis isn't only a paradise for beach lovers, either. It warmly welcomes dog owners with a whole month dedicated to enjoying swims alongside your canine companions.
Saltdean Lido in East Sussex is a must-visit for anyone seeking a break from the urban buzz this summer. It proudly stands as the only Grade II listed coastal lido in Britain, opened in 1938 and designed by renowned architect RWH Jones, the mastermind behind Brighton’s Grand Ocean Hotel.
But what is a lido? Borrowing its name from the Italian term for "beach", a lido typically refers to an alfresco pool located close to the seaside or tucked away in a city oasis where visitors can swim and lounge at their leisure. They usually feature standard facilities such as changing areas and showers.
Nothing captures the essence of British summer time quite like the sight of brightly painted changing huts lined around a vintage lido, which are currently enjoying a renaissance as many historic pools receive restorative facelifts to reclaim their past splendour.
Saltdean Lido, which is only five miles east of Brighton, was once earmarked for demolition, with plans to replace the site with more than 100 flats.
However, it was saved thanks to local residents and the Save Saltdean Lido Campaign, whose push led Brighton & Hove City Council to scrap its plans and hand over the lease, culminating in a grand reopening of the pool in 2017.
The pool boasts heated waters, child-friendly paddling and play areas, backed by vigilant lifeguards ensuring a secure aquatic adventure at your own pace.
Beyond splashing fun, Saltdean Lido offers top-notch facilities including changing rooms, toilets and refreshment options.
For dog lovers, the place is nothing short of paradise with special dog swim sessions and an event exclusively for Golden Retrievers known as 'Dogtember', with this year's event beginning on September 13.
Adding to the buzz, TikTok user Quaver The GR (and their human) shared a delightful view of the lido's charms through canine eyes with a post exclaiming: "There is nothing I'd rather do than swim with 150 goldens tbf!"
In response to the video, enthusiastic comments poured in with one person gushing: "Wooooa, that looks like so much fun," and another chiming in with a pithy: "Always need this."
TripAdvisor reviews have been largely positive, with one visitor sharing: "Stumbled upon this place whilst visiting the area for a wedding. We took our children (2&5) for an afternoon session. We all really enjoyed it.
"The area around the pool is nice and clean. The pool is quite deep on one side designed for adults but it does mean you can all jump in properly – unlike most modern pools. There is also a nice kids pool."
Another reviewer praised: "Sunday lunch at its best.... Superb staff, good quality food served nice and hot on hot plates which is always a good sign. Afterwards drinks on the terrace on a sunny Sunday afternoon, first class."
The easiest way to get to Saltdean is by public transport. Trains from London to Brighton take roughly an hour, after which you can get connecting buses to Saltdean.
Saltdean Lido operates from 7am to 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 7am to 7pm every other day of the week with a full timetable set out for when it is available to different groups. Click here to find the complete breakdown of prices.
