AN OUTDOOR swimming pool in the UK has been forced to close – despite only just opening for its summer season.

When the summer arrives and sunny days return, people up and down the country will be heading to their local lido to cool down.

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One place where that might not be possible is the Strand Lido in Gillingham.

The lido first opened in 1896 and now claims to be the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in England.

Following a wintertime closure, the outdoor pool reopened to the public for its summer season last Saturday (May 25, 2024).

The Strand Lido opened for the summer to coincide with the bank holiday weekend and the May half term.

After the May half term, the lido was set to remain open every weekend until the summer holidays – when it would then open daily.

But the Kent lido has been forced to close because of a “significant” water leak just days after it opened, as reported by the BBC.

Medway Council revealed that water levels had been impacted by the leak, which resulted in the closure.

Refunds will be issued to anyone who has booked a session.

A spokesperson from the council said: “We are very sorry but we have had to close the Strand Lido pool unexpectedly due to a significant water leak.”

The council is working hard to fix the leak, so the Kent lido can once again reopen.

Inside the UK lido where kids can swim for free

Travel Writer Catherine Lofthouse has revealed the little-known UK lido where kids can swim for free.

It’s not often I go for a dip without my kids, so it’s safe to say I know a great place to take the children swimming without forking out on expensive tickets.

One of our family favourites is something of a well-kept secret, given that it’s just half an hour north of London but rarely seems to get a mention on lists of lidos.

If you’re looking for your next day trip, then give Hitchin Lido in Hertfordshire a try.

It has a beautiful art deco pavilion dating back from 1938 as well as a hexagonal fountain surrounded by railings.

The star of the show is its 50m heated swimming pool but there are plenty of other facilities too, including sunbathing terraces, a lawned area for picnics and a baby pool and sandpit zone.

You can read more about my visit to the little-known lido, here.

It is not yet known when the lido will reopen to the public.

Located on the River Medway, the Strand Lido uses saltwater, which is pumped from the river, filtered and subsequently chlorinated.

Other features at the lido include a paddling area, a lazy river as well as plenty of space for sunbathing.

The Strand Lido isn’t the only outdoor pool in the UK that’s been forced to close unexpectedly.

Earlier this year, Cleveland Pools in Bath, Somerset, shut its doors because of damage caused by flooding.

The Bath lido has been closed since January, with Paul Simmons, the Chair of the Cleveland Pools Trust, saying: “The flooding has found its way into the plant room leaving the pools currently inoperable.

“The flooding issue was fully investigated and taken into consideration when designing the scheme prior to the commencement of works on site.

“After the enormous efforts of so many to achieve the re-opening of the pools, the trust regrets this disruption to those wishing to use and enjoy the facilities.”

Even though Cleveland Pools doesn’t have a set reopening date, the Cleveland Pools Trust is “determined” to bring the pools back into use as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, this 100-acre water attraction with pool and on-site camping is set to open in the UK.

And you can now visit this new aqua park with slides and floating trampolines.

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