The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent, has been a favourite among locals for almost 130 years; and the lido has been listed on the Historic Pools of Britain as the only riverside salt-water pool in the UK. It even boasts elephant slides and water jets.

While we haven’t seen many sunny days in the UK as of yet, when the sun does decide to grace us with its presence, there’s no better place to be than an outdoor swimming pool.

The UK is home to numerous outdoor pools and lidos, and there has been a significant push in recent years to restore and protect these vital community spaces.

First opened in June 1896, The Strand Lido stands as the only remaining riverside tidal salt water pool in the UK, where water comes from the River Medway; don’t worry, the water is filtered and chlorinated before being added to the lido. 

For those looking to keep fit, the lido offers six lanes of 25 metres. There’s also a toddler pool, a 300-metre lazy river, elephant slides and water jets to entertain the younger visitors.

With white floors and blue paint at the bottom of the water areas, the whole place resembles a holiday resort you’d expect to find abroad rather than a spot on the edge of the River Medway. 

The Lido Guide has praised the hidden gem for its Mediterranean charm, describing it as more akin to “Greece than Kent”.

The Lido Guide gushed: “Nothing about the exterior gives away what lies within. What lies within is a riot of Mediterranean-resort-style colour and fun. Any children in the party will be completely unable to contain their excitement.

“The whole thing is a freeform riot of bright white painted concrete, edged in royal blue, that gives the treated river water that fills the pool a hue that is more reminiscent of Greece than Kent.”

The guide added: “It takes a special sort of curmudgeon not to grin like a loon while hurtling down a pink elephant’s trunk into brilliant clear water.”

For those seeking a sun-kissed glow or parents wanting to relax while watching over their children, there are ample sunbathing spots. An onsite cafe is available, but visitors are also allowed to bring their own food.

Additional amenities include changing rooms, toilets, poolside showers and an inflatables shop. As the pool isn’t heated, it only opens during the summer season, from May 25 to September 1, with daily operations during school holidays.

Advance booking is required for two separate sessions: 10:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

One satisfied guest exclaimed on Tripadvisor: “So impressed with this place and feel lucky to have it in Medway. Very clean, love that the water is sourced and filtered from the Medway, not too much chlorine as lots of natural salt! Could easily spend the day here sunbathing and slipping in and out of the water at own pleasure.”

Another shared their experience, saying: “This place is full of great things to do. Walk along the river, Crazy Golf, a mine railway, and of course the wonderful Strand Lido Swimming Pool. Something for all really.”

Somebody else said The Strand Park is a “hidden gem”, recounting their memorable visit: “What a great place to go. Went for the first time this summer and was pleasantly surprised.

“It was very clean and well maintained. The parking was super cheap and the numbers were controlled so it never felt overcrowded which was lovely.”