A FREE lido in the UK has been described as a “great place for kids” by visitors thanks to its splash pad and play area.
Across the UK are a hundreds of outdoor swimming pools, ranging from small tidal pools to much larger swimming complexes.
While Blackpill Lido in Swansea doesn’t have traditional swimming lanes, it’s an ideal place for families on a hot summer‘s day.
Blackpill Lido has a large paddling pool, complete with water features like fountains.
There’s also a children’s play area, a climbing rock and plenty of space for picnics.
Other facilities include the Junction Cafe, which sits right next to Blackpill Lido, and the Woodman pub is also nearby.
The Welsh lido has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with a 4/5 star rating from hundreds of reviews.
One person wrote: “This lido isn’t huge but offers a safe, family friendly, environment to spend the day at.
“Swansea Bay beach is also literally within a spitting distance from the water park too.”
Another person added: “Brilliant for kids, good amenities, lovely paddling pool and great sea views.”
Someone else said: “A great place and water play area for kids.”
Entry into the lido is free, with deck chairs available to rent from £2.75.
Blackpill Lido opened for the summer season on May, 4, 2024 and will be open until September 22, 2024.
The Welsh lido backs onto Swansea Bay Beach, a stunning sandy beach that stretches for five miles.
It’s also just a 40-minute drive from the world-famous Rhossili Bay, which is routinely voted as one of the best in the world.
The beach regularly features in Wales’ Best Beach top 10 and has been voted number one several times.
It has also previously been named the best beach in the country and in 2014, it even made the world’s top 10, ahead of places in the Seychelles, South Africa, Mexico and Australia.
It has three miles of golden sandy shore, all overlooked by its famous headland, the Worm’s Head, which juts out into the sea, marking the Gower’s most westerly point.
While a 40-minute drive may not sound too close, it certainly isn’t far to visit on of the world’s best beaches.
And Blackpill Lido isn’t the only outdoor swimming pool in Wales, there’s also Lido Ponty.
Dating back to 1927, Lido Ponty is also known as the National Lido of Wales.
It was upgraded back in 2015 following a £6.3million restoration project through the Welsh government.
The Grade II listed lido has three heated swimming pools – the main pool, activity pool and splash pool – with temperatures around 28C.
Around the pools are also sun loungers and a terrace, where you can book spectators tickets if you aren’t going for a swim.
It won’t break the bank either, adult tickets are £3 and people under 16 years are free (aside from booking fees).
There is even an inflatable obstacle course, which is an extra £2.50.
Kent’s The Strand Lido in Gillingham has been compared to Greece because of its bright blue and white design.
And a lido in London is said to have similar vibes to that of Tenerife.
