Yahoo News Birmingham's nearest outdoor swimming pool announces opening date for summer 2024
Met Office reports of a mini-heatwave has got us thinking about holidaying at home. And there's no better way to do it than with an outdoor swim.
The good news is that Birmingham's nearest outdoor swimming pool has announced its opening date for summer 2024. Droitwich Spa Lido is one of the few remaining saltwater open air swimming pools in the UK.
The art deco style lido boasts a cafe, sun loungers and beautiful, green parkland. The outdoor pool is 40 metres long, making it perfect for a proper swim or you can just relax and soak up the sunshine.
Read more: Superb days out around the Midlands you may never have tried before
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Droitwich is the only lido in the West Midlands where you don't need to be a member to use it. It dates right back to 1935 when the water was heated to the same temperature as the Mediterranean Sea - something that is still maintained to this day.
There's also a Wet Play Area full of fountains and water cannons to keep little ones busy whatever the weather. Look out for afternoon children's activity sessions but check in advance as they may not run when the lido is busy. The neighbouring Droitwich Leisure Centre also has an indoor swimming pool, gym, sports court and exercise class studio.
Be sure to book your lido session in advance to avoid disappointment. Find out more via the Rivers Fitness website here. Listen to our Brummie Mummies podcast about the very best days out around the Midlands here
When will Droitwich Spa Lido reopen?
The lido is currently open for early morning cold water swims for those feeling brave! However, it will re-open properly with balmy 24 degree heated water on Saturday, May 25. This is just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend and May half term.
A Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre spokesman posted photos of the freshly-cleaned pool and said: "Our Lido is ready for the Summer season! Looks as good as new, thanks M&D JetClean! Our Lido will be open for the summer season on Saturday 25th May. Also, don't forget you can still enjoy cold water swimming until 12th May. Come and join us for a refreshing swim!"
Whilst there, you could go for a milkshake, toastie, giant teacake or hot chocolate at the cafe, which serves mostly homemade food that's locally sourced. You can hire a deckchair and there’s sun cream, goggles, swim caps and swim nappies for sale too.
How to get to Droitwich Spa Lido from Birmingham
It takes around 40 minutes to reach Droitwich Spa from the centre of Birmingham by jumping onto the M5. The pool is on the A38, just off junction 5 of the motorway. The address is Lido Park, Worcester Road, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 8AA. There's pay and display parking so it's best to take some loose change.
