Lidos and outdoor swimming pools within driving distance of Nottingham

As the sun comes out plenty of us will be looking for ways to enjoy the sunshine. Nottingham has got a brilliant range of parks, beer gardens and bars we can all keep cool in, however many will be itching for that seaside feeling you just can't get in the city.

There is a range of lidos around Nottinghamshire that may be the next big thing to keep cool. All the outdoor pools and lidos listed are less than an hour and a half away from Nottingham on a clear run.

Ashby Leisure Centre and Lido

The closest lido to Nottinghamshire, this historic pool - first opened in 1928 - is located in the Leicestershire market town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Boasting 30 metres in length, this heated lido is open throughout the summer where visitors can either chill out and soak in the sun during 'free swim' sessions or join the swimming lessons run by the leisure centre.

And there's plenty to keep children happy with an 'Ashby-by-the-Sea' play area featuring a sandpit area and climbing frame to imitate that seaside feeling. There's also the Splashby Food Hut café which serves snacks, ice creams and slushies.

Only 22 miles from Nottingham city centre via the A42, this lido is perfect for families looking to get that seaside feel without travelling far or keen swimmers wanting to practice their breaststroke. Adult tickets are £4.30, with junior tickets at £2.90 and under 5s and carers entering for free and the pool is open for summer between May 27 to August 27.

North Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1HU

Hathersage Open Air Heated Pool

Located in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District, this Hathersage lido is notable for its temperature - heated up to 28 degrees during the summer - but also the beautiful views that surround the site. Visitors can soak in the sights of Stanage Edge and Hathersage Church as they swim in the 100ft x 33ft lido which remains open all year round.

Afterwards, children can enjoy the play area and playing field opposite and there's also space at the site for families to enjoy a picnic or refreshments from the pool café. 40 miles from Nottingham via the M1, the drive to this lido does take just over an hour however, if visitors are looking for a warm swim surrounded by beautiful views of hills, Hathersage is worth the journey.

Adult tickets are priced at £6.50, with kids at £3.50, concessions at £5.50 and under 4s go in for free. A family ticket admitting two adults and two kids can also be purchased for £18.

Oddfellows Rd, Hathersage, Hope Valley, S32 1DU

Bourne Outdoor Swimming Pool

Situated in the Lincolnshire town of Bourne, this lido features a heated pool so big that it's almost Olympic-sized. At 154 feet in length, there'll be no shortage of swimming space for families, especially with the addition of a toddler pool, sand pit and playhouse.

After visitors have finished their swim they can chill out on the lawns surrounding the lido featuring a refreshment area, sweet and snack shop and barbecues for hire. Adjacent to Abbey Lawn, a popular recreation ground in Lincoln, the trip to the lido from Nottingham will take just over an hour at 43 miles up the A52 and A151.

Adult tickets start at £4.50, and kids start at £1.

Abbey Lawns, Abbey Rd, Bourne, PE10 9LN

Billinghay Swimming Pool

Ran by the local community, this lido is located in the small Lincolnshire village of Billinghay and has a heated 25m x 10m pool with a 'beach corner' sandpit play area for the kids. A range of drinks and ice creams are available from the kiosk and can be enjoyed on the green seating area by the lido.

Taking an hour and seventeen minutes from Nottingham via the A46 and A17, the lido is a 49-mile journey. Adults and kids aged 10-15 can buy tickets at £4, while younger kids can enter at £3.50, toddlers £1.00, and under 3s enter for free.

Spectators who simply want to lounge in the sun and don't fancy a swim can enter for 50p.

Fen Rd, Billinghay, Lincoln, LN4 4HU

Jubilee Park Woodhall Spa

Located in the green fields of Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, Jubilee Park is surrounded by space for families to sit and play after their swim. Included in the 2019 'Lido Guide', this recently refurbished heated pool is surrounded by beautiful views that complement the swimming experience.

There is an on-site café and bar where visitors can get a range of food and drinks. The spa is 52 miles from Nottingham, taking just under one-and-a-half hours in the car.

Adult tickets start at £5.50, while kids start from £4.00 and £5 for seniors tickets. A family ticket, admitting two adults and two kids can also be purchased for £15.00

Stixwould Rd, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QH