Best Historic Open-Air Pools and Lidos Near Brighton

With the summer heat starting to settle in, there is nothing quite like swapping the indoor gym for a refreshing outdoor swim. The UK's love affair with open-air pools peaked back in the 1930s, driven by a post-WWI shift toward outdoor recreation, mixed bathing, and a newfound sense of freedom. While many of these historic lidos fell into disrepair in the latter half of the twentieth century, a massive resurgence in cold-water swimming and outdoor leisure has brought these community hubs back to life. Whether you are looking for a heated architectural masterpiece or a historic unheated plunge, the area around Brighton has some of the finest spots to cool off this season.

Right on our doorstep, Saltdean Lido on Saltdean Park Road is a stunning example of this coastal heritage. Designed by architect R.W.H. Jones and opened in 1938, this Grade II listed Art Deco landmark is often celebrated as the "seventh wonder of the English seaside." After being saved from redevelopment in 2010 and reopening in 2017, it now offers a heated 40m pool, a paddling pool, a wet play area, and spacious sunbathing lawns. For the 2026 summer season, which runs until Thursday 10 September 2026, you can visit daily between 07:00 and 19:00. First-come, first-served free parking is available on-site, and you can easily catch the 27, 12X, 12, or 14 buses directly to the entrance. If you prefer a modern setup, Sea Lanes* at 300 Madeira Drive is the UK's first National Open Water Swimming Centre. Opened in June 2023, it features a 50m, 6-lane heated outdoor pool kept at a comfortable 19°C. It is open Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 21:00, Saturdays from 06:30 to 19:00, and Sundays from 06:30 to 20:00, with last entry one hour before closing. Non-member adult swims cost £11.90, while under 18s, students, and seniors over 60 pay £7.60.

Just a short trip outside the city, you can experience the oldest documented freshwater outdoor public pool in the UK. Pells Pool in Lewes, located on Brook Street, has been welcoming swimmers since 1861. This spring-fed, unheated pool measures 50 yards by 25 yards and is perfect for those who love a traditional, cool dip. The facilities include a sun terrace, lawn, paddling pool, and a 12-person sauna that was introduced in June 2024. The season here runs from mid-April to the end of November, with flexible pricing options: adults can book a one-hour slot for £4.00 or a three-hour slot for £5.00, while children and concessions are £2.00, students and seniors are £3.00, and under 2s swim for free. Further west, Arundel Lido offers a heated swim with a picturesque backdrop of Arundel Castle and the River Arun. Operated by a Charitable Trust, its 2026 season runs from Saturday 13 April to 29 September, featuring early and late adult swims, lane swimming, family sessions, and dedicated cold-water swims on Mondays and Wednesdays from 07:30 to 12:00.

For those seeking a mix of activities, there are excellent multi-use options nearby. Hove Lagoon on the Kingsway has been a staple for watersports since 1994, offering year-round instruction and equipment hire for windsurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, alongside a children's paddling pool. Meanwhile, The Triangle in Burgess Hill features an outdoor lido open during the summer months alongside its main indoor facilities. Located on Triangle Way, it is open Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 22:00, and weekends from 07:45 to 19:00, with swim memberships starting from £35 per month. Whether you want a quick athletic workout or a lazy afternoon lounging on a grassy lawn, these local outdoor pools offer the perfect escape for the sunny months ahead.