Summer swimming : Stratford Park Lido
In the hazy heat of summer the crowds flock to overcrowded beaches in Cornwall and Devon, sitting in traffic for hours on gridlocked motorways for a patch of sand and an overpriced portion of fish and chips. Whilst there is nothing wrong with these things; the British seaside is charming and beautiful - in the summer months it can test your patience. We prefer to skip the beach and embrace rolling hills or cool woodlands filled with birdsong and dappled sunlight.
However the desire to be near water when the heat kicks in is unavoidable. There is always fun to be had in hunting out secret wild swimming spots (of which there are a few locally) but in times of a true heatwave we like to take a trip to our favourite local Lido to keep things retro, simple and icy cold.
Images courtesy of ‘Friends of Stratford Park’
The historic lido in Stratford Park first opened in 1937. At an impressive 50 meters long it is filled from a natural spring, is very deep and provides a brilliant place to swim. The pool has been overlooked in years gone by because it is unheated (gasp!) but with the recent popularity of cold water swimming renewing interest, the future is starting to look up for the Lido. A group of volunteers formed ‘Friends of Stratford Park Lido’ in 2017 and have been working tirelessly on plans to improve things alongside the local council and leisure management company. Aside from the somewhat tired facilities the pool still boosts nostalgic and charming surroundings and is the perfect local place to stay cool on a scorching summer day.
A reinforced concrete diving platform creates a striking sculptural impact in the centre of the pool. Although not in use due to changes in modern safety regulations, the grade II listed diving platform is one of only four inter-war diving structures left in the UK. A hidden gem for architecture enthusiasts, it would not look out of place in a modernist estate or in one of Noguchi’s playgrounds. At the end of the pool there is an Art deco fountain and around all sides plenty of flat concrete slabs for laying out towels to dry off in the sun.
The Lido is open to the public during the summer months. To book a slot you’ll need to register and sign in HERE.
It’s worth noting the lido is set within Stratford Park which also boosts an indoor leisure centre with 25 meter heated pool (for those not brave enough for cold water swimming) tennis courts, a gym and cafe. The Museum in the park also hosts a programme of great exhibitions and events, so check whats on and combine your swim with a walk through the park to the museum.
Images courtesy of ‘Friends of Stratford Park’
