Guildford Lido
A vibrant 50m heated outdoor pool with thrilling slides and a splash zone, offering a classic lido experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Guildford Lido
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant 50m heated outdoor pool with thrilling slides and a splash zone, offering a classic lido experience.
"Exceeded expectations and for only £8 per person, it represented excellent value for money."
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Secure your spot by booking sessions online in advance, especially during busy periods.
💰 Great Value Family Ticket
Consider a family ticket for a full day of fun at a reasonable price.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Olympic-Sized Pool
Main Pool
Dive into the expansive 50-meter heated outdoor pool, perfect for serious swimmers and casual splashes alike.
Thrilling Water Slides
Slide Area
Experience the excitement of multiple new water slides, offering fun for all ages and adrenaline levels.
+1
Toddler Splash Zone
Paddling Pool Area
Little ones can safely enjoy the water with a dedicated paddling pool featuring toys and a mini slide.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Swim Slot
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Secure your spot by booking sessions online in advance, especially during busy periods.
💰 Great Value Family Ticket
Consider a family ticket for a full day of fun at a reasonable price.
☀️ Bring Your Own Gear
Pack chairs, cool boxes, and food to maximize your comfort and budget.
🏊♀️ Morning Swim Sessions
Enjoy quieter lanes and a more focused swim before the main crowds arrive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Secure your spot by booking sessions online in advance, especially during busy periods.
💰 Great Value Family Ticket
Consider a family ticket for a full day of fun at a reasonable price.
☀️ Bring Your Own Gear
Pack chairs, cool boxes, and food to maximize your comfort and budget.
🏊♀️ Morning Swim Sessions
Enjoy quieter lanes and a more focused swim before the main crowds arrive.
🚲 Limited Bike Parking
Bike racks can fill up quickly; arrive early if cycling.
💧 Pool Water Temperature
The water is heated, making it pleasant even on cooler days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guildford Lido is widely praised for its excellent value, especially for families, with its heated Olympic-sized pool and fun slides. While it can get very busy, many visitors find the experience enjoyable due to the facilities and staff efforts. Some minor drawbacks include limited bike parking and occasional crowding.
"Exceeded expectations and for only £8 per person, it represented excellent value for money. It is a busy place but we still had a very enjoyable time and it was perfect for the heatwave! The pool was clean and the grit that many complain about it is coming from people walking barefoot into the water. Staff very efficient and doing their best to make sure everyone had a great time."
G Cinna
"A very pleasant spot. The only thing missing is more space for children, such as a playground with sand, etc. Swings and slides. Overall, a very positive experience. We went on a day when the weather wasn't great, but it was still great and we had a fantastic time, and the water, despite the 21 degrees outside, was very pleasant."
Agnieszka Maciejowska
"I'm conflicted. On the own hand I want to sing the Lido's praises. But on the other I don't want it to become popular. But that ship may have sailed! I'd like it to be economically viable. But stop shy of busy! But if the recent queues are anything to go by then I'm going to be disappointed!
I come for the morning swim session before the crowds. There are nine lanes. Three each for fast, medium and slow. And the good people of Guildford are wonderfully accommodating of speed differences within those lanes.
The staff do a remarkable job of keeping the pool clean. Occasionally there are unattractive clumps of matted hair at the bottom. There's the inevitable sand or grit that collects. And it's not immune to a stray plaster. But I think they've got themselves an underwater hoover because it's looking good at the moment. And for someone who spends 45 minutes with his head down looking at the bottom, that's a much more pleasant view.
I'm surprised there are only two male showers. I may have missed the others. But in the morning I've only had to wait a couple of times for them to become free. The lack of bike storage is scandalous for a leisure organisation. This gets used up very quicky in the morning session. There are four bike stands on the left hand side of the entrance and four spaces for bikes on the right hand side if they're not instructed by mopeds. Apparently there are plans to improve bike parking.
This place is a real gem. It's brightened my first summer in Guildford."
Richard Perkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Guildford Lido is accessible by car, with parking available at the nearby college on non-term days. It's also reachable by public transport, with train and bus options to Guildford town centre, followed by a short walk or local bus.
Parking is available at the college next door, especially when term has finished. Be aware that parking can be chaotic and competitive on busy days.
Yes, cycling is an option, but be aware that bike parking is limited and can fill up quickly.
Guildford Lido is approximately 45 minutes from London by car, making it a feasible day trip.
The nearest train station is Guildford, which is a short distance from the Lido. You can then take a bus or walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary, but a family ticket for the entire day can be around £24, with adult tickets approximately £8 and child tickets around £6. Under 3s often go free.
Yes, pre-booking your swim session online is highly recommended, especially during peak times, to guarantee entry.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Guildford Lido website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and session availability.
Yes, season tickets are available if you plan on visiting frequently, offering good value for regular swimmers.
Under 3s often get free entry. Check the website for any other potential discounts or family package deals.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
The Lido offers an Olympic-sized pool, water slides, a splash zone for toddlers, changing rooms, lockers, and a cafe.
Absolutely! There's a dedicated splash zone with a mini slide and toys, making it perfect for toddlers and younger children.
Yes, the 50-meter pool is divided into lanes for fast, medium, and slow swimmers, catering to serious lane swimmers.
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated, ensuring a comfortable swimming experience even when the outside temperature is cooler.
Staff work hard to keep the pool clean, with regular maintenance. Some grit may be present from visitors walking barefoot.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering refreshments and snacks.
Bringing your own food and drinks is a great way to save money and is recommended by visitors.
There is plenty of poolside space to relax and enjoy your own food, with some visitors finding spots by the hedges.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere from various angles, including the poolside, the slides, and the expansive pool itself.
Yes, you can take photos to capture memories, but always be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 A family ticket offers great value for a full day of entertainment. +1To make the most of your family day out, consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks to keep energy levels high.
🏊♀️ Serious Swimmers
To experience the pool with fewer distractions, aim for the early morning swim sessions before the general public arrives. This offers a more serene environment for dedicated swimmers.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 To keep costs down, bring your own food and drinks in a cool box, as this is a common and recommended practice among visitors. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to potentially avoid higher weekend crowds and enjoy the facilities without feeling overly packed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Making the Most of Your Visit
+1Beyond the water, the Lido provides essential amenities like changing rooms and lockers. Visitors often praise the value for money, especially with family tickets available for all-day access.
+1 It's a place where you can easily spend several hours soaking up the sun and enjoying the water. Community insights highlight the importance of booking in advance and arriving early to avoid disappointment and secure a good spot.
Community Tips for a Smooth Experience
Many suggest arriving early, particularly on weekends, to beat the biggest crowds and secure a prime spot poolside. For budget-conscious visitors, bringing your own food and drinks is a smart move, as it significantly reduces costs compared to purchasing on-site.
While the Lido can get busy, many reviewers emphasize that it's still a positive and enjoyable experience, with staff working hard to keep the facilities clean and manage visitor flow.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit