Peterborough Lido
A stunning 1930s outdoor swimming pool with a heated main pool, learner pool, and paddling pool, offering a nostalgic escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy the sun.
Peterborough Lido
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy the sun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 1930s outdoor swimming pool with a heated main pool, learner pool, and paddling pool, offering a nostalgic escape.
"This pool is an absolute stunner! A real asset for the people of Peterborough."
🎯 Book in Advance!
Essential on warm days to secure your spot. #peterboroughlido #booknow
💰 Lockers Available
Refundable £1 charge for lockers. Bring change! #lido #peterborough
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Pool
50m main pool
A spacious, heated 50m pool perfect for swimming laps, playing, or using inflatables.
1930s Architecture
Entrance and surrounding buildings
Step back in time with the mosaic lobby, clock tower, and charming vintage buildings.
Terrace Views
First-floor terraces
Enjoy stunning views of the pool and gardens from the first-floor terraces, ideal for a post-swim drink.
Learner and Paddling Pools
Separate pools
Dedicated pools for learners and toddlers ensure fun and safety for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Retro Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance!
Essential on warm days to secure your spot.
💰 Lockers Available
Refundable £1 charge for lockers. Bring change! #lido #peterborough
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the grassy areas. #familyfun #picnic
🏊 Heated Water
The main pool is heated, making it comfortable for swimming.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance!
Essential on warm days to secure your spot.
💰 Lockers Available
Refundable £1 charge for lockers. Bring change! #lido #peterborough
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the grassy areas. #familyfun #picnic
🏊 Heated Water
The main pool is heated, making it comfortable for swimming.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
Relax to jolly background music while you swim. #goodvibes #lido
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Peterborough Lido's traditional charm and spacious, heated main pool, calling it a 'stunner' and a 'real asset'. The 1930s architecture and pleasant atmosphere are frequently highlighted. While generally positive, some reviews hint at potential budget concerns for the council and the need for community support to maintain the facility.
"What a fantastic place! It's so nice to have a traditional building that sparks memories of days gone by.
The main pool is huge, with plenty of space to swim, play catch or use inflatables.
There are lockers there with a refundable £1 charge.
There are toilets, benches and a cafe there, that serves chips and burgers, sandwiches, drinks and cakes. The prices are reasonable as well. They sell ice lollies as well.
We sat on the grassy area with a picnic blanket. There is a small play area for kids with a climbing frame, slide and swing.
Plenty of space to find a spot to sit.
The water in the pool was a good temperature."
Karen; Finding Fifty
"Very nice building and lovelly pool. A real asset for the people of Peterborough who need to do everything possible to make sure that this facility is kept operational.
Very traditional feel with some nice music in the background, well organised swimming lanes, and plenty of changing and toilet facilities available.
Changing and toilet facilities are male and female at either end of the complex.
There is a cafe and several outdoor areas to eat, with food and drinks available, although I'm not sure what time the cafe opens!"
Simon Ayres
"Went there for mid night heated swimming pool . It was a good experience. It was quite busy. But had a great time. A very good place to have good time with family."
Azaz Shakoor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Peterborough Lido is easily accessible. There is plenty of paid parking nearby, and it's a short walk through the gardens. You can't miss the distinctive clock tower. For public transport options, check local bus routes. #peterborough #travel
Yes, there is ample paid parking available close to the Lido, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. #parking #peterboroughlido
While specific cycle racks aren't detailed, cycling is a great way to explore Peterborough. Consider checking local cycle maps for routes leading to the Lido area. #cycling #uk
The Lido has a learner pool and paddling pool, and while specific accessibility details for all areas aren't always highlighted, the general atmosphere is welcoming. One visitor mentioned their daughter with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy had a dream day.
From Peterborough city centre, the Lido is a pleasant walk through the gardens. Alternatively, local bus services can take you close to the venue. #citycentre #publictransport
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry prices can vary, but one review mentioned a 4-hour morning swim costing £7 per person. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially for warmer days. #admission #tickets
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, particularly on warmer days, as it can get very busy.
The Lido typically opens for the season around April 1st.
While it's best to book in advance, it might be possible to purchase tickets on the day if capacity allows. However, to avoid disappointment, pre-booking is strongly advised.
Yes, you can often book morning, afternoon, or even all-day tickets. Some visitors recommend booking a double session to spend the entire day there.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The Lido offers changing cubicles, clean toilets, a few showers, lockers (£1 refundable), a cafe, and outdoor seating areas. There's also a small play area for kids. #facilities #changingrooms
Yes, the main pool is heated, typically to around 24°C, making it comfortable for swimming even on cooler days. #heatedpool #swimming
Attentive lifeguards are present to ensure swimmer safety in the main pool. #lifeguards #safety
It has a traditional, nostalgic feel with pleasant background music. Visitors often describe it as a 'stunner' and a 'real asset' to the city. #atmosphere #vintage
Yes, there are three pools: a 50m main pool, a learner pool, and a paddling pool for toddlers. #pools #family
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves a variety of food and drinks, including chips, burgers, sandwiches, cakes, and ice lollies. Prices are generally considered reasonable. #cafe #food
The cafe offers typical poolside fare such as chips, burgers, sandwiches, drinks, and cakes. #menu #snacks
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and enjoy them on the grassy areas. #picnic #bringyourownfood
The first-floor terraces offer stunning views of the pool and gardens, making them a great spot for a post-swim drink or snack. #views #dining
The exact opening time for the cafe isn't always specified, but it's available for food and drinks during operating hours. #cafehours #peterborough
📸 📸 Photography
The traditional 1930s architecture, the mosaic lobby, the clock tower, and the expansive main pool offer fantastic photo opportunities. The first-floor terraces also provide scenic shots. +1 #photography #peterboroughlido
Some photographers have captured stunning aerial shots of the Lido using drones, showcasing its layout and surroundings.
Visitors often capture the vintage charm, the vibrant blue of the water, and the overall atmosphere of this historic outdoor swimming pool. Sunrise shots are also popular.
Generally, personal photography is welcomed. However, for professional or commercial use, it's always best to check with the venue management. #photoops #peterborough
Sunrise can offer beautiful light, especially during the Summer Solstice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There's also a small play area with a climbing frame, slide, and swing, adding to the entertainment options.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Sunrise photography can yield stunning results, with the early morning light casting a beautiful glow over the venue. Drone photography also offers unique perspectives of the Lido and its surrounding gardens. #photography #peterboroughDeep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Historic Gem: The Peterborough Lido Story
Efforts are ongoing to ensure its future, with discussions about making it the 'Year of the Lido' in 2026 to mark its 90th anniversary. This dedication from the community and council underscores its value as a beloved local asset. +1Despite past challenges, such as council budget concerns that threatened its operation, the Lido has been championed by local figures and the 'Friends of Peterborough Lido' group.
Visitors often praise the traditional feel and the well-organized swimming lanes.
Making a Splash: Your Lido Swimming Experience
Beyond the main pool, the Lido caters to different needs with a learner pool and a paddling pool for younger children, making it a great destination for families.
For those looking to extend their visit, booking a double session is a popular choice, allowing for a full day of swimming and relaxation.
The Lido is also a venue for open water swimming encouragement, with coaches helping new swimmers get comfortable in the water. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or trying open water for the first time, the Peterborough Lido provides a welcoming and enjoyable environment. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit