Tinside Lido Swimming Pool
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Tinside Lido Plymouth

4.5
·344 reviews·, United Kingdom

Plymouth's iconic Art Deco Tinside Lido, a Grade II listed saltwater pool offering refreshing swims and stunning sea views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Tinside Lido Swimming Pool

Tinside Lido Plymouth

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Plymouth's iconic Art Deco Tinside Lido, a Grade II listed saltwater pool offering refreshing swims and stunning sea views.

4.5
(344 reviews)

"On a hot sunny day, this has to be one of the best days out!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead Online

Sessions, especially afternoons, fill up fast. Book online to guarantee your spot! :ticket:

🥶 Brace for Cold Water

The saltwater pool is unheated. It's refreshing but can be chilly! Hot showers help afterwards. :dash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Art Deco Architecture

Iconic Art Deco Architecture

The entire Lido complex

A stunning Grade II listed saltwater pool, built in 1935, offering a unique architectural backdrop for your swim.

Instagram
Refreshing Saltwater Swim

Refreshing Saltwater Swim

The main pool

Dive into the invigorating, unheated saltwater pool with spectacular views over Plymouth Sound.

InstagramReddit
Spectacular Seafront Views

Spectacular Seafront Views

Poolside and surrounding areas

Enjoy panoramic vistas of the ocean and coastline while relaxing or swimming.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Tinside Lido can get busy, especially on sunny days. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays for a more relaxed experience. While the saltwater pool is refreshing, it's unheated, so be prepared for a bracing dip! TikTok

Booking & Accessibility

Pre-booking your swim session online is highly recommended, as afternoon slots often fill up. Walk-ins may be available if there are cancellations. The Lido has undergone refurbishment for improved accessibility. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunny summer days
Why
Perfect for a refreshing dip
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Rolls Royce overboard! Plymouth's Tinside Lido was closed for visitors today for a secret private booking involving a brand new Rolls Royce car being parked in the iconic outdoor saltwater pool. While it's all a mystery at the moment, more details will be released soon. Clips sent in by One Plymouth team member @UpArt Photography and Scott
@oneplymouth
35.5K likes • 2.1M views

🎯 Book Ahead Online

Sessions, especially afternoons, fill up fast. Book online to guarantee your spot! Instagram :ticket:

🥶 Brace for Cold Water

The saltwater pool is unheated. It's refreshing but can be chilly! Hot showers help afterwards. Reddit :dash:

#plymouth #oasis #albumcover #lido #plymouthlido
@mr_k_gregs
19K likes • 220.2K views
Tinside Lido, an outdoor swimming pool in Plymouth 📍 Would you swim here? #drone #dronephotography #seenfromadrone #droneoftheday #droneglobe #dronepals #outdoors #countryside #sun #djiglobal #devon #southdevon #exmouth #plymouth #devonlife #uk #country #countryside #countrylife #sunset #tinsidelido
seenfromadrone
51 likes • 1.2K views

☀️ Sun Lounger Hire

Affordable sun loungers available for hire, perfect for a full day of relaxation. Reddit :chair:

📸 Capture the Views

Stunning Art Deco design and sea views make it a photographer's dream. Instagram :camera:

Tinside Lido is open for swimming from 12pm. We are fully booked for afternoon sessions but walk ins may be available with cancellations. We encourage customers to pre book where possible through www.tinsidelido.co.uk #Swimming #plymouth #tinsidelido
tinsidelido
43 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead Online

Sessions, especially afternoons, fill up fast. Book online to guarantee your spot! Instagram :ticket:

🥶 Brace for Cold Water

The saltwater pool is unheated. It's refreshing but can be chilly! Hot showers help afterwards. Reddit :dash:

☀️ Sun Lounger Hire

Affordable sun loungers available for hire, perfect for a full day of relaxation. Reddit :chair:

📸 Capture the Views

Stunning Art Deco design and sea views make it a photographer's dream. Instagram :camera:

☕ Cafe & Refreshments

Enjoy coffee, ice cream, and snacks with a view at the onsite cafe. Reddit :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(344 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Tinside Lido's stunning Art Deco architecture and refreshing saltwater pool, especially on sunny days. The affordable entry for locals and the beautiful seafront views are major highlights. While the unheated water can be a shock, many find it invigorating, and the hot showers are a welcome relief. Some note it can get crowded, and booking ahead is advised.

"On a hot sunny day, this has to be one of the best days out! Affordable tickets for Plymouth residents and only £2 to hire a sun lounger for whole visit. Lifeguards were attentive and staff were friendly. The pool is great, it isn't heated but is refreshing once you get used to it. Would 100% recommend and re-visit :)"

Fran Strand

"Heritage! It's best lido as a thalasso pool. But, sea water not heated-up, freezing even summer season."

Mutlu Palalar

"I loved visiting this Lido, water cold and choppy as the weather was varied, but great once you were submerged. And the hot shower afterwards got the blood circulation up to 11. Well recommended."

D Johnson

What People Like

Stunning Art Deco design
Refreshing saltwater pool
Beautiful sea views

What People Dislike

Unheated water
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tinside Lido is located on Plymouth Hoe. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby, or via public transport. Several bus routes stop close to the Hoe. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center. Instagram

Yes, there are several car parks around Plymouth Hoe, which is a short walk from the Lido. Be aware that parking can be busy during peak times. Instagram

Cycling is a great option, and there are usually places to secure bikes near the Hoe. Enjoy the scenic route along the coast. Instagram

Yes, numerous bus routes serve the Plymouth Hoe area, making it easily accessible by public transport. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient options. Instagram

Arriving by car or bus allows you to get close to the Hoe for stunning aerial or ground-level shots of the Lido and the coastline. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Plymouth residents can swim for around £6, while non-residents pay approximately £8. Concessions are available at around £4.80. Prices can vary, so check the official website for current rates. TikTok

Pre-booking your swim session online is highly recommended, especially for afternoon slots, as they often sell out. Walk-ins may be possible if there are cancellations. Instagram

Opening hours vary depending on the season and day. It's best to check the official Tinside Lido website or their social media for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Yes, Plymouth residents receive a discounted entry fee. Concession prices are also available for eligible individuals. TikTok

Yes, sun loungers are available for hire at an affordable price, making it easy to relax by the pool for the entire visit. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

No, the Tinside Lido is a saltwater pool and is not heated. While it can be bracing, many find it refreshing, especially on a warm day. Reddit

The Lido offers changing rooms, toilets, a cafe, and sun lounger hire. Lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy a day out at Tinside Lido. The pool is great for swimming, and the surrounding area offers beautiful views. Instagram

Absolutely! Tinside Lido is incredibly photogenic with its Art Deco design and coastal setting. It's a popular spot for photographers and drone enthusiasts. Instagram+1

Built in 1935, Tinside Lido is a Grade II listed Art Deco masterpiece. It has undergone significant refurbishment to preserve its heritage and enhance visitor experience. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe at Tinside Lido where you can purchase coffee, ice cream, and other refreshments. Reddit

While specific policies can vary, it's generally advisable to check with the Lido directly regarding bringing outside food. However, the onsite cafe offers convenient options. Reddit

The cafe typically offers light snacks, hot and cold drinks, and ice cream, perfect for a post-swim treat. Reddit

Yes, Plymouth Hoe and the surrounding city center have numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines. Instagram

While you can enjoy refreshments at the cafe, the open spaces around Plymouth Hoe are also great for picnics with a view. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the Lido's architecture and coastal setting. Weekday mornings can provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. Instagram+1

Drone usage policies can vary. While some drone footage exists, it's essential to check current regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone near the Lido. Instagram+1

Its unique Art Deco design, semicircular shape, and prime location on Plymouth Hoe overlooking the sea make it a visually striking subject. Instagram+1

The Rolls-Royce stunt was a private event. While photos and videos exist, access to capture such events is typically restricted. TikTokInstagram

Wide-angle shots showcasing the entire Lido and its surroundings, as well as close-ups of the Art Deco details, are highly effective. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tinside Lido is a fantastic family outing. The pool offers a fun and refreshing experience for children, and the surrounding Hoe provides space to run around. While the water is unheated, many kids enjoy the novelty of a saltwater swim. The onsite cafe is perfect for grabbing snacks, and hiring sun loungers makes for a comfortable day for everyone. Instagram

Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and hats, as the open location can be quite exposed. Lifeguards are present, offering peace of mind for parents. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your little ones. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Tinside Lido is a dream location. Its iconic Art Deco design, coupled with the stunning coastal views, offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. Capture the geometric patterns of the pool, the architectural details, and the sweeping vistas of Plymouth Sound. Instagram+1

Experiment with different angles, from ground level to aerial shots (if permitted). The changing light throughout the day, especially during sunrise and sunset, can create dramatic and beautiful scenes. Weekday mornings are ideal for capturing the Lido without the hustle and bustle of crowds. Instagram+1

🏊‍♀️ Sea Swimmers & Lido Lovers

If you love sea swimming, Tinside Lido offers a unique, controlled saltwater environment. While it's not the wild sea, the invigorating chill and the ocean views provide a similar connection to the coast. It's a great option for those who appreciate the benefits of saltwater without the unpredictability of open sea conditions. InstagramReddit

For dedicated lido enthusiasts, Tinside is a must-visit. Its status as a Grade II listed Art Deco gem, combined with its recent refurbishment, makes it one of Europe's top outdoor pools. The experience is enhanced by the friendly staff, affordable entry, and the option to relax on sun loungers. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art Deco Gem: History and Refurbishment

Tinside Lido, a masterpiece of Art Deco design, first opened its doors in 1935. Its distinctive semicircular shape, jutting into the sea, was revolutionary for its time. The Lido was built as part of Plymouth's efforts to provide recreational facilities for its residents, embracing the seaside town's identity. It quickly became a beloved landmark, offering a unique swimming experience with its saltwater and stunning views over Plymouth Sound. Instagram

After years of service, the Lido underwent a significant £4.5 million refurbishment, completed recently. This extensive project aimed to restore its former glory while enhancing its facilities and accessibility. The refurbishment ensured that this Grade II listed building would continue to be a cherished attraction for generations to come, preserving its historical significance and architectural beauty. Instagram+1

The Lido's recent closure for a private event involving a Rolls-Royce car being placed in the pool generated considerable buzz, highlighting its iconic status and adaptability for unique occasions. This event, inspired by a legendary stunt, underscored the Lido's enduring appeal and its ability to be part of memorable moments. TikTokInstagram+1

The Tinside Experience: Swimming and Relaxation

Swimming at Tinside Lido is a quintessential Plymouth experience. The saltwater pool, while unheated, offers a refreshing and invigorating dip, particularly on warmer days. Many visitors find the initial chill quickly gives way to enjoyment, especially with the stunning backdrop of the ocean. The presence of attentive lifeguards ensures a safe environment for all swimmers. Reddit

Beyond the swim, the Lido is a perfect spot for relaxation. You can hire affordable sun loungers and soak up the sun while enjoying panoramic views of Plymouth Sound. The onsite cafe provides a convenient place to grab a coffee, ice cream, or a light snack, making it easy to spend a full day here. The hot showers are also a welcome feature after a swim in the cool waters. InstagramReddit

For those seeking a unique experience, the Lido has also been a venue for special events, including doggy paddle sessions and even music video shoots, showcasing its versatility and appeal. TikTokInstagram

Photography and Social Media Appeal

Tinside Lido is a photographer's paradise, drawing in enthusiasts and casual snappers alike. Its striking Art Deco architecture, combined with the dramatic coastal setting, provides endless opportunities for captivating shots. The semicircular pool, the clean lines of the building, and the expansive sea views create a visually dynamic scene. Instagram+1

Social media platforms are awash with stunning images and videos of the Lido. From aerial drone shots capturing its grandeur from above to candid shots of people enjoying a swim, the Lido consistently garners attention. The 'golden hour' around sunrise and sunset is particularly popular for capturing the warm light illuminating the structure and the sea. Instagram+2

Recent viral moments, like the Rolls-Royce stunt, have further amplified its online presence, demonstrating its ability to be a stage for unique and memorable visual content. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to capture some great holiday snaps, Tinside Lido offers a picturesque backdrop. TikTokInstagram+1

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