Cleveland Pools, a stunning Georgian lido located in Bath and widely recognized as the oldest public outdoor swimming pool in the UK, is finally set to reopen next month. On September 10th, the first fortunate individuals will have the opportunity to take a refreshing plunge into the invigorating waters of Cleveland Pools (heated water will be introduced at a later date). This remarkable achievement has been 20 years in the making, with a dedicated group of volunteers working tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. The initial slots for these inaugural swims, which will be completely free of charge, are expected to be in high demand.
The Chairman of the Cleveland Pools Trust, Paul Simons, described the journey of saving and reopening the site as an immense challenge, often involving an uphill battle. However, the unwavering determination of the local community, along with an army of volunteers and well-wishers from far and wide, combined with a generous £6.5 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, ultimately led to triumph.
Kevin Guy, the leader of Bath and North East Somerset council, expressed his belief that Cleveland Pools is a significant asset for the city. With its origins dating back to 1815, the site originally functioned as a river-fed pool and was cherished by generations of Bath residents and visitors until its closure for swimming in 1984. It briefly served as a trout farm before being listed as a building at risk by English Heritage when the council put it up for sale in 2003. In response, the Cleveland Pools Trust was established in 2004, aiming to salvage the site and restore it for public use.
Last September, a select few were chosen through a prize draw for a special opportunity to swim in the pool, and the plan was to subsequently open it to the general public a few weeks later, with a full opening planned for spring. Nevertheless, contractual negotiations and seasonal flooding impeded progress. Thankfully, these issues have been resolved, and the installation of a pontoon, vital for site access from the River Avon and the pool’s heating system, will soon be complete, paving the way for soothing warm water swimming.
While swimming will be free on September 10th, it is essential to reserve spaces through the pool’s website starting at 10 am on September 2nd. Further details regarding opening hours, swimming schedules, and entry fees from September 11th onwards will be announced in the coming weeks.
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