Beachfront English lido that only opened last summer – and is found one of the UK’s top seaside destinations for 2024
AN OUTDOOR pool situated right on the beach has made itself a hugely popular attraction at one of the UK’s best loved seasides, despite only opening a year ago.
In 2023, Sea Lanes became a new place for tourists and locals alike to enjoy in Brighton, with the six lane, 50m swimming pool placed just a stone’s throw from the shore.
Brighton is one of the UK’s best seaside towns, according to Madeleine Bunting, author of The Seaside: England’s Love Affair.
She told Sun Travel that it was a rarity in the UK in that it’s still a great place to explore, even if the weather isn’t great.
She said: “The brilliant thing about Brighton is it may be a seaside town, but it doesn’t matter if the weather takes a turn as there’s so much else to keep you busy.”
The lido was built on an old derelict site in Kemptown, a small community in the east of the city, and is open to the public on a pay-per-swim basis, with memberships also available.
It’s heated, so people can still make the most of it even on days where the summer weather isn’t at its best, as is often the case in the UK.
What’s more, it means visitors can go for a dip on the beach year-round, without having to worry about the conditions out at sea.
It also has several partner businesses also on site for people to enjoy, including places to eat and drink and to do other relaxing activities, like yoga.
One such place is cafe, Fika, which boasts about serving “an epic brunch and damn good coffee”.
And there’s barbecue restaurant Wood x Coal, which “captures the essence of Brighton and Hove’s spirited soul” by serving “smoky flavours with modern culinary twists”.
Among its best loved options are its pizzas, which are served overlooking to beach.
Bison Beer meanwhile is a local craft beer company and has two bars, with 14 different draft beer options and a selection of spirits, wine and cocktails, all served right by the sea at the facility.
These options have earned Sea Lanes the nickname the “Boxpark-by-the-Sea” according to My London, who raved about it as a great day out at the beach just a short train journey from the capital.
They wrote: “Take an hour-long train to Brighton and you’ll the perfect lido with expansive views of the English Channel.
“Ideal for those who prefer a swimming pool to the sea, the lido has six lanes and is the same length as an Olympic pool at 50 metres.
Lido hidden in the heart of London
For Londoners who don't want to travel to Brighton for an outdoor pool experience there are plenty in the capital for them to enjoy.
Included in that is one that is often missed by most visitors, despite it being right in the centre of the city.
The Oasis Sports Centre is just a five-minute walk from Covent Garden Tube Station.
Known only to locals and lido enthusiasts, the outdoor pool stretches for 27.5m and is heated throughout the year.
Because it is set inside a sports centre, there are other facilities at the central London lido too, including an indoor pool and gym that operates a range of classes.
There are also three squash courts, a sauna, and a large rooftop terrace on the site.
One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “A public outdoor heated pool in central London for £7.20, it’s absolutely a hidden gem.”
There are other heated spots to swim outdoors in London, including Park Road lido in Crouch End.
“Along with swimming facilities, it’s home to dozens of food and leisure facilities such as Wood X Coal, Bison Beach Bar and Luna Wave Yoga.”
Despite it only being open for just over 12 months, the lido has already been recognised for its positive impact on Kemptown.
It was shortlisted in the Community Benefit category at the 2024 RICS South East Awards.
Its potential was also notice by The Times, who said it meant that Brighton could be “at last be as much about kicking back as hitting the town”.
They added: “Sea Lanes isn’t just about the pool.
“It’s an all-day waterfront hangout, one that offers a much-needed antidote to the often hectic action found between the West and Palace Piers.”
Hour-long swims at Sea Lanes can be booked online for a cost of £11 a go via the South Downs Leisure app.
Meanwhile, Brits can have this “incredible” secret swimming spot all to themselves.
And these are the best outdoor swimming pools in the UK.