How many lidos are there in London?
The Thames is now deemed too dangerous to swim in downstream of Putney, and there are just 17 lidos and outdoor pools in London. But the tide is turning. Publicity for the proposed Thames baths and this summer’s opening of Kings Cross Pond have rekindled an interest in open-air swimming in the heart of the city. The word comes from the Lido of Venice, a spit of land known for its beaches and upmarket hotels. It marks a period when several open air swimming baths are built, all borrowing from the glamour of Venice by calling themselves lidos.The Serpentine Lido is, arguably, London’s most iconic ‘open water’ swimming location.The cheapest outdoor swimming in London are the 3 Hampstead Heath ponds (under £5), followed by the Serpentine Lido, Hillingdon Lido and London Fields lido (£6 or under).A lido is an outdoor swimming pool or a part of a beach which is used by the public for swimming or water sports.
What is the lido famous for?
Popular with residents and tourists because of its golden sandy beaches and the Venice International Film Festival, the Lido encloses a rich patrimony of gardens and natural oases to be discovered on foot, by bike, and even out of season. In British English, a lido (/ˈliːdoʊ/ LEE-doh, /ˈlaɪdoʊ/ LY-doh) is a public outdoor swimming pool and surrounding facilities, or part of a beach where people can swim, lie in the sun, or participate in water sports.Free beaches: nature and freedom If you prefer a more natural and independent beach experience, the Lido offers several well-maintained free beaches: Alberoni Beach: a true natural paradise with dunes, wild vegetation, and clear water, located within a WWF reserve.
Why are they called lidos?
In the 1800s, the Italian word ‘lido’ was used for trendy European beach resorts. In the UK, ‘lido’ – pronounced ‘lie-doh’ – refers to public outdoor pools with an area to sunbathe, often with a poolside cafe. The Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park was the first in Britain to use the name when it opened in 1930. The key difference between a swimming pool and a lido is that a pool can be indoors or outdoors, whereas a lido is always outdoors. In many cases, a lido is located next to an outdoor body of water like a beach, and it will have additional facilities like saunas and sunbathing areas.