There are still weeks to go to the end of the year, but with the countdown to Christmas in full swing it will be 2024 before we know it.

What are you hoping to find under your Christmas tree this year?  We are, of course, looking  forward to an historic pools themed Christmas, and with that in mind our Elves have been picking out some gift ideas and more.

Ponds Pools & Lidos is the perfect gift for the book (swimming and art!) lover in your life.  The work of artist and social historian Clare Dales, it is where lidos meet linocut and the results are beautiful.  Join Clare on a journey from bathing ponds that are at one with nature to the glamour of Art Deco Lidos, and everything in between! Priced at £18.99 you can purchase the book here.

Midnight swims have been growing in popularity and so our pick of the best beach towels sees a ‘Midnight Swim’ depicted on a Jubilee Park Woodhall Spa beach towel.  Before you know it, it will be time for a midsummer night’s swim!  You can pick one up here for £22, and also view the full range.

Everyone loves a tote bag, but by purchasing one from Friends of Carlisle Victorian & Turkish Baths you are supporting a great campaign and giving a tote bag that oozes Art Deco style.  Plus they are also eco-friendly!  Priced at £10 you can bag one here.

For a sprinkle of historic pools nostalgia Broomhill Pool’s 1938 Souvenir Programme is a joyful stocking filler.  A reprint of the original artwork, it’s a beautiful reminder of the golden age of lidos.  You can purchase a copy for £7.50 here.

Or for the gift that keeps on giving (events, support and more!), what about Historic Pools Membership, which includes a membership card, pin badge, vouchers and access to our events programme.  Priced at £48 all the information is here.

You’ll have to be quick with this one, because tickets go on sale on Monday 11 December at 9.00am, but what about a New Years Day swim at Lido Ponty for a loved one?  This has to be the best way to work off the mince pies!  Booking details are here.

To wrap up your gifts our eyes have headed to the stunning work of artist Sarah Thornley, who has done an exclusive collection for Victoria Baths.  There are two gift wrap designs to choose from, but ‘Features of Victoria Baths’ has got our vote. A sheet is £3, which you can order here along with the rest of Sarah’s range and more from the VB shop.

And finally, Christmas cards! And we have a stunner.  The scene on Grange Lido’s cards is just incredible and a reminder that every purchase goes towards the restoration project.  A pack of 10 is just £5 and can be ordered here.