Name: Cheltenham Lido Location: Gloucestershire Current status: Open Date built: 1935 Architect: Cheltenham Borough Council Listed building status: Grade II Lead organisation: Cheltenham Lido Limited
Description
Grade II listed outdoor swimming facility set within four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of Cheltenham. First opened in 1935, the lido has become an iconic part of the town’s heritage. Despite facing several threats of closure over the years, it has remained open continuously, serving generations of swimmers, families, and visitors.
While the site remains owned by Cheltenham Borough Council, it has been managed by a self-financing charitable trust since 1996. Through careful stewardship and community support, the charity has invested more than £5 million into the facility over the past three decades, transforming it into one of the UK’s most successful outdoor swimming venues. Today, the Lido welcomes over 240,000 visitors annually.
Facilities
50m pool, children’s pool, sauna and café.
A heated swimming season runs from March to October, followed by cold-water swimming throughout the winter months. Beyond swimming, the lido hosts an extensive programme of events and activities, including sporting challenges, outdoor theatre and cinema, dog swims, meditation sessions, and sound baths.
Notable facts
Grade II listed retaining original plant room, it has been described as the most historically complete lido in the UK and of national significance.
Current plans
Thriving, achieving high visitor numbers and now has a secure lease until 2120.
Having completed a large sustainability project in the car park in 2025, attention is turning inward with ambitions to improve site accessibility and year round usage.
