One of the best-known things to do in Bath is, obviously, to take a walk around the city’s ancient Roman baths. The oldest ones date all the way back to 43 AD and can’t be swum in – but now, excitingly, one of Bath’s most famous bathing spots is reopening to the public.
Cleveland Pools, one of Britain’s oldest lidos, is reopening to the public next month. Built in 1815, the lido has been the focus of a 20-year-long refurb by the Cleveland Pools Trust which kitted it out with heating and a kid-friendly zone. It’ll open on September 10.
The 200-year-old-plus lido, which is a Grade II-listed building, ceased operations back in the 1980s. The restoration project picked up in 2004 thanks to support from several authorities, councils and volunteers from the Bath community. All of those forces have now combined to return these gorgeous baths to their original glory.
Paul Simons, chair of the Cleveland Pools Trust, said the project has been ‘a marathon swim, often against the tide’.
‘But the sheer determination of the local community as represented by the trustees, an army of volunteers, well-wishers, along with supporters – and our dedicated staff – has seen the project through.’
And there’s even better news. Tickets for the first day will be completely free. To secure them and find out more, book in advance on the official Cleveland Pools website here. Booking starts at 9am on September 2.
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