Thames Lido, Historic swimming pool in Reading, England
Thames Lido is a swimming center with a 25-meter outdoor pool located in Reading. The facility operates year-round and features a restaurant overlooking the water along with spa facilities on the grounds.
The facility opened in 1903 as a bathhouse during the Edwardian period and ranks among the oldest surviving public outdoor pools from that era. It sat unused for decades before undergoing major restoration work in 2017.
The building reflects early 20th-century craftsmanship and design choices that remain visible today throughout its structure. Visitors can walk through spaces that still carry the character of that era.
The water remains heated year-round to keep swimming comfortable regardless of season. The site is easy to access and provides changing facilities along with dining options on-site.
The pool sat closed from the 1970s until 2017, meaning nearly an entire generation grew up without access to it. Its return to service made it a place of rediscovery for the community.
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