Saltdean Lido
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Saltdean Lido

4.2
·664 reviews·Saltdean, United Kingdom

A beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco Lido offering a heated outdoor pool, vibrant cafe, and unique community events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Sunny vibes, less crowded

CrowdLow
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Saltdean Lido

Saltdean Lido

Best Time

Summer mornings

Sunny vibes, less crowded

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco Lido offering a heated outdoor pool, vibrant cafe, and unique community events.

4.2
(664 reviews)

"The Lido itself is fab. Amazing renovation job, the water was clean and not cold (pleasant surprise) all staff were friendly."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Swim Slots Online

Essential for guaranteed entry! Timed sessions fill up fast, especially on sunny days. :admission_tickets:

🍳 Great Breakfast Spot

The Lido Cafe serves up quality breakfasts with lovely pool views. Worth visiting even if you're not swimming! :coffee:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Art Deco Pool

The Art Deco Pool

Main Pool

Dive into the beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco swimming pool. A true gem offering a refreshing dip with stunning surroundings.

Lido Cafe Breakfast

Lido Cafe Breakfast

Lido Cafe

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with views of the sparkling pool. High-quality food and friendly service make it a popular choice.

Doggy Swim Events

Doggy Swim Events

Main Pool

Experience the 'carnage in the best way' during special doggy swim events. A unique and fun experience for canine companions.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Swim Slot

Saltdean Lido operates on timed swim sessions. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment. Check their website for session availability and pricing.

Embrace the Elements

While the pool is heated, the British weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, sunscreen, and a towel. Even on cooler days, many visitors enjoy the unique atmosphere and the chance to experience a historic outdoor pool.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Sunny vibes, less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Quieter swim
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Does saltdean lido have a bar ?

🎟️ Book Swim Slots Online

Essential for guaranteed entry! Timed sessions fill up fast, especially on sunny days. :admission_tickets:

🍳 Great Breakfast Spot

The Lido Cafe serves up quality breakfasts with lovely pool views. Worth visiting even if you're not swimming! :coffee:

reddit.com

Swimming pools

reddit.com

Nice nearby places to drive to for a swim?

🐶 Doggy Swim Fun

Don't miss the special doggy swim events for a unique, chaotic, and fun experience! :dog:

🚗 Free Parking Available

Good news for drivers: parking is often free, especially for special events. :car:

reddit.com

Rock pools past Brighton Marina

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Swim Slots Online

Essential for guaranteed entry! Timed sessions fill up fast, especially on sunny days. :admission_tickets:

🍳 Great Breakfast Spot

The Lido Cafe serves up quality breakfasts with lovely pool views. Worth visiting even if you're not swimming! :coffee:

🐶 Doggy Swim Fun

Don't miss the special doggy swim events for a unique, chaotic, and fun experience! :dog:

🚗 Free Parking Available

Good news for drivers: parking is often free, especially for special events. :car:

🏊‍♀️ Pool is Heated!

Pleasant surprise: the water is warm enough for comfortable swimming, even on cooler days. :water_wave:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(664 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Saltdean Lido is widely praised for its stunning Art Deco renovation and the enjoyable heated swimming pool. Visitors love the friendly atmosphere, high-quality food at the Lido Cafe, and unique events like the doggy swims. While generally positive, some minor points include occasional issues with poolside cafe cake coverage and the sauna not always being operational.

"We've just got back from the doggy swim. It was incredible, absolute carnage in the BEST way!!! The dogs absolutely loved it and so did we. It was easy to book online, an added bonus was that the car park was free for the event.
Everyone was so lovely, friendly and helpful. A great atmosphere. We'll definitely be back next year. 😄"

Rox Summers

"As this has been renovated and the weekend weather was excellent, we decided to go for a breakfast. On a Saturday we arrived at approx. 09:30 and got a table in the sun. Selected from a wide range and catered for all tastes including my daughter who is vegan. Although busy, we did not have to wait long for the breakfasts and drinks to arrive. The service was genuinely friendly and the lady was professional and polite even though she was seemingly on her own and busy.
The breakfast was more than enough to eat and everyone was full, with some leaving food as they could not eat it.
I must say that the environment and quality of food was top notch and the sunny morning made us feel as if we were on holiday abroad with the sun glinting off of the pool and the landscaped gardens looking good.
I cannot fault our visit and look forward to visiting again when we stay with our daughter in Saltdean."

Alan Birch

"Great to see the old Lido back in full,use and busy during the summer .
Cafe open to public but not to swimmers as not assessable from the pool side .
Swimmers have to use to air stream cafe , ok coffee but sadly cakes not covered !
Sauna wasn’t working today but shall book another time .
Looked venue hire upstairs seems reasonable, will keep you posted ."

Andy David

What People Like

Beautiful Art Deco renovation
Heated and clean pool
Excellent cafe food

What People Dislike

Poolside cafe cake coverage
Sauna sometimes out of order

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Saltdean Lido is accessible by car, with free parking often available nearby. Several bus routes also serve the Saltdean area, making it reachable via public transport from Brighton and surrounding towns. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, parking is generally available and often free, particularly for special events. It's advisable to check for any specific parking restrictions or charges on the day of your visit.

Cycling is a great option for local visitors. There are usually bike racks available, allowing you to secure your bicycle while you enjoy the Lido.

The nearest major train station is Brighton Station. From Brighton, you can take a bus directly to Saltdean. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes.

The Lido has undergone significant renovation, and accessibility is a key consideration. Many areas, including the cafe and viewing platforms, are accessible. Check their official website for detailed accessibility information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, booking swim slots online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak times and weekends, to guarantee your entry. Non-swimmers can usually access the cafe and viewing areas without booking.

Opening hours vary depending on the season and whether you are swimming or visiting the cafe. Swim sessions are typically timed, so check the official website for the most current schedule and session times.

Pricing for swim sessions varies. It's best to check the Saltdean Lido website for the latest admission fees, which may differ for adults, children, and concessions.

Yes, the Lido Cafe is open to the public, allowing you to enjoy food and drinks with views of the pool without needing a swim ticket. Access to viewing areas is also generally permitted.

Saltdean Lido hosts various events throughout the year, including popular doggy swim sessions and venue hire opportunities. Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements.

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Yes, the main swimming pool is heated, making it a pleasant temperature for swimming even on cooler days. Visitors have noted it's a 'pleasant surprise' how warm it is.

Facilities include changing rooms, showers, and the Lido Cafe. There are also viewing areas and often lifeguards on duty during swim sessions for safety.

Dogs are generally not allowed in the main swimming pool area, but special 'doggy swim' events are held periodically, which are very popular and a lot of fun for pets and owners alike.

Absolutely! Families enjoy the swimming experience, and the cafe offers a great spot for a meal. The doggy swim events are a particular hit with families looking for unique activities.

The atmosphere is often described as friendly and lively, with a great sense of community. Visitors enjoy the 'great atmosphere' and the feeling of being on holiday, especially on sunny days.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Lido Cafe offers a range of options, including popular breakfasts with high-quality ingredients like 'nice thick bacon' and quality sausages. They also cater to various tastes, including vegan options.

Yes, the Lido Cafe is open to the public and you do not need a swim ticket to dine there. It's a great spot to enjoy a meal or coffee with views of the pool.

Yes, the cafe is noted for catering to all tastes, including offering vegan options on their menu. This makes it a good choice for groups with diverse dietary needs.

Reviews suggest the food is of high quality and worth the price. Portions are generous, with one reviewer mentioning they 'could not eat it all'.

There appears to be an 'air stream cafe' accessible from the pool side for swimmers, while the main cafe is open to the public. Cakes at the poolside cafe were noted as not being covered.

📸 📸 Photography

The Art Deco architecture of the pool itself is a prime subject. The surrounding landscaped gardens and the view from the cafe patio on a sunny day, with the sun glinting off the water, also make for beautiful shots.

Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos to capture their experience. The vibrant colours and unique design of the Lido offer many picturesque opportunities.

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the architectural details and serene atmosphere. Sunny days provide a bright, holiday-like feel.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors' privacy and avoid intrusive photography. For commercial photography, inquire with the venue.

Its striking Art Deco design, the vibrant blue of the pool, the surrounding greenery, and the coastal setting all contribute to its photogenic appeal. The renovated facilities add a modern touch to the classic aesthetic.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Saltdean Lido is a fantastic destination for families. The heated pool makes swimming enjoyable for children, even on cooler days. Booking swim sessions online is essential to ensure everyone gets a spot.TikTok The Lido Cafe offers a great menu with options for picky eaters, including vegan choices, and the generous portions mean kids will be well-fed.Reddit

For a truly memorable experience, consider attending one of the special doggy swim events. While not for human swimming, they are incredibly entertaining and a unique activity to share. The overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a relaxed environment for families to enjoy a day out by the sea.

🐶 Dog Owners

If you're a dog owner, you absolutely cannot miss the doggy swim events at Saltdean Lido! These are incredibly popular and described as 'absolute carnage in the BEST way!!!'.Reddit It's a fantastic opportunity for your furry friends to have a blast in the pool in a controlled and fun environment. The free parking often associated with these events is an added bonus.Reddit

While dogs aren't typically allowed in the main pool area during regular swim sessions, the Lido Cafe is a pleasant place to relax with your dog outside, enjoying the views. Keep an eye on their schedule for upcoming doggy swim dates – they are a highlight for many visitors.

🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts

Saltdean Lido is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Art Deco architecture. The meticulously restored 1930s building offers a glimpse into a glamorous past. Take time to admire the design elements, from the pool's shape to the building's facade, and appreciate the significant renovation efforts that have preserved this historical gem.Reddit

Consider visiting on a quieter weekday to fully absorb the historical ambiance. The combination of the restored architecture and the seaside location creates a unique and evocative atmosphere. It’s a chance to connect with a piece of British seaside heritage.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Gem of Art Deco Architecture

Saltdean Lido is a stunning example of 1930s Art Deco design, a period celebrated for its glamour and innovative architecture. The Lido, originally opened in 1938, has undergone a significant and award-winning renovation, bringing its iconic features back to life. The clean lines, geometric patterns, and bold colours characteristic of the Art Deco style are evident throughout the site, from the pool's structure to the surrounding buildings.

Visiting the Lido feels like stepping back in time, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern functionality. The restoration efforts have been praised for their sensitivity to the original design, ensuring that the Lido remains a cherished landmark. It’s not just a swimming pool; it’s a piece of architectural history that provides a beautiful backdrop for a day out.

Many visitors are impressed by the scale and beauty of the restored pool, often remarking on how the sunny weather enhances the experience, making them feel 'as if we were on holiday abroad'. The attention to detail in the renovation is a key reason why people return, appreciating the preservation of this significant cultural asset.Reddit

The Lido Experience: Swimming and Beyond

The primary draw for many is the heated outdoor swimming pool. Despite being an outdoor facility, the water temperature is consistently described as pleasant and warm, a welcome surprise for many visitors.Reddit The Lido operates on timed swim sessions, which helps manage capacity and ensures a more enjoyable experience for swimmers. Booking these sessions online in advance is crucial, especially during busy periods, to avoid disappointment.TikTok

Beyond swimming, Saltdean Lido offers a vibrant social hub. The Lido Cafe is a popular spot, serving high-quality breakfasts and meals with lovely views over the pool. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly service and the generous portion sizes. It’s a place where you can easily spend a whole day, combining a refreshing swim with a delicious meal and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Special events, like the much-loved doggy swim sessions, add a unique and fun dimension to the Lido experience. These events are described as 'absolute carnage in the BEST way!!!', highlighting the joyful and energetic atmosphere. The Lido also offers venue hire upstairs, suggesting its versatility as a community space.Reddit

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