Droitwich Spa Lido is one of only a few inland, open-air saltwater swimming pools in the UK. Here, with its Art Deco design, surrounded by lush parkland, and water heated to a Mediterranean 23°c, the 40m pool is even called the ‘seaside of Droitwich Spa’, and remains one of the West Midlands’ finest outdoor swimming spots.
The town itself is actually set on vast deposits of salt, with Droitwich Spa’s natural underground springs ten times saltier than seawater and rivalling the Dead Sea for saltiness. When the Lido opened in 1935, it used diluted water from the local streams to keep it sterile and was also heated to the exact temperature of the Mediterranean Sea.
Although a popular tourist destination throughout much of the 20th century, Droitwich Spa Lido permanently closed in 2000, but was reopened seven years later with a newly refurbished pool—while still using the town’s natural brine to filter into the open-air pool, and is topped up throughout the summer season.
Today, the Lido boasts a sun terrace, café and children’s wet play area (with water cannons and fountains), but almost 20 years after the reopening, Droitwich Spa Lido is getting a huge £12.5 million upgrade. This will include a new salt spa, brine pool, changing facilities, and bistro.
Change is coming to Droitwich Spa Lido
In keeping with the original Art Deco style—originally designed by Arts and Crafts architect Thomas H. Mawson (1861-1933)—there will be two new extensions to improve the entrance, while the first floor of the main building is to be refurbished to offer more inclusive and accessible changing facilities.
“The proposals will retain the Lido’s historic art deco building as the centrepiece of the site, with two new extensions designed to improve the entrance and overall look while staying in keeping with its original style,” said a spokesman for Wychavon District Council.
“A new salt spa and brine pool experience will be created as part of the redevelopment. The plans also include a refurbishment of the first floor to provide new changing facilities, a bistro and spa. Changing facilities would be completely upgraded to provide more inclusive and accessible spaces, including larger cubicles for families and better access to the pool.”
The Lido is now open and will remain so throughout the summer
Unexpected to impact your summer plans, the investment is all about “helping secure the long-term future of the lido.” You can visit Droitwich Spa Lido for a 2-hour swim for £9.40, while a child’s session is £7.20. While walk-ins are possible, on hot days, expect it to be busy, so book your swimming slot here.
