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The UK lidos, sea pools and splash pads that are free to get into – perfect for the hot weather

Published on May 13, 2025 at 12:44 PM

AS Britain basks in highs of up to 25C, there is no better place to cool off than a lido, paddling pool or splash pad – and many across the country are free.

Most and splash pads, often found in parks, are free across the UK.

Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham with many people swimming.
There are may of lidos, outdoor swimming pools, sea pools, splash pads and paddling pools across the UK
Blackpill Lido, Swansea with people enjoying the water features.
As temperatures warm up, you will want to know which won’t hurt your pocket

Lidos tend to charge for admission, but are usually under £10 per person.

Free to all

Free supersized paddling pools and splash pads can be found across the UK, in parks and near community venues.

For example, Paddling Pools reopens on May 24 and boasts a shallow pool, great for little kids.

Stoke Park paddling pool in is another option, with a large pool with wheelchair access.

Splash pads, such as Great Hollands in Wokingham, are also great for little ones – this one 13 water soakers, two bucket drenchers, fountain jets and water tunnels.

As for lidos, in , Blackpill Lido is free to all and booking is not required.

The site also has a children’s play area, with a paddling pool, climbing rock and

Sea pools are also a good free alternative to lidos, including Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham, .

Set in UNESCO Global Geopark, Shoalstone Seawater Pool stretches 53 metres and is one of only a few tidal pools remaining in the country.

Alternatively, head to Sea Pool – a semi-natural tidal pool on the edges of the Atlantic Ocean.

Some locations also offer free passes for special occasions or promotional periods.

For example, Park Road Leisure Centre and Lido in North London offers a to test out the facilities.

In , Jubilee Pool will soon be celebrating it’s 90th anniversary and as a result is giving away free tickets.

Free for certain age groups

Many lidos, outdoor pools and attractions offer free tickets for under three-year-old’s and over 60s.

It is worth checking whether the pool or near you offers this.

Crowded sea pool at Bude, Cornwall.
Bude Sea Pool is free to all, for example
The Junction at Blackpill, a former Mumbles Railway station, reflecting in a pool of water.
And so is Blackpill Lido in Swansea, Wales

Free for local residents

Depending on where you live, your local council might give out free swim passes or access to lidos in your area.

For example, if you are a resident under 18-years-old, over 60-years-old, disabled or a carer – you can swim for free at Britannia Leisure Centre, Clissold Leisure Centre and Kings Hall Leisure Centre.

Often you will need to bring proof of address and age to get free access, but it is worth looking into if you area offers such a scheme.

Free at specific times

A number of lidos will be free at specific times, for example Parliament Hill Lido is free to under 16s and over 60s before 9:30am.

The Sun also created a list of

Plus, the

Aerial view of Bude sea pool with people swimming.
In addition, some lidos have local schemes and event days where entry is free

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