A Photo Tour of Cleveland Pools, Bath

Here are a few of my photos from my visit to Cleveland Pools in Bath - the UK's oldest lido that re-opened earlier this week.

Built in 1815 (in Jane Austen's lifetime), the site first opened as a river-fed pool and was used throughout the Victorian era. The halcyon days of the lido were in the 1970s, but competition from the indoor Bath Sports and Leisure Centre led to the closure of Cleveland Pools in 1984.

Built in 1815, the riverside Grade II-listed Cleveland Pools, Bath is the UK’s oldest public outdoor swimming pool. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

Thanks to the efforts of three local people, Ann Dunlop (see photo below), Janice Dreisbach and Roger Houghton, the Cleveland Pools Trust (CPT) was formed in 2004 to rescue the pools from disrepair. The site has now been given a makeover thanks to a grant from the National Heritage Lottery (with support from the local council, Historic England and local people) and the work of lots of dedicated volunteers, ably led by Project Director Anna Baker.

Dates will be announced shortly for cold water swimming over the winter before the first heated season begins next year.

Cleveland Pools have done a fabulous job retaining the character of the place.

For more info, see: clevelandpools.org.uk.

Rhiannon Batten has written a lovely article in the Guardian capturing the spirit of the re-opening:

‘Today is a magic moment’: Bath’s 207-year-old lido reopens after four decades of neglect

On Friday 30th September, The BBC's The One Show broadcast a piece about the opening, you can watch it here (just a few minute's into the show): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001clcy/the-one-show-30092022

The age-old entrance to the pools is on a narrow lane. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

The renovated changing cubicles form an arc similarly shaped like Bath's Royal Crescent. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

The re-opening was on a classic autumn day - I took this shot while the crew from BBC's The One Show were setting up (its piece about the opening was broadcast on Friday night). Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

Aerial view of the lido showing its riverside setting. Aerial Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

The lido is in the heart of the City of Bath - there are plans to make the lido accessible by boat along the river. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

This jump signalled the re-opening of the pool - led by Project Director Anna Baker. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

Poolside, warm showers! Dates will be announced shortly for cold water swimming over the winter before the first heated season begins next year. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

Enjoying the poolside ambience. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

Dive in, the water's lovely! Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

A lido for the local community. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

The beautifully designed pool. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

The view from the changing rooms. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

Ann Dunlop, one of the three founders of the Cleveland Pools Trust. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

Jenni and Alan Hinds visited the pools as children. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

Project Director, Anna Baker. Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

The sun sets as the lido re-opens after nearly 40 years, hurrah! Photo © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller

All photos Copyright © Richard Hammond/Greentraveller