You could say that Britain’s historic public pools are going through somewhat of a renaissance. After decades of neglect, lidos, swimming pools and bathhouses across the country have been polished for the 21st century – for the enjoyment of the local swimming enthusiasts and history buffs! In this blog we take a look at six of the most stunning ones.



Marshall Street Baths, London
With its distinctive 1930s design, Marshall Street Leisure Centre is one of the most distinctive pools in the country. The building was designed by the leading pool architect of the era, Alfred Cross. Its iconic gala pool is lined with creamy Sicilian marble and lies underneath a glorious barrel-vaulted roof which was restored in 2010.



The Berkeley, London
The Berkeley has been around for more than 100 years. With its views of Hyde Park, the outdoor, rooftop pool at this luxury Knightsbridge hotel has always been a popular swimming spot in the capital for those in the know. Non-guests can pay £45 for a half-day health club membership that includes the use of the pool.



Mount Baths, Northampton
Mount Baths represent the 1930s Art Deco pool architecture, with the building’s spectacular parabolic arches and chapel-like atmosphere. Designed by architect Ernest Prestwich the swimming pool was part of a Northampton’s Modernist civic centre and built as a statement of municipal pride.



Lido, Bristol
This outdoor pool opened in 1850 but was revamped in 2008 as a smart modern facility, complete with a glass-fronted poolside restaurant that overlooks the open-air pool in a Victorian building.



Porchester Spa, London
The Porchester Spa is situated in the centre of London, and still features its traditional and original features still intact from our build date of 1929. It also boasts a grandiose pool complete with vaulted roof, unusual oval windows and glazed terracotta panelling.



Victoria Baths, Manchester
Opened in 1906, the Victoria Baths were hailed ‘the most splendid bathing institution in the country’. Only the finest materials were used in the building which was designed by Henry Price. The Art Nouveau stained glass, exotic emerald tiles and marble-lined Turkish baths make the Edwardian structure one of the most stunning ones in the UK.

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