insideKENT Magazine Issue 77 - August 2018 | Page 66

DAYSOUT
GET OUT INTO THE Elements
cont.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
Tonbridge Swimming Pool
LIDOS
Lidos (pronounced lee-doh) are open-air
public swimming pools that often also have
a beach or other facilities including boating
lakes, children’s entertainment and cafes
surrounding them. The word ‘lido’ comes from
the Italian for beach and it is a place where
adults, children and families can enjoy a swim,
some sunbathing, and even water sports. And,
lucky us, we have a number of them in Kent!
Tonbridge Swimming Pool // Tonbridge
The outdoor pool at Tonbridge (which also
has an indoor pool and toddler/teaching pool)
is open from April to September, and even if
the weather isn’t perfect, the pool is heated so
you can still enjoy yourself in the fresh air.
There is a water arch, beach area, and you can
even swim through specially designed
channels to reach the indoor pools, so you’ve
got the best of all worlds.
www.tmactive.co.uk/locations/tonbridge-pool
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Walpole Bay Tidal Pool // Margate
Not a manmade lido, but a natural tidal pool,
Walpole Bay can be found in Cliftonville,
Margate, and is for the more hardy outdoor
swimmer. Being a sea pool there is no heating
here, so when it’s cold, it’s cold. Even when
it’s hot, it’s still chilly in the water, but that’s
why so many people (such as the Walpole Bay
Swimmers) come here in the first place – a
refreshing dip is often what’s needed on a hot,
summer’s day.
www.visitthanet.co.uk/attractions/walpole-
bay/9058
Faversham Lido // Faversham
This wonderful lido has a 33-metre swimming
pool complete with three diving boards (1m,
3m and 5m), as well as a fun pool with a rapids
ride and a toddlers’ pool so the whole family
can go for a splash around. You can take a
picnic and enjoy the grassy area, or you can
buy food and drink once you’re there from
the café and kiosk.
www.favershampools.com
Strand Leisure Pool // Gillingham
In the summer, the Strand Leisure Pool in
Gillingham opens its outdoor pool and draws
the crowds as soon as it does so. This fabulous
pool has a lazy river which makes it hugely
popular with families, but even if you don’t
want to swim all day you can play golf, tennis,
use the playgrounds and inflatable toys, ride
on the miniature railway and even participate
in Medway Sport’s ParkSport programme. A
one-day fun pass gives you unlimited access
to the lot.
www.medway.gov.uk/leisurecultureand
sport/sportscentres/thestrand