insideKENT Magazine Issue 41 - August 2015 | Page 125

DAYSOUT

KEEP COOL:

KENT LIDOS!
What comes to mind when you hear the word
‘lido’? Is it a lonely Dirk Bogarde sitting on a
deckchair with black hair dye running down
his face? Is it a 1950’s panorama of squealing
children and flowery swimming caps? Or have
you already discovered the secret of the Kentish
lidos that dot the county and provide fun,
laughter, and the chance to cool off and relax?
If not, you should – and we’ll tell you exactly
where they are. BY LISAMARIE LAMB

Lidos (pronounced lee-doh) are open air public swimming pools that often
also have a beach or other facilities (boating lakes, children’s entertainment,
cafés and so on) 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.

David Lloyd Dartford // www.davidlloyd.co.uk/club-finder/dartford

Eastwell Manor // Ashford // www.eastwellmanor.co.uk

Walpole Bay Tidal Pool // Margate //

The David Lloyd group of gyms is renowned for having top-of-the-range
equipment and facilities, and the gym at Dartford is no different. The outdoor
pool here is a great way to enjoy the sunny weather, keep fit, and do
something a little different with your day.

www.visitthanet.co.uk/attractions/walpole-bay/9058
This one’s a little different, as it’s a tidal pool, rather than a manmade one.
If you are a truly keen outdoor swimmer then this is the place for you to go.
Not only is it located in a stunning area (Cliftonville), but, because it is a sea
pool, there is no heating here – so plunging into the water can often be
chilly! But that’s the beauty of this pool, and that’s why so many people –
including the Walpole Bay Swimmers – come here on a regular basis.

St Julian’s Club // Sevenoaks // www.stjulians.co.uk
The outdoor pool at St Julian’s Club in Sevenoaks is beautiful. It is only
open to members and their guests, but if you are able to visit then it is well
worth it. The club has been around for over 50 years, and is a fixture in
West Kent. Its outdoor pool is open from April to October, and is kept at
a perfect 26°C thanks to the new boiler heating system that uses woodchip.
There's a kiosk by the pool that sells ice creams, snacks, and drinks too.

Tonbridge Swimming Pool //
www.tmactive.co.uk/locations/tonbridge-pool
Eastwell Manor is a distinctive, beautiful hotel set in gorgeous countryside
with a plethora of facilities and activities to enjoy. One such facility is the
award-winning 20-metre heated outdoor pool, which, whether you are in
it or around it, is the ideal way to unwind.

Faversham Lido // www.favershampools.com
The lido at Faversham has a 33-metre swimming pool that includes three
diving boards (at 1-metre, 3-metre, and 5-metre heights). There is a fun
pool that has a rapids ride, and a toddlers’ pool so that the little ones can
join in the fun too. With a grassed area for picnics, a cafeteria, and a kiosk,
this is a fantastic day out for everyone.

Strand Leisure Pool // Gillingham //
www.medway.gov.uk/leisurecultureandsport/sportscentres/thestrand
The Strand Leisure Pool in Gillingham is open all year round, but in the
summer months, the outdoor pool also opens, and this is the most popular
part of the complex. And it’s not just the fabulous pool (with a lazy river)
that draws in the visitors – there's golf, tennis, playgrounds, inflatable toys,
a miniature railway, and Medway Sport’s Park Sport programme. If you
purchase a One Day Fun Pass (from £10) you can have unlimited access
to all the amazing activities at the Strand!

The outdoor pool at Tonbridge (which also has an indoor pool and
toddler/teaching pool) is open from April to September, but 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 have
the best of all worlds.

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