Guildford Lido celebrates winter opening with free open day

Outdoor Swimmer was there to run an introduction to open water session

Imagine the scenario: snow is falling gently, dusting the ground, and you’re swimming outside – in heated water.

This could be a reality for swimmers in or around Guildford this winter as Guildford Lido will now be open throughout the year – and plans to keep the water temperature at 19 to 20 degrees.

To celebrate its move to a year-round venue, Guildford Lido hosted a free open day on Saturday 18 Oct to showcase some of the activities on offer. As well as swimming, visitors could try aqua aerobics and mermaiding. There were also artistic swimming demonstrations and classes in lifesaving.

Outdoor Swimmer was there with Zoggs (the retail partner for Freedom Leisure, Guildford Lido’s operator) to deliver a lesson and practical pool session on basic open water skills.

No favourites!

We also caught up with Ivan Horsfall Turner, Chief Executive of Freedom Leisure. While he wouldn’t admit to having a favourite pool out of the 140 they operate, he couldn’t wait to get in the water for a swim himself. Guildford Lido, a beautiful 1930s outdoor pool, is the only lido in its group.

“It’s the outdoor element,” he says, describing the attraction. “People’s eyes light up. Swimming is good for you anyway, but swimming outside is great for your physical and mental wellbeing. There’s been a growing desire to get this facility open year-round and we’re really pleased to do that now.”

He went on to say that this winter the focus is swimming, but going forward they will be adding other activities such as Pilates, sauna, and padel to make full use of the lovely 1930s grounds.

If you’re planning on visiting, bear in mind that 20 degrees is cooler than most indoor pools, which are typically between 27 and 29 degrees, but it’s warmer than an unheated lido such as Tooting Bec might fall to in the middle of winter (swimmers have been known to break the ice to swim there). Nevertheless, if you’re not acclimatised, you may be more comfortable in a wetsuit – and you’ll be welcome to use one.

Find out more: https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/guildford-lido/

Explore Zoggs’ range of costumes, wetsuits and swimming accessories.