Lido Land

A country-wide tour that blends history and travelogue in a love letter to the lido – a uniquely British outdoor institution

British lidos are enjoying a renaissance. Since the pandemic, outdoor swimming has become ever-more popular and communities are once again gathering around their pools in all weathers. But did you know that lidos formed a huge part of the post-Victorian move towards female liberation, facilitating the shrinking of swimming costumes and the loosening of conservative moral standards? Have you heard of the mayor who stripped off his ceremonial robes and gold chain before diving into Guildford Lido, or Sean Connery’s time as a lifeguard at Portobello Pool?

Tom Fort takes us on a journey littered with such anecdotes and moments of cultural significance in his voyage around the UK’s lidos past and present. He shows us, time and time again, the personal significance of the lidos’ communal spaces: the unmistakable cold of the first moments of full immersion, the sounds and smells of poolside sunbathing, the sun-baked tiles underfoot and the warm towel after a freezing dip. Fort, with his characteristic wryness and nostalgia, gathers memories and observations from the swimmers he meets along the way, interspersing these with historical fragments and moments from his own history. He laments the lidos we have lost, celebrates those saved by persistent community organising, and takes a frank look into the future of British lidos.

This is a must-read for those looking to dive deeper into the emotional, cultural and national significance of outdoor swimming.