The Lido operated from the same site for 123 years – although much extended and improved during that time.
The Lido was one of Southampton’ s best loved places for a good day out.
The Lido provided a real sea-side feature for Southampton in the heart a major city. It was built in 1854 and by the 1890’s (after a number of refits and expansions) included a large open air pool, a tepid pool, private baths (sometime called slipper baths) and a Turkish bath.
The open air pool was a sea water pool flushed and renewed at each high tide. That makes complete sense in the 19th and early 20th century before reclamation left the pool land-locked.
The Lido was exceptionally popular but was expensive to maintain – that was particularly the case with the concrete floor of the open air pool which sprung a number of leaks. That and a couple of fires in the 1960’s led to the decision to close the Lido complex in 1977.
The open air pool at the Lido was fed by seawater.
Have a story about "‘A grand day out’ at the Lido in Southampton", or simply want to tell us what you think?
Add your thoughts below. You can sign in with Google, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo! to get your story posted straight away - or just post a comment to be published later.
Let us help you plan a route and make a visit
