Hilsea Lido

Hilsea Lido is a freshwater lido at Hilsea, Portsmouth, England, which opened in 1935. The newly refurbished pool reopened on 2nd May 2026 after an extensive £7.6m refurbishment. The aim of the project was to improve the area and encourage residents and visitors to use it. The project has been enabled by funding from the UK government. Description The Hilsea Lido is a leisure facility featuring the Main Pool (measuring 67m x 18m). It was originally 4.6 metres (15 feet) deep, meaning the lido had the distinction of being the deepest outdoor pool in the UK apart from Broomhill Pool which is the same depth. The depth has now been reduced to 2.6m as part of the stabilisation work being carried out, to counteract the pressure of the groundwater pushing the pool tank up from below. A large Splash Pool (45m x 18m x 6ins deep) designed for younger swimmers used to be adjacent to the Main Pool. This has now been replaced by the Hilsea Jubilee Splash Pool. The site of the lido is connected to Alexandra Park via the Stamshaw Esplanade. History Plans for development of the lido were agreed in 1932 and the lido opened on 24 July 1935. The architect for the lido was Joseph Parkin. The pool originally used seawater, converting later to freshwater, and the lido design included two large fountains which have been retained but are no longer used. The Main Pool and changing facilities were designed for the use of 768 adults and 180 children with accommodation for around 1000 spectators. In 1936 the Lido was visited by the British diving team from 1936 Summer Olympics who gave a demonstration on 31 August During World War 2 the main pool was closed to the general public and was given over to the use of the various military units in the area. Between 1946 and 1951 a miniature railway ran along the lido site. In 1974 the Lido was used as a set for the Bernie's Holiday Camp scene in the film Tommy. Later in the 70s the lido's diving platforms were removed. In 1995 the Lido lent its name to the Vulcan Software management simulation game Hillsea Lido. In 2006 plans for refurbishing the lido were abandoned by the council, however extended campaigning by residents continued and in 2009 a management trust had been established, now a registered charity. In 2010 Hilsea Lido Pool for the People acquired the lido and adjoining Blue Lagoon building on a 99-year lease from Portsmouth City Council. The lido was open for viewing on 19 September 2009 for the Heritage Open Days. In June 2012 Sport England gave Hilsea lido Pool for the people a £50,000 grant towards the cost of restoring the pool. The money was used to refurbish the pool's pumps and fit new lockers and showers.In the winter of 2010/11 the splash pool was damaged by freezing conditions. In April 2011 Portsmouth City Council decided to replace the pool with a new design featuring two pools. The new design was named the Hilsea Jubilee Splash Pool and was completed in 2012 at a cost of £332,000. In 2014, Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt appeared on the reality TV show Splash! in order to raise funds for the lido. She donated her entire appearance fee to the work being done. Historic England issued a Certificate of Immunity from Listing in May 2024, guaranteeing that the building would not be statutorily listed within the next five years. Renovation A major renovation of the lido's main pool and surrounding area began in May 2024, funded by the UK government's Levelling Up Fund. The plant room has been refurbished, the old pool equipment has been cleared away, and has been replaced with a new, modern filtration system. The pool base has been stabilised and the original lagoons on the north side the pool have been restored. Modular toilets and shower units have been installed, including a Changing Places toilet. In July 2025, it was announced the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton, supported by South Downs Leisure, would operate the lido's main pool and the neighbouring splash pool, once the renovation work is complete. The pool re-opened on 2nd May 2026. References External links Hilsea Lido No Diving – History of Hilsea Lido Lidos and Pools UK - Hilsea Lido aka Hilsea Lagoon Lidos in the UK