Saltdean Lido is a beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco swimming pool on the coast just east of Brighton. Once close to being lost for good, it has been brought back to life by its local community and is now open year-round, with a heated outdoor pool, a café and restaurant, and events in its restored ballroom. This guide covers the history of Saltdean Lido, what you can do there today, swimming seasons and temperatures, parking and how to get there.
It is the only Grade II* listed coastal lido in the country, which makes a visit as much about the architecture and the story as the swim.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What it is | Grade II* listed 1930s Art Deco outdoor pool |
| Location | The Oval, Saltdean Park Road, BN2 8SP |
| Open | Year-round (summer and winter seasons) |
| Pool | 40m heated outdoor pool, plus children’s splash pool |
| Temperature | Around 25°C in summer, 19°C in winter |
| Parking | Two free car parks next to the lido |
Table of Contents
The History of Saltdean Lido
Saltdean Lido opened in 1938, designed by the architect Richard William Herbert Jones, whose streamlined, optimistic design captured the spirit of the 1930s lido movement, when open-air pools were being built around the coast for everyone to enjoy. The main building forms a pair of curved, outstretched arms reaching around the pool, with a central rotunda that originally housed the café. It is one of only a handful of Grade II* listed lidos in the country, putting it among the most architecturally important buildings of its kind.
Like many seaside lidos, it fell on hard times. By 2010 the site was at risk, with a proposal to fill in the pool and build flats on the land. In response, local people set up the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company and campaigned to save it. They succeeded, reopening the pool in 2017, and went on to raise the funds for a full restoration of the historic building.
The Restoration
The restoration was a major project, backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and Brighton & Hove City Council alongside years of community fundraising. It repaired and reimagined the dilapidated Art Deco building so the whole complex could work as one again and come off the Heritage at Risk Register.
The result is a pool and a set of buildings that are now open all year, a genuine good-news story for a building that came close to disappearing. As well as the swimming, the restored site includes a café and restaurant, a ballroom for events and weddings, a gym, community spaces and a co-working area, so it functions as a year-round community hub rather than just a summer pool.
Swimming at the Lido
The star of the show is the 40-metre heated outdoor pool, with its distinctive crescent shape and a grassed area alongside for relaxing and sunbathing. There is also a children’s splash pool, changing rooms and warm showers, so it suits serious swimmers, families and leisure swimmers alike.
The pool is heated year-round, to around 25°C in summer and 19°C in winter. The summer season runs from May to September, with long daily opening hours, then after a short break the winter season runs from October to April. Swimming outdoors does feel cooler than an indoor pool, especially in winter, but regulars will tell you that is precisely the appeal. You can book a pay-as-you-go session or buy a season ticket, and it is worth checking the current timetable and prices before you go, as they change with the season.
More Than a Pool
Beyond the swimming, the restored lido has plenty going on. The pool hosts saunas, yoga and music evenings through the year, and the grand Art Deco ballroom is available for weddings, parties and events. The café and restaurant make it an easy place to spend a few hours whether or not you swim.
One of the most popular fixtures is Dogtember, the end-of-season dog swim, when the pool is given over to dogs for a splash about before the changeover between seasons. It has become a much-loved local tradition. Note that on every other day dogs are not allowed in the pool area for hygiene and safety reasons, though guide dogs are always welcome.
Parking and Getting There
Saltdean Lido is at The Oval on Saltdean Park Road, just off the A259 coast road in the centre of Saltdean, postcode BN2 8SP. There are two free car parks right next to it, one opposite and one behind, though you need to register your vehicle on arrival at the consoles by the pool and reception.
By bus, the 12, 12A and 14 run from central Brighton towards Saltdean along the coast road. You can also reach Saltdean on foot or by bike along the Undercliff Walk, the flat coastal path from Brighton Marina, and the lido sits just up from the beach at the eastern end of that route. It pairs well with a wander along the seafront, covered in our Brighton beach guide.
FAQs
Is Saltdean Lido open all year?
Yes. Following its restoration, the pool and buildings are now open year-round. The summer season runs from May to September and the winter season from October to April, with a short break between them.
How warm is the water at Saltdean Lido?
The outdoor pool is heated to around 25°C in summer and 19°C in winter. Swimming outside feels cooler than an indoor pool, but the heated water makes it comfortable in all seasons.
Is there parking at Saltdean Lido?
Yes, there are two free car parks right next to the lido, one opposite and one behind. You need to register your vehicle on arrival using the consoles at the pool and reception.
Can you take dogs to Saltdean Lido?
Dogs are not allowed in the pool area on normal days for hygiene and safety reasons, except during Dogtember, the popular end-of-season dog swim. Guide dogs are welcome at all times.
What else is there besides swimming?
The restored lido has a café and restaurant, an Art Deco ballroom for weddings and events, a gym, community spaces and a co-working area, plus saunas, yoga and music evenings through the year.
Final Thoughts
Saltdean Lido is one of the south coast’s loveliest places for a swim, and one of its best heritage stories. A 1930s Art Deco pool that was nearly lost to developers, saved and restored by the community, and now open all year for everyone to enjoy. Go for a proper swim, a sauna, a meal by the pool or just to admire the architecture: it is a special spot just east of Brighton.
