It’s time for a stroll down memory lane - or to be more precise, a paddle down memory swimming lane…
The Strand Lido in Gillingham - operated by Medway Council - has been officially recognised for its historic significance, through membership to the heritage group Historic Pools of Britain.
The lido, which is the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country, will open for the summer on Saturday, 25 May – a month shy of 128 years after it first opened on 27 June 1896.
It has been a popular attraction ever since, and remains a great destination for a day out with its enclosed pool containing a 300 metre lazy river, toddler pool, swimming area, elephant slides and water jets.
Situated on the edge of the River Medway, the lido uses saltwater which is pumped from the river, filtered and chlorinated, as it has done since it opened.
With much unchanged since its early days, visitors should remember the pool remains unheated – making it ideal for a refreshing dip on a hot day, or an even more refreshing dip on a colder one. So if you’re a follower of Wim Hof and looking to discover the benefits of cold water swimming, it could be the ideal spot to try it out.
For everyone else The Strand comes into its element on a sunny summer’s day, with hundreds heading down to enjoy a swim followed by a ride on the miniature railway and an ice cream by the river.
And while everyone in Medway always knew that, it is hoped The Strand’s historical significance might draw visitors from further afield looking to discover its unique charms.
The Historic Pools of Britain group was established in 2015 to recognise and promote the important role swimming pools have played in their communities and their contribution to British cultural heritage – and a certificate from the group will now be framed and displayed at The Strand’s reception area.
A place of fun and wellbeing
Clare Short of Historic Pools of Britain said: “We are delighted that The Strand Lido has become a member of Historic Pools of Britain. A pool that epitomises the spirit of lidos as a place for fun and wellbeing, which it has been providing to its community and visitors for over 120 years, and that is historically significantly as the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country. We look forward to celebrating all that The Strand Lido embodies as one of the Historic Pools of Britain.”
A unique part of our history
Cllr Harinder Mahil, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure said: “The Strand Lido is a unique part of our history, not just for those of us in Medway, but for the whole country – as the last riverside pool of its kind in England. It’s fantastic to hear that it has now been recognised by Historic Pools of Britain, and I hope this renewed interest will bring a new wave of visitors to The Strand. It’s been a favourite place to have fun for generation after generation, so why not continue the tradition and find out for yourself with a few lengths of the pool?”
Just a 40 minute train ride from central London, Medway has a wealth of tourist destinations and a visit to the Strand Lido could be part of a fun-packed day out this summer.
Make sure you book your visit online to find out what all the fuss is about. Other facilities on site include changing areas, toilets, poolside showers, pool inflatable shop and poolside café.