A popular open-air swimming pool in Reading has been named as one of the best spots in the country for an outdoor dip. 

Thames Lido on Napier Road has been selected by The Telegraph for their top 20 outdoor swimming locations. 

As reported by The Telegraph, the long-closed Reading’s King’s Meadow swimming pool was reopened in 2017 as the Thames Lido.

An open-air bathing area has stood on the site since 1860, and in 1879 local authorities built the largest pool in southern England, a whopping 79 metres in length, but for men only, with water supplied from the nearby Thames. A women’s pool was added in 1902.

Designed to guarantee Edwardian ladies total privacy, it is surrounded by a handsome building, and it is this pool that survives today. 

The 25m (24.68m for accuracy) outdoor swimming pool is heated throughout the year to a temperature designed to accommodate the dozens of guests that visit weekly.

At around 24-26 degrees Celsius, it allows for comfortable swimming and is a wonderfully refreshing contrast to the heat of the other spa facilities – the saunas and hot tub.

The chlorine levels are kept as low as possible with the help of their ‘wash naked’ policy and bespoke Lido Spa products in every shower cubicle.

You can pre-book a 2-hour session (swim, sauna, steam room, and hot tub) for £25 per person starting from 10 am. Booking slots are open every hour until 3 pm (max of 4 people per time slot).

Yearly memberships are also available. 

The luxurious restaurant which wraps around the open-air swimming pool consists of a top-quality dining area serving tapas, drinks, and other poolside snacks.

The menus at the Lido have a strong Spanish and Mediterranean feel adding to the ‘holiday’ atmosphere of the venue.

The open kitchen, its wood burning oven and bespoke charcoal grill add to the drama already created by the Grade II listed outdoor pool and surrounding buildings.

They also offer a swim and tapas package so guests may enjoy a dip before enjoying some great food. 

The Lido also has a spa facility where guests can book in for manicures, pedicures, and massages. 

Their massage treatments are all 60 minutes long and tailored to the specific needs of guests.

Before your treatment, you will be asked to complete a consultation form which your therapist will then use to ensure you receive the right massage treatment. All products used are natural and hand made for the Lido in Somerset.