Portsmouth’s historic open-air freshwater swimming pool Hilsea Lido originally opened in 1935 and for generations has been a landmark in more ways than one.
Not only did it offer people the chance to swim but it provided a community hub for friends to meet up, young swimmers to gain their confidence in the water and for families to visit on weekends.
The lido has closed and reopened a number of times, first closing to the public in 2007 and then reopened by a community trust in 2014. Due to aging infrastructure it then closed it’s doors once again in 2022 and reopened on May 2, 2026, following a £7.6 million council-led refurbishment.
Sea Lanes now operate the Hilsea Lido site and it is wonderful to see it back open and in full use.
Dive back in with these nostalgic pictures of the lido from over the years.
2. Bird's Eye View
An early photo of the Hilsea Lido from the skies. Picture: Steve Reid (111756-697) | The News
3. Attention
The Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) at Hilsea Lido in 1946. Picture: (PP607) | Johnston Press
4. Save the Lido
The Hilsea Lido in it's current condition in 2012. Picture: Steve Reid (122230-370) | Johnston Press