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.
6. 007
A picture of movie star Sean Connery taken at the Hilsea Lido by Larry Hudson which is on display at the 75th anniversary exhibition of the pool at Portsmouth City Museum. Copy picture taken by Steve Reid in 2011. | Contributed
7. The pool
The Hilsea Lido in it's current condition in 2012. Picture: Steve Reid (122230-408) | Johnston Press
