Stratford Park Lido reopens this Saturday
Stratford Park Lido will reopen to the public on Saturday 15 August, welcoming swimmers back to its cooling waters.
This follows extensive work to address safety-critical issues identified in specialist surveys, allowing the facility to welcome swimmers for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Opening times
The Lido will open from Saturday 15 August, with a programme of lane swimming and public swimming sessions.
Opening times and session availability vary throughout each week and are subject to review depending on demand and weather conditions.
The baby pool will be available during public swimming sessions, with additional baby pool sessions on Fridays from 10am to noon during August. Visitors are encouraged to check the latest timetable before travelling as session times may change.
How to book
Swimming sessions can be booked online through the Active Lifestyles website at https://myactivelifestyles.co.uk/.../active-lifestyles-lido/ - advance booking is recommended, particularly during busy periods.
Can I turn up without booking?
Swimmers can attend without booking, and purchase admission on arrival, subject to available capacity. But booking in advance is recommended to guarantee a place.
2026 season
The Lido is traditionally open for a 13-week summer season but this year it will operate for the remainder of the 2026 season and into September subject to weather conditions.
What works have been done?
The 55 yard long pool “tank” has been relined at each end and repainted throughout, the pool pump has been refurbished, walls and paving repointed, Save Our Lido – Stroud campaigners have painted an attractive mural outside the entrance, and the baby and toddler pool has been refurbished. Temporary fencing has had to be installed around unprotected drops in order to protect everyone’s safety but the fencing is lower than originally planned and it will be covered in bunting.
Is there a new café?
Yes, a café selling snacks and drinks has been built next to the entry kiosk, facing out to the pool.
Is there parking?
To help make your visit as smooth as possible, please note that parking on site is limited. We encourage visitors to consider car sharing, walking, cycling or using public transport where possible.
SDC political group leaders united in thanking the community, SDC staff, members of the public, and contractor Beard Construction for collaborating and making the opening possible. Heavy rain, then periods of extreme heat caused extra challenges for the contractor, which worked weekends to make sure the opening date would be met.
“We so are pleased to be welcoming swimmers back to Stratford Park Lido this weekend,” said SDC Leader Chloe Turner (Green). “The Lido is a much-loved part of our district’s heritage and community life, and we know residents will be delighted to see it reopen.”
Labour group leader Katy Hofmann said: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported efforts to reopen the Lido we and look forward to seeing people enjoying the facility once again.”
Conservative Group Leader Lindsey Green added: “Thank you to everyone - the community, council staff and councillors, and partners - who made this possible. This has been a collaborative effort.”
Liberal Democrat Group Leader Linda Cohen said: “This reopening is an important step and work is already underway to explore the best model for the future.”
The Council's reopening project has focused on carrying out the critical works needed to safely bring the nearly 90-year-old facility back into use, following extensive technical assessments of the site's condition
In April, councillors unanimously approved £200,000 funding towards repairs, and in June another £276,000 was allocated to cover short-term repairs, enabling works and essential surveys, helping create the conditions needed to reopen the Lido for summer 2026 and operate during the 2027 season, while longer-term options for the site continue to be developed.
Since then, contractors Beard Construction, specialist consultants and council officers have been working intensively to complete repairs and address a range of infrastructure issues identified during surveys and inspections.
Opened in 1937, the unheated pool has been enjoyed by generations of residents and visitors and remains a much-loved part of summer in Stroud. The spring-fed outdoor pool is set within Stratford Park and offers a unique open-air swimming experience.
A 2017 public consultation run by SDC, Stroud Town Council and The Friends of the Lido group tested a selection of names with the public. The most popular was 'Stratford Park Lido', which is how the pool has been referred to since then.
For the latest timetable information, booking details and updates, visit: https://myactivelifestyles.co.uk/.../active-lifestyles-lido/ or call 01453 766771.
For background information on the reopening, visit: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/culture-leisure-and-events/sports-and-fitness/lido/
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