Local lidos reopen for the summer season

North Hertfordshire’s two popular outdoor pools, Hitchin Lido and Letchworth Lido, are reopening this month for the summer season.

The facilities, run by Everyone Active in partnership with North Herts Council, have been closed for the winter break since September 2023, but are set to reopen on Saturday, May 25.

New for this year are morning and afternoon sessions, to ensure more people can enjoy the lidos. Whilst visitors are still welcome to turn up on the day, a new booking system has been introduced this season to help the local community plan their summer activities. Just download the Everyone Active app or visit www.everyoneactive.com.

Enhanced food and beverage offerings are also available at each facility. With a fully functioning kitchen at each site, the lidos offer a selection of hot and cold food and beverages.

As the new operator of the sites, Everyone Active has also invested in a number of new sun loungers available for hire at each facility, as well as public wi-fi across both lidos. Planned additions to the lidos include table tennis tables.

Part of Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, Hitchin Lido features a heated 50m outdoor pool which is ideal for both leisure and lane swimming. The facility also boasts a smaller, shallower pool and play area ideal for children and a large sunbathing terrace.

Nestled in Letchworth’s Norton Common sits Letchworth Lido. Also complete with a heated 50m pool, the facility features a smaller teaching pool to act as the perfect stepping stone for younger children as they discover swimming and other water-based activities, whilst having fun during weekends and school holidays.

Ahead of Letchworth Lido reopening its doors to the public, the centre has offered the use of the pool to local schools a week earlier, with over 50 classes taking place during this time.

Richard MacSweeney, well-known and highly regarded Duty Manager at the Lido, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors once again for the local community to come and enjoy our wonderful facilities here at Letchworth Lido.

“Offering the use of the pool to people of all ages and abilities – from young children learning to swim to seniors who reunite every summer – is something that makes me very proud. I learnt to swim in this very pool, so ensuring local children have the same opportunity I did is really important to me.

“Having worked at this centre for over 20 years, I know just how much of an integral part of the summer season the Lido is to the people of North Herts. I am confident this year we will see even more young people and families enjoy our pool in the sunshine thanks to extra hands on board and the continued community feel of the space.”

Sarah Kingsley, North Herts Council’s Service Director – Place, said: “We can’t wait for the outdoor pools to throw open their doors. We look forward to welcoming families, swimmers, and fun-seekers to enjoy the facilities. If you book your session in advance you won’t need to worry about queuing either.”

James Bliss, who has been the North Herts contract manager for over 10 years, added: “To be able to offer such unique, inclusive facilities to our local communities is fantastic. The Lidos are an incredible opportunity for the whole family to get out and enjoy the warmer weather thanks to the range of provisions at each centre.

“We are also excited to unveil the new food and beverage facilities at each site, which we hope will enhance the overall experience for our visitors.

“Our incredible Lido teams and I are excited to make this summer the best one yet for the people of North Herts.”

For any enquiries, please visit: Letchworth Lido FAQ or Hitchin Lido FAQ.

To pre-book your place from Saturday 18 May, please head to the Everyone Active app or visit: Letchworth Lido or Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre. Opening times are site-specific, so please check the website before you arrive/book.