Cleveland Pools, the UK’s oldest public outdoor swimming pool located in Bath, will be reopening its doors for one day only this weekend, although the pool itself will remain closed to swimmers. The event, scheduled for Sunday, 13 September, aims to engage the community in conversations about the future of this historic site.
Originally constructed over 200 years ago, Cleveland Pools was closed for 40 years before recently undergoing a £9.3 million restoration, culminating in its reopening in 2023. Designed to be completely flood proof, the lido nevertheless suffered two floods between January and March 2024, leading to its indefinite closure.
The floods occurred following an exceptionally wet period, with February 2024 being the wettest on record for the South of England and the whole of England experiencing 78% more rainfall than usual. Since then, the lido has remained closed to the public for swimming activities.
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Last week, a spokesperson for Cleveland Pools expressed gratitude to supporters for their patience and announced that control of the site has returned to the organisation. They emphasised their commitment to greater transparency and community involvement moving forward.
“We’re stepping into a brand-new chapter, and we’re making a commitment to keep you much more closely in the loop as we chart our path forward,” the statement read. “Our focus is now on the appropriate route to reopening as an asset for the community. We can’t do this without you.”
The Open Day will provide an opportunity for visitors to meet the Trustees, speak with the team, and contribute ideas for the pools’ future. However, the pool will not be available for swimming during the event.
According to the Heritage Open Days website, visitors will be able to explore the Grade II* listed site and engage in discussions with those managing its next steps.
The Cleveland Pools Open Day will be held from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday, 13 September. Entry is free, and although registration is not required, those interested can register online to express their intention to attend.