Hilsea Lido

Plans for development of the lido were agreed in 1932 and the lido opened on 24 July 1935. The architect for the lido was Joseph Parkin. The Main Pool and changing facilities were designed for the use of 768 adults and 180 children with accommodation for around 1000 spectators. In 1936 the Lido was visited by the British diving team from 1936 Summer Olympics who gave a demonstration on 31 August During World War 2 the main pool was closed to the general public and was given over to the use of the various military units in the area. Between 1946 and 1951 a miniature railway ran along the lido site. In 1974 the Lido was used as a set for the Bernie's Holiday Camp scene in the film Tommy.…

The Hilsea Lido is a leisure facility featuring the Main Pool (measuring 67m x 18m). It was originally 4.6 metres (15 feet) deep, meaning the lido had the distinction of being the deepest outdoor pool in the UK apart from Broomhill Pool which is the same depth. The depth has now been reduced to 2.6m as part of the stabilisation work being carried out, to counteract the pressure of the groundwater pushing the pool tank up from below. A large Splash Pool (45m x 18m x 6ins deep) designed for younger swimmers used to be adjacent to the Main Pool. This has now been replaced by the Hilsea Jubilee Splash Pool. The site of the lido is connected to Alexandra Park via the Stamshaw Esplanade.