Northcroft Lido welcomes swimmers back

The outdoor pool will be available for lane swimming initially from Thursday, March 28, but will reopen in full as the weather starts to warm up and the ground water improves, allowing the grass areas to open. Dates are to be confirmed for the full reopening.

The iconic 150-year-old facility underwent a £5milion refurbishment by West Berkshire Council to provide an enhanced experience for visitors and is now run by leading leisure operator Everyone Active, in partnership with the Council.

The heated, Olympic-length pool is ideal for some 'al fresco' lane swimming during the spring and summer months.

With a new depth of 0.9m, less confident swimmers are now able to enjoy the lido too. Plus, the lower water volume means that it requires less energy to heat the pool, reducing the facility's carbon emissions.

For full accessibility, a hoist has been installed in the pool area and the facility is complete with an accessible changing room.

The lido boasts a beautiful decking area where people can relax, complete with colourful beach huts to create a seaside feel.

Open until the end of September, Northcroft Lido will be hosting a variety of events across the spring and summer. Families will also be able to enjoy the interactive splash pad and spiral and racer flumes later in the season.

The lido will also be available for exclusive hire for birthday parties, corporate events or any other special occasions.

Richard May, contract manager at Everyone Active, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome the community back to Northcroft Lido for this phased reopening.

"It has been more than seven months since we unveiled the revamped facility and after a successful season in 2023, we are confident that this year will be just as brilliant - or even better.

"With a host of fun activities planned for all ages, interests and abilities, we encourage people from West Berkshire and beyond to come and enjoy the fantastic facility that is Northcroft Lido."

Janine Lewis, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Public Health, Culture, Leisure, Sport & Countryside says:

"It's very exciting to be opening the Lido for its first full season as an amazing family facility. It's a truly iconic facility that is embedded in the history of Newbury and it has been wonderful to not only bring it to the present, but to ensure that it is there for the future and for generations of people to enjoy.

"The reaction from people when we opened last year following the transformation was incredible and I can't wait for people to start enjoying it again."

Northcroft Lido was first built as an unheated pool in 1870, extended in 1914, and completely rebuilt in 1937, at which point it was believed to be the largest outdoor pool in the south of England.

Visitor numbers are limited, and booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Find out more here.