Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge set to open in winter
Swimmers at Jesus green Lido will be able to enjoy Cambridge’s famous outdoor pool in the autumn and winter months following a consultation that showed overwhelming support for extending its opening times.
Cambridge City Council and its contractor, Better, who manage the pool, asked swimmers whether they would brave the cooler weather for an outdoor swim in a consultation that ran from July to August.
More than 1,200 responses were received, with 91 per cent of responses from CB postcodes. People supported the idea of keeping the lido open as long as possible after the traditional mid-September closure. Some 70 per cent said they would continue swimming if the water stayed around 10 degrees Celsius and below, with 17 per cent of respondents stating they would still swim in temperatures below five degrees Celsius.
As a result, the council and Better will be looking to keep the pool open. The lido will be open a daily basis until October 31. Opening times from November 1 onwards will include several morning and evening sessions per week. Weekend availability, times and days are still to be confirmed.
Cllr Anna Smith, executive councillor for communities, said: “I'm thrilled that we are able to make this announcement.
“We think we are one of very few unheated lidos to be trialling opening hours in the winter months, and I hope people really make the most of this great opportunity and fantastic facility.
“We know that many people love outdoor swimming because it is not only great fun but also good for body and mind. I hope that people will make the most of this great opportunity.”
Jesus Green Lido is a 100-yard-long unheated outdoor swimming pool that has previously opened on a seasonal basis (May to September) offering outdoor swimming in a safe and controlled environment. The new opening times run until October 31. After November 1, opening times will be announced based on demand.
Daryl Emes, Cambridgeshire partnership manager for Better said: “The huge uptake in outdoor swimming we have seen, as we have come out of lockdowns, just shows the level of demand out there and we believe the positive impact it has on people’s physical and mental wellbeing can’t be underestimated.”
Current opening times are detailed here: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cambridge/jesusgreenlido/timetable with the new times available to booked from September 20. The booking system will remain throughout the extended opening.
Prices will remain at the same levels. Hot showers and basic changing will continue to be provided and swimmers will be advised to bring warm clothing to change into, and their own hot drinks as the café will not be open.
For information about Jesus Green lido go to: cambridge.gov.uk/jesus-green-lido.
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