With warmer weather on the way, many people will be looking for places to take a dip, and you don’t have to go far to get those summer holiday vibes. This UK lido has been compared to Greece thanks to its Mediterranean style
A lido that has often been compared to pools in Greece and the Med will soon be reopening its doors for the summer season in time for warmer weather.
The pool has been beloved by local families since it first opened in 1896, and now also attracts tourists from further afield. It’s not hard to see why. When you look at the lido with its perfectly blue waters, splashpad, and 300 metre-long lazy river, it’s almost as if you’re at a hotel pool overseas.
However, this shimmering blue pool is actually found in Kent, just over an hour from London, and the Strand Lido in Gillingham also has the distinction of being the only riverside saltwater pool in the UK. The pool is fed from the River Medway, then filtered and chlorinated to make it safe for swimmers to splash around.
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The Lido Guide wrote about the Strand: “Nothing about the exterior gives away what lies within. What lies within is a riot of Mediterranean-resort-style colour and fun. Any children in the party will be completely unable to contain their excitement.
“The whole thing is a freeform riot of bright white painted concrete, edged in royal blue, that gives the treated river water that fills the pool a hue that is more reminiscent of Greece than Kent.”
There are six 25-metrer long lanes for swimming, and you’ll also find a paddling pool for toddlers, as well as fun features such as water fountains. Because the pool is unheated, it only opens seasonally, with the opening date for 2026 confirmed as Saturday, May 23.
The pool will then open at weekends, until the school summer holidays, when it opens daily, before closing sometime in September. Tickets can be booked online via the Medway Council website to reserve a slot at this popular pool.
In addition to the pool, the complex has sunbathing and relaxation areas, a café that serves food, although you can bring a picnic and enjoy it in one of the shaded areas of the park, and play areas. There are changing rooms, poolside showers, and a shop selling inflatables, but feel free to bring your own rubber ring.
The Strand Leisure Park has a miniature railway that also opens seasonally, chugging around the park on sunny days, and lots of riverside walks to explore.
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One positive review said: “We travelled from Suffolk and booked the afternoon session. Stopped for some lunch on the way. Lovely day out. Pool has a lazy river, kids pool and adult pool, changing rooms, toilets, café. Lots of space to set up camp for the afternoon but not a lot of shade.”
Another suggested: “Very good few hours. Looks like we are on holiday. Lazy river all around the outside (take a rubber ring). “
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