The Olympic size heated pool is set within four acres of landscaped gardens and has four water slides
Guildford Lido outdoor swimming pool is located in Stoke Road, Guildford(Image: Grahame Larter)
As another heatwave is upon us, The AA has announced this years ‘Lido League’ ranking more than 160 locations to uncover Britain’s best outdoor pools. Revisiting brilliant open-air pools, swimming lakes and tidal pools, the breakdown provider revealed the top 20 destinations for fun-filled days out in 2026.
Coming in 16th place and scoring 55.60 out of 100 was Guildford Lido. It scored highly thanks to it’s high monthly Google Searches (33k), free car parking and high summer temperatures.
Located within the beautiful Stoke Park in the heart of the town, the Olympic size outdoor pool is surrounded by trees and set within four acres of landscaped gardens.
It is one of the few remaining 1930s outdoor pools, and as it is heated to 24°C in the summer and 19 to 20°C in the winter, it’s perfect for year-round swimming. Open every day of the week, lane swimming is available as early as 6.30am weekdays for people to have a dip before they start work.
It is incredibly family friendly with a dedicated area set aside from our main pool, for families and young children to enjoy. Complete with sensory water features, the lido’s paddling pool is a superb splash area for children under nine years old.
Plus, there are three slides called Aqua Splash, Storm Chaser and Twisted Barnacle. Picnics are welcome, and there are lockers, changing rooms, toilets, showers and a Mexican burrito café to buy food and drink.
The South East tops the AA’s Lido League with eight outdoor pools, placing in the top 10. Breakdown provider The AA took into account factors including Google search popularity, review scores, social media engagement, entry and parking costs, and local sunshine and temperature data for July.
The updated research crowns Brockwell Lido in London as the UK’s loveliest lido for 2026, with an overall score of 72.58 out of 100. If using the car in the hotter temperatures, Lee Morley, AA Patrol of the Year, has shared his top tips to keep cool and safe. He said:
- Avoid travelling in the hottest part of the day where possible.
- Before setting off check tyre condition and pressures, coolant and oil levels.
- Keep the windscreen clean, top up screen wash and carry sunglasses to help tackle glare.
- Keep a charged mobile phone and power bank in the vehicle.
- Fit sun shades to rear windows to keep passengers cool.
- Carry at least one litre of water per person to stay hydrated – as well as extra water and a bowl for pets.
- Use air conditioning where possible, or slightly open windows for airflow.
- Park in shaded areas whenever possible and use a windscreen shade to reduce heat build-up.
- If you have an electric vehicle, remotely cool the cabin before setting off using your vehicle’s app.
- Watch for signs of overheating, especially in older vehicles.
- Never leave children, vulnerable passengers or pets in a parked car.
How to visit Guildford Lido
- Address: Lido Road, Stoke Park, Guildford, GU1 1HB.
- Parking: Free car park on site.
- Prices: General swimming costs £12.08 for adults and £9.98 for juniors (age 3-15) including booking fee. Free for under 3s.
- Opening times: General swimming sessions – Monday to Sunday from 10.30am to 6.30pm. Lane swimming – weekdays 6.30am-10am and 7pm-8.30pm, and weekends 8am-10am.
- Slides open: Weekdays 3.30pm-6pm and school holidays 10.30am-6pm
- Book: Visit freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/guildford-lido.