On hot summer days, there is nothing better than splashing around in the water.
Whether you want a full face swim in the water or just want to dip your toes in, a good splash is the stuff memories are made of.
And when summer is in full swing, the sound of families splashing around in paddling pools can be heard all over the East Midlands.
But if you don’t have your own spot to cool off, or if you fancy a day in the pool, there are plenty of options nearby to cool off.
There are many open-air and bathing establishments within a few hours’ drive of Nottingham, so pack your car or hop on a train – just don’t forget your cossie!
Here is our pick of the best spots for outdoor water fun in the East Midlands.
Hop on to Hathersidge in Derbyshire for a real vacation feeling
This outdoor pool is heated to 28 degrees in the summer months, so you can really feel like you’re on vacation.
The Hathersage outdoor pool is located in the village of Hathersage with views of the surrounding countryside and hills so you really feel like you are away for the day.
There is even a playground and a large lawn to dry off the children, as well as picnic tables and places to relax and sunbathe.
Where: Oddfellows Road, Hathersage, Derbyshire S321DU
More info: https://www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk/
Relax and unwind at Jubilee Park Woodhall Spa
When it comes to a fun family day out in the summer sun this place is something to beat.
The outdoor pool is a real treat and has recently been renovated so it’s better than ever. The pool now has new heating and filtration for 2021 so there couldn’t be a better time to take a dip.
And when you’ve cooled down, you can relax with a book in one of the park’s quiet, tree-lined squares, or take the kids with you to burn off the last bit of energy in the playground. Have a picnic or treat yourself to something in the hotel’s café.
Where: Stixwould Road, Lincolnshire L106QH
More info
https://www.jubileeparkwoodhallspa.co.uk/
Make tangy family memories at Bourne Lido
This place really has it all when it comes to a day in the sun. Bourne Lido in Lincolnshire has an Olympic-size outdoor pool, plus a kiddy pool, sandpit and playhouse – what more could you ask for? Eat? No problem – here you will find a snack bar to stop off at and even barbecue facilities to borrow. You can enjoy lunch in the pretty gardens and extensive lawns and there is plenty of space to sit back and relax while the kids have the time of their lives.
Where: Abbey Lawns, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9EP
More information: http://www.bourneoutdoorswimmingpool.org/
Choose from three pools at Peterborough Lido
Definitely worth a drive to Peterborough to visit this Lido as there is not one but three pools to immerse yourself in.
Choose from the 50 m long main pool, a teaching pool or a paddling pool – perfect for those long, warm summer days.
You can spend a nice day at this beautiful lido, where you will find a relaxing lawn, a balcony for sunbathing and plenty of places to sit back and enjoy a cold drink as well as enjoy your picnic. The pools are heated and there is a place to buy snacks so you can enjoy hours of vacation fun in this beautiful spot.
Where: Bishops Road, Peterborough PE1 1YY
More information: https://vivacity.org/sports-venues/peterborough-lido/
All-out water adventure at Aqua Park Rutland
This amazing water park is much more than a lido, it’s a little more adventurous.
The park recently doubled in size and has 36 inflatable obstacles. So it’s less about relaxation than extreme pleasure, but you will certainly get wet and cool.
Visitors must be at least 6 years old and taller than 1.2 meters, and all equipment you will need, such as wetsuits, is included in the entrance fee.
Aqua Park is known for its amazing jumps and slides, but a special feature is The Beast, which is reputedly the UK’s tallest aqua climbing wall. Will you take it over
Where: Park Rutland, Bull Brigg Lane, Whitwell, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8BL
More information: https://www.aquaparkgroup.co.uk/rutland/