Swimmers seeking a refresh? Britain's top historical lidos, designed to shield bathers from polluted coastlines brimming with potato scraps, oil, and coal, remain operational today.

Swimmers seeking a refresh? Britain's top historical lidos, designed to shield bathers from polluted coastlines brimming with potato scraps, oil, and coal, remain operational today.

In the charming seaside town of Penzance, Cornwall, a historical gem named Jubilee Pool is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Built between the wars, this open-air pool is not only a cherished cultural landmark but also a significant example of interwar lido architecture.

Jubilee Pool was opened in May 1935, marking the 25th year of King George V's reign. The pool was built as part of a slum clearance and town-improvement program, providing a clean and safe swimming space for the local community. Swimmers in Penzance had previously contended with polluted sea waters, filled with potato peelings, oil, coal, dust, and china clay.

Captain Frank Latham, the borough surveyor and engineer, designed this innovative pool. His expertise in marine works and sea defences helped create a cost-effective pool that seamlessly integrated with the shoreline. Jubilee Pool's unique triangular shape, inspired by the Cubist movement, sets it apart from the typical rectangular pools of the time. The pool's graceful curves and pleasing lines avoid the monotony of straight walls and right angles, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

The pool covers three-quarters of an acre and holds some five million litres of water, re-filled on the high tide. In 1936, Edinburgh's seaside resort of Portobello became home to Scotland's largest lido, featuring a wave machine and heated water. Meanwhile, Morecambe in Lancashire saw the peak of lido spending with the £130,000 Super Swimming Stadium of 1936, designed by architects Kenneth Cross and Cecil Sutton.

More recently, Jubilee Pool has been transformed into the UK's first geothermally heated seawater lido. This innovative feature keeps the water temperature up to 30°C without conventional heating, making it a living heritage site that continues to adapt to the modern era.

Tinside Lido in Plymouth, another key example of interwar lido architecture, shares similar architectural influences with Jubilee Pool, boasting art deco styling and a coastal setting.

Open-air pools like Jubilee Pool and Tinside Lido remain cherished cultural and architectural landmarks, embodying the era's spirit of public wellbeing, modern design, and environmental adaptation. As we celebrate Jubilee Pool's 90th anniversary, we honour this piece of British architectural history that continues to captivate and inspire.

1. In conjunction with the tourism sector, Jubilee Pool's unique lifestyle, blending history, architecture, and wellness, has become a popular fashion-and-beauty destination for travelers seeking unique experiences in home-and-garden-inspired settings.
2. Beyond swimming, the food-and-drink scene around Jubilee Pool is equally noteworthy, with local eateries offering delicious ocean-fresh dishes that complement the pool's coastal ambiance, adding a delightful culinary element to the overall experience.
3. Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy the area, as Penzance offers various activities like surfing, golf, and tennis, making a visit to Jubilee Pool an ideal add-on to a travel itinerary that combines relaxation, recreation, and cultural exploration.

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