Tinside Lido extends swimming season

9th September 2026

Plymouth's iconic Tinside Lido will remain open until Sunday 27 September, with Plymouth Active Leisure extending the season to create additional opportunities for local children to learn vital swimming and water safety skills.

Following one of the most successful summers in recent memory, originally scheduled plans to close the Lido on Sunday 13 September have been postponed, giving swimmers an extra fortnight to enjoy one of the city's most loved attractions.

The extension comes after months of exceptional weather, packed sessions and overwhelming support from residents and visitors. By the end of the season, Plymouth Active Leisure hopes Tinside Lido will have welcomed more than 100,000 visits, another remarkable milestone for the historic waterfront venue.

But visitor numbers are only part of the story. Plymouth Active Leisure is using the additional weeks to work directly with schools across the city, helping more children gain confidence in the water and develop essential swimming and water safety skills.

Recent national findings show that almost one in three children leave primary school without being able to swim 25 metres, while water safety remains a growing concern across the UK. The additional operating weeks will allow schools to access extra swimming sessions, top-up lessons and Swim Safe activities designed to teach children how to stay safe in open and cold-water environments.

Rhys Jones, Plymouth Active Leisure, said: "Tinside Lido has always been more than a swimming pool. It's part of Plymouth's identity.

When we looked at the possibility of extending the season, we knew we had an opportunity to do something special.

We believe every child should have the chance to learn how to swim and understand how to stay safe around water. Swimming builds confidence, supports health and wellbeing, and creates opportunities for young people to enjoy being active in and around the water. For some children, the sessions they access through school may be their only opportunity to learn.

If we can help create a generation of children who are more confident, active and connected to the water that surrounds our city, that's something we're incredibly proud of."

Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Finance and Sport, said: "It's been an extraordinary summer, and we want to make it last just a little bit longer. Swimming is something that we think everyone should be able to do and enjoy. We are Britain's Ocean City after all. Extending the season opens up even more opportunities for our young people. I couldn't be happier about this!"

The programme includes swimming opportunities for local schools alongside dedicated Swim Safe sessions that teach children about cold water awareness, floating techniques and practical skills for enjoying coastal environments safely and confidently.

The initiative reflects Plymouth Active Leisure's commitment to helping the city's young people build confidence in the water and enjoy the opportunities provided by Plymouth's unique maritime heritage.

With warm memories still being made and an ambitious goal of reaching 100,000 visits within touching distance, Plymouth Active Leisure is inviting residents, visitors and young people alike to make the most of the season's final weeks.

Because in Plymouth, our connection with the water continues long after summer draws to a close.

Extended Season Timetable

Monday to Thursday

• 1pm to 3pm: Schools
• 3pm to 6pm: Public Swim

Friday

• 7am to 10am: Early Morning Swim
• 1pm to 3pm: Schools
• 3pm to 6pm: Public Swim

Saturday and Sunday (20-21 September only)

• 12pm to 6pm: Public Swim

Sunday 27 September

• Rescheduled Doggy Swim from the original date of Sunday 13 September.
• Available to book at the Plymouth Active Website.