Tinside Lido
WHERE
Plymouth
What it’s like
An outdoor saltwater lido on Plymouth Hoe, with sea views and birthday parties running through the summer.
This is a proper outdoor swim, saltwater rather than chlorine, with the sea right there over the wall. It's only open for swimming from May to September, so it's a warm-weather plan rather than a year-round one, and the lifeguards keep a tight rein on the rules, no phones out for photos poolside and inflatables restricted, which is fair enough but worth knowing before you turn up with a lilo.
The café runs every day from 8am to 6pm and does coffee, ice cream and light refreshments, so even if you're not swimming it's a nice spot to sit with a drink and watch the water. Lockers are on site for your stuff, and the place is wheelchair accessible if that matters for your group.
Birthday parties happen in the Soundbar space, with swimming, food and entertainment bundled together, which takes the planning off your hands if you're after something a bit different from the usual soft play do.
One thing to flag: parking nearby can sting, up to £11.60 for four hours, so factor that into the day if you're driving. Dog owners get a look in too, with Doggy Swim sessions on offer for £12 per dog outside the main swimming times.
Facilities
Need to know
- Food
- Café serving light refreshments, coffee, ice cream
- Dogs
- Doggy Swim sessions available, £12 per dog
- Parties
- Birthday parties with swimming, food and entertainment in Soundbar space
- Swimming only runs May to September, so check the season before you plan a trip
- No phones allowed poolside for photos, and inflatables are limited
- Parking nearby can run to £11.60 for four hours
- Doggy Swim sessions are a separate £12 per dog booking, not open swim time
Plan your visit
When can you actually swim there?
The pool's open for swimming from May to September. Outside that window it's really just the café and the view.
What are the pool rules like?
Lifeguards are strict, no phones for photos by the poolside and inflatables are restricted. Best to leave the big lilo at home.
Is there food on site?
A café serves light refreshments, coffee and ice cream, open 8am to 6pm every day.
Can you do a birthday party here?
Yes, parties run in the Soundbar space with swimming, food and entertainment included.
Is parking easy?
It isn't cheap, up to £11.60 for four hours nearby, so it's worth having change or a card ready.
Can I bring my dog?
There are dedicated Doggy Swim sessions for £12 per dog, separate from normal swimming times.
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