“Lovely summer’s day out with the children”
Lido Ponty
An hour’s drive from Bristol is a Grade II listed lido with three heated swimming pools. The Lido Ponty, in Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, is described by VisitWales as Wales’ “premier outdoor pool attraction”.
The Lido also has an adventure play area, with swings, slides and tunnels, among others. It says on its website: “With three pools; a main pool, an activity pool and a splash pool, all heated to 28 degrees, Lido Ponty offers fantastic swimming opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.”
The pool also has an inflatable obstacle course, Aqua Peddlerz and Water Walker. Giving it a visit last year, a WalesOnline reporter described the spot as a “gem of the local area“, saying she felt like she was on holiday.
She wrote: “The lido building at the heart of Pontypridd’s Ynysangharad Park was a neglected presence for many decades. The 1920s construction, though derelict for years, still retained an historical, Grade II listed, Art Deco charm with its rows of poolside changing rooms and moss-covered pool.
“After a multi-million-pound redevelopment saw it re-open as the National Lido of Wales almost a decade ago, in 2015, it’s become a premier attraction in the town that’s too often written off.”
Lido Ponty, a stunning restoration of the Art Deco Lido
The pool has received nearly 2,000 reviews on Google, with an average rating of 4.7. One said: “What lovely place. Well staffed and managed. Clean and reasonably priced. Every member of staff was friendly, helpful and overall a well oiled machine.”
Another one wrote: “Lovely summers day out with the children.”
“Absolutely amazing!! Felt like being on holiday on a sunny day. Park is amazing too,” wrote another.
Another one said: “Though the price has increased and sessions are shorter this is still a beautiful setting and redesigned art deco building. Heated to a warm temperature, go before the school holiday while it’s not too busy.”
Another recent visitor said: “Kids really enjoyed the lido. Definitely worth having the activity band for the inflatable and other activities.
“Shallow end of the pool was very busy but my kids mainly used the deep end and the activities. Staff were engaging with the children throwing water on to the inflatable for the children who wanted it.”
Tickets are £3.50 (plus 25p booking charge) for adults and free (booking charge still applies) for those aged 16 and under.