The Priory Lido, Ware

Ware Priory Lido opened in 1934 and was built by members of the community, the pool has had its ups and downs but after a £500,000 investment by GlaxoSmithKline it was returned to its former glory and reopened in 2016.

Manager Steve Gershon said, ‘It’s a lovely pool and a real community project. On a hot and sunny day, people are queuing round the block to get in.’

The Lido is situated within the grounds of Ware Priory and comprises a 30m Main Pool and a Teaching Pool. Fully qualified RLSS Pool Lifeguards and a First Aider are on duty at all times. Three hard surface tennis courts are adjacent to the Lido and a Basketball Court is also on this site.

A refreshment kiosk with access from both the Lido and neighbouring Park offers a wide selection of hot and cold food and drinks, confectionery and of course ice cream

Pool Capacity The Lido can get crowded in good weather, and it may be necessary to restrict entry to avoid overcrowding on safety grounds. Generally, the morning sessions tend to be less crowded than afternoons.

The Lido has had a major refurbishment prior to reopening this year which has been generously funded by GlaxoSmithKline, to mark their 300th anniversary. As well as a new grassed area, paving and surfacing around the pools, the changing rooms have been completely refurbished and all fittings renewed. There is now a family changing area with large cubicles, and disabled facilities, in addition to separate male and female changing rooms. The space within the lido building has been reorganised to additionally create a new room which can be used for shelter and as a party room for private pool hirers.

Opening Hours

Early Season: 26th May to 30th June

Adult lunchtime swim: 12.30 – 13.30

Open for all Weekdays: 13.45 -17.45

Open for all Weekends and Bank holidays

Session One: 13.45 – 15.30

Session Two: 16.00 – 17.45

Quiet swimming sessions

Monday and Thursday evening: 18.00 – 20.00

Wednesday evening: 18.00 – 19.30

Main Season: 1st July to 9th September

Open for all 10.00 – 12.15

Adult lunchtime swim 12.30 – 13.30

Open for all Weekdays, Weekends & Bank Holidays

Session One 13.45 – 15.30

Session Two 16.00 – 17.45

Quiet swimming sessions

Monday and Thursday evening 18.00 – 20.00

Wednesday evening 18.00 – 19.30

The pool and surroundings are cleared at the

closing times stated above, last tickets are sold

30 minutes before this. A further 15 minutes are

allowed to vacate the changing areas.

Early Morning Swimming, Aquafit and
other activities all season

There will be weekday early morning sessions,

06.00-08.00 all season, and some daytime aquafit

and special holiday fun sessions during the

season. Please check details during the season

on the Ware Town Council website, on Twitter

@ware_lido or at the Lido.

Quiet Evening Sessions

Quiet evening sessions are intended primarily for

adults wishing to swim lengths, but admission for

juniors wishing to swim lengths will be allowed

at Lido Manager’s discretion. No jumping or ball

games will be allowed.

Facilities

The main pool is approximately 30m long and there is a smaller learner pool (not available all sessions).

Both pools are heated to around 80 deg F (26deg C).

There are extensive paved and grassed areas around the pool with benches and tables which are great for sunbathing and picnics.

There are also some sunbeds for hire. The pool has male, female, and family changing rooms with lockers, showers, toilets and hair dryers. The new family changing area includes disabled facilities.

There is access from the Lido to a refreshment kiosk that sells hot and cold food and drinks and ice cream. (The kiosk is managed independently, and opening hours may vary from those of the Lido.)