The UK is home to many unique places that can be enjoyed in the summer months. One of them is a historic Kent lido that some say looks like it could be in Greece. The Strand Lido in Gillingham has been a favourite among locals for almost 130 years. Listed on the Historic Pools of Britain register, it is the country’s only riverside tidal salt water pool, with water taken from the River Medway and treated with chlorine for safe swimming.
It is also very close to London and relatively easy to reach. The journey from the centre of the capital is about 34 miles and takes around 45 minutes by train from King’s Cross to Gillingham, followed by a 20-minute walk. By car, it’s roughly an hour’s drive.
The pool opened in June 1896 and has remained a popular spot across generations. It features six 25-metre swimming lanes, a paddling pool for toddlers, a 300-metre lazy river, elephant slides and water jets for younger visitors, MyLondon reported.
With its bright white flooring and blue-painted water features, the lido has been compared to a Mediterranean resort.
The Lido Guide described it as “more like Greece than Kent” and praised its “riot of Mediterranean-resort-style colour and fun”.
The review added: “The whole thing is a freeform riot of bright white painted concrete, edged in royal blue, that gives the treated river water that fills the pool a hue that is more reminiscent of Greece than Kent.”
Visitors have also shared glowing reviews online. One Tripadvisor user wrote: “So impressed with this place and feel lucky to have it in Medway.
“Very clean, love that the water is sourced and filtered from the Medway, not too much chlorine as lots of natural salt! Could easily spend the day here sunbathing and slipping in and out of the water at my own pleasure.”
Another called it a “hidden gem” and praised the “very clean and well-maintained” facilities, adding that the numbers were “controlled so it never felt overcrowded”.
Facilities at the site include a café, changing areas, toilets, poolside showers and a shop selling inflatables.
Visitors can bring their own food, but glass, alcohol and barbecues are not allowed. The pool is not heated and only opens in the summer months, with two daily sessions running from 10.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm.
Clare Short from Historic Pools of Britain said: “We are delighted that The Strand Lido has become a member of Historic Pools of Britain.
“A pool that epitomises the spirit of lidos as a place for fun and wellbeing, which it has been providing to its community and visitors for over 120 years, and that is historically significant as the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country.
“We look forward to celebrating all that The Strand Lido embodies as one of the Historic Pools of Britain.”