18 splash-tastic Hilsea Lido pictures as it reopens after four years

Eager swimmers queued outside Hilsea on Saturday morning (May 2) as the outdoor pool celebrated its offical open day after being closed for the past four years.

The 90-year-old pool closed down in 2022 following health and safety concerns, prompting the Portsmouth City Council to undertake a £7.75m regeneration project.

Over the past two years, the pool has been transformed at the hands of contractors, Beard, who have worked alongside Mace and the council. Now open, customers will have access to a fully functioning pool, a sauna, changing rooms, showers and food and drink offerings including an ice cream parlour and a food van.

Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes which is the lido’s new operator, said: “Hilsea Lido is more than a pool — it’s a community hub.

“Our goal is to create a space where people can come together, recharge, move, and connect all year round, with every visit feeling like a holiday at home. We’re proud to bring this iconic site back to life for Portsmouth."