A lido with history and heart
Opened in 1935 as part of King George V’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, Ilkley Lido has long been a jewel in West Yorkshire’s crown.
The lido was designed by local surveyor and water engineer Mr Archibold Skinner and architect Percy D. Tempest. It features striking Art Deco elements typical of the period and its mushroom-shaped design is a notable example of 1930’s architecture. This is characterised by its organic streamline form and functional layout which makes the most of the scenic backdrop of the moors and the river. As a result it’s considered one of the most beautiful outdoor pools in the country.
The pool is made of reinforced concrete and can hold 325,000 gallons of water. Measuring 46m diameter, it’s deep enough to play water polo at the north end and has a very large shallow area for children to play in. Originally the pool also had a number of standard diving boards and water chutes.
In 1935 the water was heated to about 65 degrees by two gas- fired boilers. The water passed through sand- filled pressure filters, chlorine was added and finally it was aerated by the rise and fall of the tiered fountain. On each side of the pool there were single storey changing rooms, ladies to the east and gentlemen to the west. The café to the north of the pool seated 100 people and the catering was run by Taylors of Harrogate. The total cost of installing Ilkley Lido in 1935 was £8,669.
Today the lido (including the café and changing rooms) is Grade II listed, denoting it as a nationally important structure of special interest. Listing celebrates and provides protection to the nation’s special buildings. Take a look at the lido’s official list entry on the Historic England website.
Generations of families have splashed, swum, and sunbathed here, making it a special place for the community. Our timeline below shows some of the important events in the lido’s history.
Key dates
1934 – Building work begins on Ilkley Lido
1935 (Saturday 4 May) – The official opening of Ilkley Open Air Bathing Pool as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of King George V. The pool was opened by Dr Maurice R. Dobson, chairman of the Ilkley Urban District Council.
The day involved free swimming for all, a swim display, and costume competition. It’s estimated that 3,000 people attended on this special day.
1935 (August) – The café at the north end of the pool opened, designed by Archibold Skinner. Taylors of Harrogate were in charge of the catering.
1935 May to October – First summer figures – Fine weather
65,000 bathers (single ticket holders only)
46,000 spectators
Total taking for the season £2,419
1936 – Admission prices for the lido
Ilkley Resident adult 15 shillings, junior 10 shillings, spectators 5
shillings.
Non Resident adult 20 shillings, junior 15 shillings, spectators 10
shillings.
1936 May – Improvements were made and a new building developed
on the grounds creating extra lockers and dressing cubicles, as well as
extra seating for spectators. Trees, shrubs and flower beds were added
at each corner of the enclosure and at the entrance which was on the
south side.
1957 – British Railways commissioned Frank Sherwin to paint the lido
for a poster with the famous tagline ‘Ilkley – Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’
1966 September – BBC ‘It’s a Knock-Out’ was broadcast live from the
lido (Yorkshire: Heat 2 – Ilkley v Otley).
1972 – Work begins on the building of the indoor pool.
1973 September – Ilkley indoor pool is officially opened by the
chairman of Ilkley Urban District Council, Councillor J. Spencer. The ceremony
was followed by a display of personal survival techniques by members
of Ilkley Swimming Club.
1974 – The steel diving boards and chutes were removed from the lido
following the Health and Safety at Work Act.
1979 – ‘Yanks’ the war drama directed by John Schlesinger and
featuring stars like Richard Gere and Vanessa Redgrave features
scenes shot at the lido.
1989 June – ‘It’s a Knock-Out’ is filmed at the lido with BBC Look North
presenters Sue Wilkins, Nik Wood and Harry Gration.
1990s – The lido begins to host the annual Ilkley Triathlon; previous winners include the Olympic champions Alistair and Jonny Brownlee.
2003 – Scenes from the popular British comedy-drama film Calendar Girls were filmed at the lido.
2009 – Ilkley Lido is awarded Grade II listed site together with the cafe and changing rooms.
2025 – The lido celebrates its 90th year and hosts events for Bradford City of Culture 2025.
Memories of the Lido
“I was a Guide and I took part in an It’s A Knockout event at the Lido. We competed in teams, taking part in a variety of events both in and over the water – one of mine was the slippery pole where you sit on it over the water and opposite your opponent and you had to try and knock them off with a pillow without getting knocked down yourself.
“I remember the water being cold, we were competing against teams from different organisations and Harry Gration and Judith Stamper were there I think as the comperès. We got t-shirts from the event, I still have mine and it’s now part of a t-shirt blanket.”
Sharon H
—————————————
“I remember the lovely cafe back in the late 50’s/60’s that was a pleasure to go in – no vending machines in those days. The big slide, diving boards and springboard. And you got changed – men at one side, women at other – in huts, with dark green lockers that had a silver coloured number on that you attached the best way possible to your cossi. Entered the pool from the bottom end and exited through the larger corner turnstile. Happy days!
Sue S
——————————–
“Oh such happy days in the 50’s. There all day in the summer, diving off the big slide , and top board to the third board into the pool. My season ticket paid for after a week 10 shilling in old money , and my uncle Dennis Crawshaw designed the indoor pool.”
Martin H
——————————-
“I came to the lido as a child, visiting with my brother when we lived in Horsforth. Then as a student at Ilkley college with my own children and recently attended the supermoon swim with college friends!
The lido has a very special place in my heart.”
Julie H
———————————
“I first went to Ilkley Lido in 1962 with my mum and brother. We used to go every Sunday in the summer and had the same picnic every trip ( money was very tight) – a scotch egg each – homemade the night before , a small jar of Branston pickle ( decanted from a large jar), a slice of white buttered bread each, and a large bottle of orange squash. We normally caught a bus from Wibsey to Bradford then either the train to Ilkley from Forster Square or if money was tight that week, a bus which took forever.
“We played all day – swimming , running around, passing a ball and even tried to sit on the top of the fountain in the pool which we knew was frowned upon. We never noticed how cold the water was. If we behaved, my mum would give my brother and I money to buy an ice cream from either the cafe or the man in the ice cream kiosk – yet another massive queue.
“My memories of those times are so special – it never seemed to rain at all. The down side of the trip ( not too bad) was having to queue in the heat to pay the admission to get in but the anticipation was immense. There was always a queue. Happy days!”
Bev W