Whorlton Lido is located on the River Tees south of the village of Whorlton and downstream of Whorlton Bridge, Whorlton in County Durham (OS Grid Ref NZ 108145)
8 thoughts on “Whorlton Lido”
Annette Poulson
I completely agree. Wonderful fun in a stunning natural setting. It brought so much joy to so many. You can’t ‘create’ such places.
I’m 74 now but I used to go to Whorlton Lido more than 60 years ago. My favourite activity was sitting on a ledge under a waterfall and watching the rainbows. There used to be hundreds of people in the field on weekends and I don’t remember any serious injuries even though the older lads jumped down the waterfalls. I still have happy memories but I suppose Health and Safety wouldn’t permit those activities now, so there would be no chance of the current landowner opening the field to the public again.
That’s a wonderful image you’ve painted there – really expressive. We took our kids there several times in the mid-90s and it was always a great but simple day out on what was inevitably a hot summer’s day. I think it’s popularity inevitably conspired against it. I’d be interested to hear other folks’ tales of there time at the lido. Take care.
Hi, I have just recently visited this site as I thought I would rekindle some of my youth as I use to come here as a child some 50+ years ago, only to find it all overgrown and unused how sad, what happened?
Unfortunately, it seems that the new landowner had issues with those sorts of activities and pulled the plug a few years ago. Perhaps he had good reason for it: my impression was that he didn’t like the encroachment by Joe Public but it’s often difficult to see other people’s point of view when facilities like this are withdrawn. It’s a real shame because although I didn’t live close enough to it myself, our kids were able to have some great times there in the mid-nineties. For our wellbeing as humans we should be ADDING to sites like these but that’s never going to be the case is it? RIP Whorlton Lido.
Same here! When I was less than 11 my parents used to bring me here .One shilling entrance .Beautiful waters from the moors for swimming. After , jumping on the stepping stones .
I’m now 71 !!
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
I completely agree. Wonderful fun in a stunning natural setting. It brought so much joy to so many. You can’t ‘create’ such places.
Happy days indeed Annette. Thank for taking the time to comment.
I’m 74 now but I used to go to Whorlton Lido more than 60 years ago. My favourite activity was sitting on a ledge under a waterfall and watching the rainbows. There used to be hundreds of people in the field on weekends and I don’t remember any serious injuries even though the older lads jumped down the waterfalls. I still have happy memories but I suppose Health and Safety wouldn’t permit those activities now, so there would be no chance of the current landowner opening the field to the public again.
Hi Tom,
That’s a wonderful image you’ve painted there – really expressive. We took our kids there several times in the mid-90s and it was always a great but simple day out on what was inevitably a hot summer’s day. I think it’s popularity inevitably conspired against it. I’d be interested to hear other folks’ tales of there time at the lido. Take care.
Hi, I have just recently visited this site as I thought I would rekindle some of my youth as I use to come here as a child some 50+ years ago, only to find it all overgrown and unused how sad, what happened?
Hi Paul,
Unfortunately, it seems that the new landowner had issues with those sorts of activities and pulled the plug a few years ago. Perhaps he had good reason for it: my impression was that he didn’t like the encroachment by Joe Public but it’s often difficult to see other people’s point of view when facilities like this are withdrawn. It’s a real shame because although I didn’t live close enough to it myself, our kids were able to have some great times there in the mid-nineties. For our wellbeing as humans we should be ADDING to sites like these but that’s never going to be the case is it? RIP Whorlton Lido.
Same here! When I was less than 11 my parents used to bring me here .One shilling entrance .Beautiful waters from the moors for swimming. After , jumping on the stepping stones .
I’m now 71 !!
Happy days Kevin, I’m pleased our kids got the pleasure before its demise. Scott