Newbury’s Northcroft Lido opens for summer season

THE outdoor pool at Newbury's Northcroft Leisure Centre has opened for the summer season, writes Lars Mucklejohn.

Despite the downpours, some hardy swimmers took the plunge as soon as they could on Monday (21 June).

The opening was delayed by last month’s heavy rainfall, which meant the pool could only be emptied for maintenance once the ground water level had lowered.

On Monday Northcroft Leisure Centre marketing manager Carly Duckett said: “Northcroft Leisure Centre and West Berkshire Council are pleased to announce the opening of the outdoor lido.

“Both parties have been spending the last few months getting the pool and gardens ready for the summer programme.

“A good number of early morning swimmers attended on the opening day, and bookings are looking really healthy over the next couple of weeks.

"Operations are slightly different this year, not surprisingly with Covid, and all attendees must book through our website or app to ensure a guaranteed space.

“Due to restrictions and space, the changing rooms are only open to our lane swimming sessions which take place each early weekday morning and Thursday evening. All general sessions only have access to the toilets, so please come beach ready.

“We look forward to seeing the public over the coming summer, and enjoy the fantastic facilities of the outdoor lido.”

Built in the 1920s on a flood plain and fed by a bore hole, the 72m heated lido is the largest open-air pool in Berkshire.

The lido will be open Monday to Friday from 7.15am to 8.45am, 11am to 2.30pm and 3.30pm to 7pm. At weekends and on bank holidays it will open from 10am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 6pm.

Additionally, the lido will be open on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9pm for a “Twilight Session”.