Written by Lisa Proffitt | 19th July 2022
Who isn’t dreaming of a home with a swimming pool? The UK has been experiencing some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded so here at Michael Graham we’ve pooled our knowledge to bring you details of the best local lidos and splash parks across our region. Grab a swimsuit and cool off at the following attractions:
Buckinghamshire
Willen Lake is Milton Keynes’ most popular park, with open swimming and a large variety of water sports. Aqua Parcs is a large inflatable obstacle course suitable for all ages and Splash ‘n’ Play has around 60 water features including water cannons and jets and is for children up to 13 years old. Sessions run for 45 minutes and are great value at just £5.
The Rye and Holywell Mead Park in High Wycombe city centre has 53 acres of grounds to explore, which include a waterfall and a boating lake. There is also a fully refurbished lido offering an outdoor pool and children’s pool plus grassy and terraced areas for sunbathing.
Bedfordshire
Lidos had their heyday in the 1930s, and Woburn Lido was given to the community back then by the Duke of Bedford. A traditional open-air pool, the lido commands a lovely spot amongst the trees next to Woburn Abbey Estate.
For the more energetic, Box End Park in Kempston has two purpose-built water sports lakes for water-skiing or wakeboarding, and children aged six and above can leap, swing and climb across all sorts of inflatable obstacles in the aqua park playground.
Parson’s Close Recreation Ground Splash ‘n’ Play in Leighton Buzzard has a great reputation. Located in the heart of the town, the park has a Splash ‘n’ Play area, a beach and skate park.
Hertfordshire
With 190 acres of green space to explore, Cassiobury Park is the largest public open space in Watford. The Paddling Pool Playground is great for children up to the age of 14 and has swings, a zip wire and trampolines as well as a variety of different slides. The Cha Cha Cha Playground is suitable for smaller children up to the age of 6.
On the Icknield Way, Letchworth Outdoor Pool is considered one of the best outdoor pools in Hertfordshire. The heated 50 metre swimming pool and toddler pool are surrounded by a grassed sunbathing area and there is a café on the terrace.
Hitchin Swimming Centre on Fishponds Road in Hitchin also has a 50-metre outdoor pool and a sunbathing terrace. Aqua gym classes are available to book and there is a 25 metre indoor swimming pool with 8 lanes.
Northamptonshire
Next to the River Nene at The Embankment in Wellingborough, a splash and play area is open every day from 12-6.30pm. Picnic tables and a regular ice cream van all add up to a great day out for the little ones. Best of all, it’s completely free of charge.
Stanwick Lakes is a sprawling nature reserve in the heart of the Nene Valley. Children can paddle in the stream and enjoy bucket and spade fun on the large sandy play area, leaving you all feeling like you’ve had a day on the beach.
Opening times are changeable, so do check the website before you visit any of the places mentioned and on very hot days be prepared for a queue. Michael Graham has town and country properties for sale in all the above regions including the waterside family homes below.