The best: Outdoor swimming pools and lidos near Manchester

Alongside a spa, gym, tennis courts, holiday camps and much more, upmarket wellness chain David Lloyd offers a superbly maintained outdoor pool at its Manchester North branch with family sessions, adults-only swimming hours and expert tuition for all skill levels endorsed by Swim England.

Open since 1935 and now believed to be the only inland brine pool left in Britain, East Cheshire’s largest swimming pool welcomes another summer swim season on Sat 26 Apr. Once unheated, the pool is now maintained at a delightful 22°C and can occasionally feel like a jacuzzi through solar gain.

Under-3s go free, while adults can swim for just £5.80.

Open from May to September, the 89-year-old Ingleton Open Air Pool features 20m lanes, 26.6° waters, a snack kiosk and regular special events including barbecues, games and galas. Situated in an idyllic riverside setting, the pool offers both walk-up sessions and yearly memberships, while under-4s swim free.

Responsible for turning the town hall clock into one of the North’s most-captured Instagram backdrops, King Street Townhouse Hotel’s soaring, partially covered seventh-floor infinity pool offers an entirely unique view of the Manchester cityscape while promising ‘indulgent relaxation’ for overnight guests. Open from 7am-9pm daily, reservations are not required but the capacity is limited to eight people, allowing ample room for a panoramic candid and, for anyone inclined, some actual pool usage.

With 23°C water, a refurbished circulation system, aqua aerobics, night swimming set to live music and even its own line of merch, Hathersage’s beloved outdoor pool offers a wide range of activities and swim sessions for visitors across Greater Manchester and the Peak District.

uswim! specialises in supervised cold water swimming experiences, teaching everything from optimal pre/post swim preparation to proper breathing techniques while you’re out on the water. The team operate across three locations in the region: Salford Quays, Boundary Water Park in Cheshire and The Mere Swim Place in Knutsford. Memberships are available, though you can also just turn up and pay on the day if you prefer.

Whether you’re looking for a casual dip or take things a little more seriously with lessons taught by Open Swim’s impressive coaching team — which even includes world-record holders — Sale Waterpark is another great choice for anyone who prefers their water that bit more open. Summer swims run from Apr – Sep, with winter swims available to those brave enough from Oct – Mar.

A little further afield, but worth it for its seriously picturesque West Yorkshire backdrop, Ilkley Lido’s swimming season returns in May. The site also features an indoor swimming pool, as well as tennis courts, so there’s plenty going on for a lively, active day out.