Priory Lido
- Priory Street, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0DE
- 01920 481563 (during the season)
- 01920 888542 (General Manager out of season)
- [email protected]
- https://www.warepriorylido.co.uk/
- X / Twitter
Situated in the grounds of Ware Priory, the Lido has both a 30m main pool and a smaller teaching pool. There is a smaller toddler play area and a room that is available to hire for private events. There are family changing rooms, and male and female changing rooms with hot showers and a set of poolside showers. The lido is serviced in peak sessions by a kiosk serving food, drinks and ice creams. Fully qualified RLSS Pool Lifeguards and a First Aider are on duty at all time.
The term ‘Lido’ is from the name of a place in Venice where bathing took place. Lidos usually have areas for sunbathing, watching, eating and are designed for activities around water. The Ware Priory Lido was built in 1934 and substantially altered before the 2016 season began with new changing rooms, reception area, toilets, events room, grass and new paving round the pool. In 2021, the Lido benefitted from a £1M refurbishment programme and re-opened in June 2023.
Private Hire
In addition to swim sessions, Ware Lido also offer Private Hire for Parties and Celebrations. To make a booking enquiry please complete the online booking form here.
Private Hire is also available to Swim Clubs, Schools and Community Groups. Please complete the online booking form.
To contact the Lido Manager email: [email protected]
The Lido closed during 2022 for essential repairs and a major upgrade...
The Lido was closed during 2022 while essential works took place to the main pool and the separate teaching pool for a £1M refurbishment.
Funding from Ware Town Council and the Public Work Loan Board allowed for major repairs, pipework replacement and new features including air source heat pumps, a new cover and UV disinfection.
Terry Philpott, Town Clerk of Ware Town Council said,
“We are delighted we have been able to make this community asset even better than before and ensure it is available for future generations.”
The Lido officially opened to the public on Wednesday, 14th June 2023 with an early morning lane swimming session at 6am!
Ware Lido received a large investment from GSK in 2016 and underwent a huge renovation...
Ware Town Council, as Trustee of the Priory Charity, was delighted that Ware Lido was the beneficiary of GSK’s investment as part of the company’s 300th birthday celebrations. Ware Lido is one of the few remaining lidos in Hertfordshire and is valued very highly by the local community.
Working with Friends of Ware Lido, the Town Council were trying to raise funds for some modest improvements to the facilities. However, this very welcome investment from GSK enabled us to carry out far more extensive improvements to the building, the changing rooms and the pool surround to improve the experience for swimmers.
Cllr Phyllis Ballam said “I would like to thank GSK for this very generous contribution to Ware Lido. With its long history in Ware, GSK is valued by the town as its largest employer and for being an integral part of the local community. On behalf of the Town Council, I am delighted that GSK is celebrating its 300th year by investing in the Lido for the benefit of residents of the town. I am proud of Ware Town Council for resisting the trend to do away with lidos.”
Friends of Ware Lido’s Liz Long said “Friends of Ware Lido are extremely grateful for the GSK contribution. These improved facilities should encourage even more people to discover or rediscover the joys and health benefits of outdoor swimming in our beautiful heated pool.”