Portsmouth’s iconic Hilsea Lido to reopen in May

Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth will reopen to the public, following a redevelopment, on Saturday 2 May 2026.

Owned by Portsmouth City Council, the lido will have several new features, including a new sauna and pop-up food and beverage offerings.

The council describes the opening of the historic pool as an “exciting new chapter”, with a view of making the site a year-round destination.

The refurbishment of the pool is being driven by the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton, in partnership with South Downs Leisure.

Judit Kollat, General Manager at Hilsea Lido, said: “As Hilsea Lido celebrates its 90th birthday, the work that Portsmouth City Council has done to refurbish the site has enabled us to regenerate it.

“For Portsmouth, it is more than a pool – it’s a place with history and heart.”