Opened in 1923, Jesus Green Lido stands before us. It is one of the few lidos from that era still around. These open-air pools offered more than just swimming. What makes Jesus Green Lido special? Its unusual shape! The pool is much longer than it is wide. This design mimics swimming in the nearby River Cam.
Jesus Green Lido opens for public bathing from May to September. However, it remains open with reduced hours during the winter. Imagine swimming here in the crisp winter air. The water is unheated. So wetsuits are a good idea.
At 100 yards long and only 15 yards wide, Jesus Green Lido is one of Europe’s longest outdoor pools. Tooting Bec Lido in London shares its length. But that pool is much wider. Jesus Green Lido’s depth varies. It is 1.2 metres deep at each end. The centre reaches 2.5 metres. Diving is permitted in the centre.
Look around. You will see the River Cam on one side and Chesterton Road on the other. Jesus Green Lido offers space for sunbathing. One side is paved. The other is grassy. A sauna is also available for those chilly days.
Did you know that Jesus Green Lido almost closed? Fortunately, it remained open. In 1997, the facilities were upgraded. New showers and toilets were added. Some people complained about the design. The pool retains many original features despite the upgrades.
Notice the separate changing rooms for men and women. See the domed shower structures at each end. The basket room is still here. Swimmers use it to store valuables.
Let me tell you about a film made about Jesus Green Lido. Chris Cox, an amateur director, created “Jesus Green Pool” in 2004. The film captures a summer at the pool. It shows the opening in spring and closing in autumn. It screened at the Cambridge Film Festival in 2005.
Two passionate swimmers, Annie Morgan James and Becky Allen, wrote a book about Jesus Green Lido. It is called “100 Yards, 100 Voices: A century of swimming at Jesus Green Lido”. The book shares the lido’s rich history. It also celebrates its vibrant community. The book features stories from swimmers, lifeguards, and local residents. Jesus Green Lido is more than just a pool. It is a place for wellness, friendship, and connecting with nature.
Jesus Green Lido converted to mains water in 1956. Before that, it used river water. The water came from above the weir. It then discharged into the lower river. The diving boards and cafe are now gone. These were once shared with Jesus Green.
The pool has lanes on busy days. Recreational swimming occupies two-thirds of the width. A fitness lane takes up the remaining third. Now, take a moment to appreciate Jesus Green Lido. It is a historic landmark. It is a place for community and recreation. It remains a defining feature of Cambridge summers.