Otley Lido
Farnley Lane, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 2AB
Otley baths - as it was called at the time - opened in Wharfemeadows Park in 1924. Its heyday was arguably during the 1960s when visitors came from near and far. During the 1980s/90s its popularity waned in line with national trends. In need of repair the unheated 100 x 40 foot outdoor pool - as it became known - closed in 1993. Now the trend has reversed and there is a revival in outdoor swimming and pools not just in Otley but across the UK!
Friends of Otley Lido (FoOL) - a Community Interest Company - formed in late 2015 with the aim of regenerating the former baths and returning a lido to the town. After establishing the CIC and a successful crowdfunding campaign, FoOL has been able to commission a sport and leisure consultant and architect to develop proposals to regenerate the site and produce the associated outline business plans.
The lido provided generations of Otley residents and visitors with happy memories of summer visits to swim and play in the unheated pool. FoOL has collated memories and photographs from over the years. We invite you to immerse yourself in both and take in a guided tour of the site. Alternatively, visitors are welcome to undertake a DIY tour at their own pace - supporting resources shall be available to enhance this experience.
In the centenary year of the baths' opening, FoOL are delighted to welcome visitors to both enjoy the rich heritage of the site - and Otley Riverside more generally - and engage with us about proposals for the site.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1000-1600. Guided tours: 1015, 1115, 1215, 1315, 1415 & 1515 with an approximate duration of 30 minutes (plus self-guided tours available all day with supporting resources)
Location & directions
Farnley Lane, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 2AB
- Directions:
- The entrance to the lido is via a gate opposite the bowling green. We shall endeavour to provide a limited number of disabled parking spaces at the site which can be accessed directly from Farnley Lane. Other local parking is available on the road to the north of Wharfemeadows Park (accessed via Farnley Lane) or in Otley's car parks. The site is approximately 10 minutes walk from Otley Bus Station. Alternatively, the 965 Otley - Newall Circular bus service runs from Otley Bus Station and includes the lido on its route. Cycle parking is available at the site.
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The site is largely derelict and awaiting restoration. Friends of Otley Lido shall do its utmost to ensure as much of the site as possible is accessible for visitors (subject to the necessary safety checks). However, some areas may not be accessible. Some areas may have uneven surfaces which we shall endeavour to minimise in order to make accessible areas as friendly as possible for wheelchairs, pushchairs, prams, children, dogs, etc.
Additional information
If you have any memories and pictures please feel free to share these with us in advance so we can include them on the day. If you wish to become involved or are able to help with our project please do get in touch! We can be contacted at [email protected] or via our website and social media.
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
