IT was the first choice for many a Sotonian who needed to cool off.
For almost 130 years swimmers and sun-worshippers flocked to Southampton Lido in their droves.
The first open-air pool on the Lido site was built on the edge of Southampton Water in 1854 with the promise it would “surpass all bathing establishments in the country.”
Over the years the Lido was developed and improved, including a major redevelopment in 1930.
From when the pool opened in 1854 to its closure in the early 80s, the Lido pulled in large crowds over the summer months.
in the queue waiting for Southampton's Lido to open in 1975.
In one heatwave during the 1970s more than 61,000 people dived into cooling waters in just three months.
However, some years the pool failed to open. This happened for a number of reasons including rising costs, development plans and crumbling facilities.
Lido in 1973.
In 1977, swimmers took their last dip in the open-air pool as the centre had become shabby and was no longer economically viable to repair.
These pictures were taken during the 1970s and show people having fun at the much-loved pool.
