We’d had Hathersage Swimming Pool on our family list for a while. Something about an open-air swim surrounded by the hills of the Peak District just kept calling to us. So when a Friday inset day aligned with an unusually sunny forecast, we finally made it happen, and we had a fantastic day out. Not only did we love the Swimming Pool, but the cafe and park scored highly too!
Where is it located?
You’ll find Hathersage Lido right in the centre of Hathersage village – nestled deep in the Hope Valley, about 10 minutes from Stanage Edge and surrounded by rolling Peak District hills. The pool itself sits just off Oddfellows Road, next to a quiet village green and tucked behind a playground that’s surprisingly brilliant for such a small village. We were shocked at how much the village play area had. I appreciate it’s a tourism hotspot, but still.
We parked up just outside the village on the side street, but be warned – parking’s a bit of a scavenger hunt on warm days. Best advice? Get there early, respect the residents with how you park and perhaps consider parking slightly outside the village and walking in.
History of Hathersage Swimming Pool & The Park
This isn’t just any outdoor pool. Hathersage Lido dates back to 1936 – a proper old-school beauty built thanks to George Lawrence, a local factory owner who gifted it to the village. My wife read a fictional book on a Lido, and having spent the past few summers swimming outside in France, we’ve become quite attracted to them. Hathersage was always on our bucket list as it seems to be one of the best within an hour’s radius of our home.
There’s something magical about it: the Art Deco vibe, the bandstand next to the pool, the open Peak District views that feel like you’re swimming in a postcard.
The pool’s been modernised (thankfully, the water’s now heated to a lovely 27°C), but it’s kept that honest, local charm. Architecturally, it’s still a delight, as are many areas of the Peak District in general.
Right next door, Hathersage Park packs a lot into a small space: a wooden train, swings, slides, climbing frames and even a mini skate ramp. You can access the park via the back gate exit from the Pool and around the bowling green. It’s very easy to access. We were told about it by a fellow parent in the pool, and we were thankful for the nudge.
It’s that kind of bonus you stumble across and think, “How is this here?”
What is there to do?
We visited on an inset day, which felt like finding a golden ticket – sunshine, a quiet village midweek, and a pool booking that didn’t need fighting 600 other families for. It’s very difficult to book when the weather is warm unless you do so in advance. We knew it was going to be a week of great weather, so we took the chance and weren’t disappointed.
10:30–12:00 swim slot – We booked in advance (a must), arrived with a picnic (there are benches and grass to sit on, and they are accommodating if you eat inside), and were excited to get involved.
The pool was warm, and both kids launched straight in. Given the design of the pool, the non-swimmer’s area is quite small, but there was more than enough room for us to have fun and play. One lady commented on Barney being ‘the happiest child in the pool’ which means we did our job well 😀 We were basically just chilling and playing all sorts of games.
Matilda was able to swim lengths as she’s a proficient swimmer (I believe you need to be able to swim at least two lengths to go beyond the sign).
Beth even managed a few lengths while I soaked up the sun and pretended I was training for the Olympics.
The view is honestly worth the trip alone. There’s something magical about swimming outdoors, especially in the beautiful surroundings of the Peak District. You’re swimming in the shadow of gritstone crags. Not many places where you can do breaststroke with Stanage Edge behind you.
The park afterwards – Just a short wander behind the lido, and you’re in a fenced play area that’s impressive. There’s varying equipment for all ages. Wooden Train for younger children, fitness equipment and more technical equipment for older kids. There’s even a mini skate park, table tennis and an honesty community library. It’s completely packed with fun, and we spent at least an hour in the park.
Facilities
Café: The Hathersage Pool Cafe is right in front of the swimming pool and has an indoor and outdoor seating area. It also has an outdoor kiosk. It looks to be a great cafe with tons of the menu. We got our standard ice cream, and I ordered a coffee. It was one of the nicest takeaway coffees I’d had in some time.
There’s a video on the official website which shows you all you need to see.
Hathersage village also has a couple of cracking spots for lunch or coffee. Bank House café is, by all accounts, a nice place to visit, and Maazi (the Indian restaurant in the old bank) is meant to be brilliant, though a curry when it’s 27 degrees outside is probably not my ideal.
Toilets & baby changing – Clean, warm, and very well-kept. Decent-sized changing cubicles for families, too. The entire experience is really good.
Bike racks – Yep! We spotted several right by the pool gate, ideal if you’re coming on your bike. This is not something we did, but perhaps in the future?
Parking – Tricky but doable. The main car park fills up fast. There are a few side streets and a small public car park opposite the pool, but we felt uncomfortable parking outside someone’s house (it’s clearly an issue in such a busy tourism area), so we parked on the outskirts of the village to avoid any conflict and respect those who are residents.
Would you recommend it?
Yes. A proper yes.
It’s not just about the pool, it’s the whole thing: the feel of the place, the views, the relaxed energy, and the chance to turn a basic swim into a proper family mini-adventure.
Hathersage is also an incredibly pretty village with a park which boxes above its weight. You could spend an entire day in the village. We recommend it highly, and I can see why it’s a sought-after place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a café?
Yes! The Lido’s café is lovely, ideal for a warm drink post-swim or ice cream for the kids. It’s some of the best coffee I’ve had at a takeaway cafe in some time. The village also has plenty of options if you want to have a wander after your swim.
What was your favourite part?
For us, it was the moment we looked up from the pool and saw the sheer ridge of Stanage Edge behind the treetops. It’s that “we’re really here” feeling. It’s just got a terrific atmosphere. Water seems to bring humans together in a way that other activities cannot. I think it’s because people are completely disconnected from devices and the outside world. Just enjoying the moment.
Is it suitable for dog walkers?
Not in the lido or playground, but the village and nearby walks are perfect for a pooch stroll. Plenty of shaded green spots and riverside trails.
How much is it?
Roughly £7.50 for adults, slightly less for kids. Book online for your time slot, especially in summer. Sessions are 90 minutes and fill up fast. We visited on a Friday as we had a school inset day, and it was still busy!
Are there bike trails from Hathersage?
Yes! The Hope Valley cycle route passes nearby, and there are family-friendly, quiet lanes to ride on. If you’re confident, longer rides towards Ladybower and Monsal are stunning.
Are there bike racks at the Lido?
Yep – sturdy racks by the entrance.
Is there suitable parking?
Yes, but it’s a Peak District hotspot, so it can get full quickly. Arrive early and consider parking slightly out of the village if it’s rammed.
Last Updated on June 23, 2025 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.