Banbury Lido

The Banbury Lido is an open-air swimming pool at Woodgreen Leisure Centre in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Built in 1939, it was designed to Olympic standards with a 50-metre main pool and an 18-metre width. The surrounding complex included changing facilities and a children’s play area. The pool holds 356,000 gallons of water and was constructed by 23 contractors using materials from firms like the London Brick Company. It was originally known as Woodgreen Lido or Banbury Open Air Pool. The lido has a strong community history. In 1999, nearly 1,500 people visited over a Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate its 60th birthday. After closing in 2002, a local support group campaigned to save it, collecting a 10,000-name petition and organising a demonstration of around 300 people. Their efforts led to a £1.5 million refurbishment in 2009, funded by Cherwell District Council and Banbury Town Council. Today, visitors find a heated outdoor pool open in summer, with an indoor leisure centre nearby offering sports and fitness facilities. The main pool meets Olympic standards, and the "Aqua Zone" includes a flume for young children. Banbury Town Council contributes £50,000 annually to help with running costs, while Parkwood Community Leisure manages the centre. The lido remains a popular spot for swimming and family recreation.