River

Jesus Green Lido

Reviews

4.0

(1 review)

Nice lido, unusual shape, very popular on hot summer days, especially weekends and school holidays. Opened through winter (limited hours) for the first time in 2021-22. Changing cubicles, loos and hot showers are available. Lockers take 20p (not refunded). Benches and some grassed area for sitting, surrounding trees provide some shade. Bike stands by the entrance to lock up bikes but sometimes full in summer. Cafe is now open for longer hours. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023 🙂

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About

Jesus Green Swimming Pool is a Lido situated on Jesus Green in Cambridge. Opened in 1923, it is one of the few remaining examples of the lidos built across the country in the 1920s — open air pools with space for activities other than swimming. Unusually, the pool is significantly longer than it is wide. This was a design idea to mimic swimming in the nearby river. Open all year with reduced timetable Oct-Apr. Price in 2022 £5. Book on website https://www.better.org.uk/or just turn up.

Location

Getting there

Cambridge has good public transport links. Buses stop on Chesterton Road, nearest stop is called Carlyle Road stop and is saved by bus 4 and The Cambridge Tour. Approx half an hour walk from train station. Car parking is on street pay and display on Chesterton Road using Ringo app.

Accessibility

Lifeguarded venue. Standard pool steps down into water.

What swimmers say

Facilities

Nearby parking Train access Pay to swim

Activities

Suitable for kids Swimming

Landscape

Lido Steps to get in Easy to walk to

Help verify this spot

Plan your swim

Before you go

Check recent rainfall. Rivers rise fast after heavy rain.
Never swim in fast-flowing or flooded water
Test entry/exit before you commit. River banks can be undercut.
Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing.
Watch for submerged obstacles like branches, weirs, and rocks

Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.

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Share conditions, tips, or hazards to help other swimmers plan their visit to Jesus Green Lido.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this river safe for swimming?

Check the Conditions tab for current flow rate and recent rainfall. Rivers can become dangerous after heavy rain. Review community reports for hazards like weirs, strong currents, or access issues.

How cold is the water?

Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. River temperatures respond quickly to weather changes. In the UK, expect 5-10°C in winter and 15-20°C in summer at most locations.

What should I bring?

A tow float, shoes with grip for slippery banks, and warm layers for after. Water shoes protect against rocks and debris on the riverbed.