More than 60 years ago the Luftwaffe made the outdoor swimming spot a mistaken target – but with the pool set to open for the season on May 24 with a free weekend, it's hoped residents will take the plunge in record numbers.

More than 25,000 visitors took a dip in 2007, and work to get the pool ready for its summer season started way back in January.

The cleaning task is certainly a big one, with the pool alone measuring 165 feet long by 60 feet wide.

Monitoring officer Chantelle Watson said: "We have completed all the cleaning and we are just finishing off the painting.

"We repaint it every year a lovely blue which makes the water look sparkling."


SHARE your memories of The Lido down the years. Perhaps you have old photos of your friends and family enjoying a summer's day there from yesteryear? Email the editor at eteditor@peterboroughtoday.co.uk or comment below.


The Lido also boasts heating, an enclosed area, disabled facilities and grounds and gardens that have been lovingly tended to ensure the Lido is an ocean of tranquillity in the city centre.

This year some of the greener areas are a bit more verdant thanks to compost seized in the police's ongoing battle against cannabis factories in the city.

The Lido has enjoyed a rich history over the years, and part of this is the traditional opening ceremony, which will take place on May 24.

The mayor will be on hand to declare it open and Peterborough City Council's chief executive Gillian Beasley, will be giving it an aquatic seal of approval by diving in and completing the first lap.

The popular leisure spot, in Bishop's Road is run by DC Leisure on behalf of the council, and for the first time ever they are holding a free swimming weekend to ensure that the summer gets off to a spectacular start.

Mrs Watson said: "We have never done this before, and we are hoping that it's going to be a good summer ahead.

"A trip to the Lido is great healthwise and socially. It's a great place to take the kids, where they can play safely, and you can have a picnic and stay there all day. Where else are you going to do that for £3.90?"

With a scorching summer predicted this year to make up for last year's rainy season, it's hoped the weather will play its part, although the Lido has proved over the years that it can take anything thrown at it.

On June 8, 1940, the German airforce ignored the "no bombing" warning and subjected the Lido to an arial attack, believed to have been aimed at the Perkins factory.

Damage was done to both towers of the north-west corner pavilion, but the pool survived to swim another day.

In keeping with the war theme, a stroke of ingenuity saw youngsters in 1973 find a way to ensure their day at the pool did not cost them the 5p entrance fee with inspiration taken from the film Escape To Victory.

Staff at the pool in 1973 were astonished to find a 14ft tunnel dug under the walls at the Lido which the kids were using to sneak into the pool for the day without paying.