Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Clifton Lido in Bristol, including prices, packages and what to expect.
Clifton Lido is a beautifully restored Victorian outdoor pool tucked away behind residential terraces. It’s one of the most unique places to swim in Bristol, combining a heated open-air pool with spa facilities and a poolside restaurant.
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Note: Prices and details can change, so it’s worth checking the official Clifton Lido website before your visit.
Clifton Lido Prices & Packages
As a non member, you can book a two hour session which includes access to the pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Prices are typically around £25 on weekdays and £30 on weekends. For most visitors, the best option is one of the Swim and Eat packages, which combine your swim session with a meal in the poolside restaurant.
Current packages include:
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Swim & Breakfast – from £40pp
A morning swim followed by breakfast, usually including one course with a drink. -
Swim & Lunch – from £50pp
A two hour swim session paired with a two course lunch, with a choice of early or later sittings. -
Swim & Dine – from £50pp
Evening sessions that include a swim followed by a two course dinner, making it one of the most popular options. -
Swim & Small Plates – from £45pp
Available on selected evenings, typically including a swim followed by a selection of small plates.
Towel and robe hire are available for a small additional cost if needed.
It is best to book in advance, especially on weekends, as sessions can sell out quickly.
How Does It Work?
Clifton Lido runs on pre booked two hour sessions, so you will need to choose a time slot in advance before arriving.
When you arrive, you check in at reception and are given access to the facilities, which include the heated outdoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. The space is open air and relatively compact, which adds to the relaxed and intimate feel.
There are both indoor and outdoor changing areas, with lockers available to store your belongings. Everything is fairly straightforward, but it is worth arriving on time so you can make the most of your session.
Once changed, you are free to move between the pool and spa areas at your own pace. Some people spend the full time relaxing between the sauna and hot tub, while others prefer to swim and then unwind afterwards.
If you have booked a Swim and Eat package, your meal takes place after your session in the poolside restaurant, which overlooks the water and is a nice way to round off the experience.
What It’s Like at Clifton Lido
Clifton Lido feels more like a hidden retreat than a typical city pool. Despite being in the middle of Bristol, it is surprisingly quiet and enclosed, with the surrounding buildings creating a sheltered, almost private atmosphere.
The pool itself is heated, but still refreshing, especially if you are visiting outside of summer. Most people tend to rotate between the pool, sauna and hot tub rather than swimming continuously, which makes it feel more like a spa experience than a traditional swim.
One thing that stood out was how relaxed everything felt. There is no pressure to rush, and the two hour session is just enough time to unwind without feeling crowded or busy.
That said, it is not a luxury spa in the traditional sense. The facilities are simple and slightly rustic in places, which adds to the charm but may not be what you expect if you are used to high end spa environments.
Overall, it is a unique experience and one of the most interesting places to swim in Bristol, especially if you are looking for something a little different from a standard leisure centre.
Changing Facilities
The changing facilities at Clifton Lido are simple but functional, with both indoor and outdoor options available.
Indoor changing rooms are made up of individual cubicles with a shower and toilet, while the outdoor area includes more traditional changing spaces with open air showers. Lockers are available and operate using a code, so there is no need for coins.
After your session, there is also a separate upstairs room with mirrors, hairdryers and space to get ready, which is useful if you are heading out afterwards.
Overall, the facilities are more practical than luxurious, but they fit well with the relaxed, slightly rustic feel of the lido.
How to Get to Clifton Lido (Parking & Transport)
Clifton Lido is located in the Clifton area of Bristol, just a short walk from the city centre.
If you are not driving, it is easy to reach by taxi or local bus routes, and most central Bristol locations are within walking distance.
If you are driving, parking can be limited as the lido is set within a residential area. A convenient option is to park on nearby streets such as Oakfield Road, which is around a three minute walk away. Parking is free on weekends, although you will still need to collect a free ticket from the machine, with a maximum stay of four hours.
Bristol’s Clean Air Zone does not cover most of Clifton, but it is worth checking your route in advance to confirm whether your vehicle is affected.
The Restaurant at Clifton Lido
The restaurant at Clifton Lido is a big part of the overall experience, especially if you book one of the Swim and Eat packages.
It overlooks the pool, with large windows and doors that open out onto the terrace, creating a relaxed setting that feels closely connected to the lido itself.
The menu is seasonal and well considered, with a mix of modern British dishes and lighter options depending on the time of day. Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the quality of the food is noticeably higher than you might expect from a poolside restaurant.
If you are booking, the Swim and Eat packages are generally the best way to experience both the facilities and the restaurant together, rather than trying to arrange them separately.
Things to Do Near Clifton Lido
If you are planning to spend a few hours at Clifton Lido, it is worth exploring the surrounding area afterwards, as Clifton has some of the best cafés, restaurants and viewpoints in Bristol.
For food, there are plenty of options within a short walk. Places like Kibou Sushi are popular, while Anna Cake Couture is a good stop for something sweet. If you are looking for drinks, there are several cocktail bars nearby, including smaller spots tucked around the Clifton Triangle.
It is also worth taking a short walk to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, one of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, which is just a few minutes away and offers great views over the Avon Gorge.
If you want more ideas, you can check out my Bristol guide or explore more things to do in the city.
