# Brightlingsea Open Air Pool, Colchester — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info

> This historic 1930s lido features a full-size 50-metre swimming pool plus a shallow area for toddlers, with onsite dining and picnic-friendly grounds perfect for a family day out by the sea.

Source: https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/brightlingsea-open-air-pool (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version.

Swimming Pool

# Brightlingsea Open Air Pool

Promenade Way, Brightlingsea

[View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5959301998719775973&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

Photo: [Brightlingsea Lido](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/117878228813792303322)

**In short:** Brightlingsea Open Air Pool is a swimming pool in Colchester, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 470 Google reviews.

Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places

## About Brightlingsea Open Air Pool

This historic 1930s lido features a full-size 50-metre swimming pool plus a shallow area for toddlers, with onsite dining and picnic-friendly grounds perfect for a family day out by the sea.

## What's nearby

- Brightlingsea Café Lido next door
- Brightlingsea Coastal Park 150m away
- Brightlingsea Touring Park 200m away
- Batemans Tower 500m away

Distances as the crow flies, via Google

## Good to know

### Parking

- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
- ✓Paid street

### Accessibility

- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet

### Payment

- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless

Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.

## Photos

Photos via Google

## Opening hours

**Monday** 2:00 – 5:00 PM, 5:15 – 7:15 PM

**Tuesday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

**Wednesday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

**Thursday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 5:15 – 7:15 PM

**Friday** 7:30 – 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

**Saturday** 8:00 – 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM

**Sunday** 8:00 – 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

## What visitors say

[Martin P](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117649311109453354302/reviews) ★★★★★

Fantastic venue. Even fully booked there is space and you dont feel rushed. Pool was clean and warm. Splash pool was much warmer for the little one's. Highly recommended for a great afternoon out. Just remember to take chairs/sun lounger unless you want to hire. There are picnic benches and some under cover as well. Cafe an snack bar are good value for money as well.

· via Google

[Marta](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110242582199742777931/reviews) ★★★★★

Great day out with kids. The only downside is, that in one of the ladies bathroom toilet sit was broken.

· via Google

[Anya Chapman](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112637947155205296857/reviews) ★★★★★

What an absolute stunner of a lido! We booked online for an 'adult quiet swim' on a Thursday evening. It was exactly that - there were about 6 people in the 50m pool, which was very chilled and relaxing. Very competitively priced at only £5, which makes it much cheaper than other outdoor pools. And what you get is glorious - the pool and surrounds are immaculately clean, the staff/life guards are friendly and welcoming, and all this in a beautiful location right on the seafront. Parking is free on the road outside. The main pool is an unusual shape, with the longest point (helpfully marked by a black line with lengths on the pool bottom) at 50m. Unheated, it was around 20° when we were there - perfect after a hot day if you plan to swim lengths. Changing facilities were basic with a few cubicles, hot showers, and toilets. There was a huge selection of wet suits in the changing rooms, which I assume anyone can borrow if needed. Snack shop and cafe on site, which were both closed when we were there, and plenty of space for picnics and pool loungers. No lockers on site, but we were able to leave our stuff by the pool. I'll be making a detour to Brightlingsea in the future to visit this pool again. What a gem 💎

· via Google

[Katherine Nicel](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106765531425212553564/reviews) ★★★★★

We had a wonderful morning at Brightlingsea Lido with our 18 month old. The lido was clean, the staff were friendly, there was plenty of room to lay out our picnic blanket and camping chairs, and enjoy the picnic that we brought with us. A really nice touch that you can hire inflatables, too. We will definitely visit again!

· via Google

[See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x47d911a86944aa79:0x52b3b19816f7b4e5!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

Visitors say this lido features clean and warm pools, including a splash pool for little ones, and offers ample space for relaxing or picnicking. They also highlight the friendly staff and good value for money at the cafe and snack bar. Others mention the convenient free street parking and the option to hire inflatables.

Summary via Google

## At a glance

**Address** Promenade Way, Brightlingsea, Colchester, CO7 0HH [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=51.8073220%2C1.0172643)

**Category** Lidos & Outdoor Pools

**Guest rating** 4.5 / 5 (470 reviews)

**Suitable for** All Ages

**Setting** Outdoor

**Destination** Colchester

[More attractions in Colchester](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions)

★ 4.5 (470 reviews)

[Visit official website](https://www.brightlingsealido.org/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction)

[01206 303067](tel:01206303067)

(please mention staycation.co.uk when calling)

### Quick Facts

**Destination** Colchester

**Postcode** CO7 0HH

**Payment** Cards, Contactless

**Plus Code** 9F33R248+WW

[Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x47d911a86944aa79:0x52b3b19816f7b4e5!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d911a86944aa79:0x52b3b19816f7b4e5!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d911a86944aa79:0x52b3b19816f7b4e5!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

### 🏨 Places to stay near Colchester

Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices.

[Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DColchester%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom)

Affiliate link

[Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping)

## Quick answers

### What are the opening hours of Brightlingsea Open Air Pool?

Brightlingsea Open Air Pool is open Mon 2pm–5pm, 5:15pm–7:15pm; Tue–Wed 10am–5pm; Thu 10am–5pm, 5:15pm–7:15pm; Fri 7:30am–9:30am, 10am–5pm; Sat–Sun 8am–9:30am, 10am–1pm, 2pm–5pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go).

### Is Brightlingsea Open Air Pool any good?

Brightlingsea Open Air Pool is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 470 Google reviews.

### Is Brightlingsea Open Air Pool indoors or outdoors?

Brightlingsea Open Air Pool is mainly outdoors.

### What ages is Brightlingsea Open Air Pool suitable for?

Brightlingsea Open Air Pool suits all ages.

### Is Brightlingsea Open Air Pool wheelchair accessible?

Brightlingsea Open Air Pool has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet.

### Is there parking at Brightlingsea Open Air Pool?

Yes: free car park, paid car park, free street parking and paid street parking.

### How do I contact Brightlingsea Open Air Pool?

Call Brightlingsea Open Air Pool on +44 1206 303067.

## More near Brightlingsea Open Air Pool

### Hotels & B&Bs nearby

- [Haven The Orchards Holiday Park Essex ★ 4.0 · 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/clacton-on-sea/hotels/haven-the-orchards-holiday-park-essex)
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- [Premier Inn Clacton-on-Sea North Colchester Road ★ 4.0 · 5.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/weeley/hotels/premier-inn-clacton-on-sea-north-colchester-road)

### Holiday cottages nearby

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### Campsites nearby

- [Brightlingsea Touring Park ★ 3.7 · 0.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/brightlingsea/camping/brightlingsea-touring-park)
- [Pretoria Caravan Park ★ 4.0 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/essex/camping/pretoria-caravan-park)
- [Folkards Farm Certificated Location ★ 5.0 · 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/brightlingsea/camping/folkards-farm-certificated-location)
- [Mersea Island Holiday Park ★ 4.3 · 1.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping/mersea-island-holiday-park)

### Things to do nearby

- [Brightlingsea Beach ★ 3.7 · 0.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/brightlingsea-beach)
- [Cudmore Grove Country Park ★ 4.6 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/east-mersea/attractions/cudmore-grove-country-park)
- [Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve ★ 4.7 · 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/fingringhoe/attractions/fingringhoe-wick-nature-reserve)
- [Wyvernwood ★ 4.6 · 2.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/wyvernwood)