Arundel Lido

The lido sits tucked behind Arundel town centre, a proper slice of 1950s nostalgia that actually works. You get the main outdoor pool - a decent length for proper swimming - plus a smaller paddling pool for the kids, all set around neat lawns where families camp out on deck chairs. The setting's lovely; you can see the castle looming over the rooflines if you angle yourself right.

It's the kind of place that justifies a morning trip if you're staying at Ryebank Corner Glamping Campsite nearby. Families with younger children will get a solid couple of hours out of it, though older kids might find it a bit tame once they've done a few lengths. The paddling pool is shallow enough that toddlers won't panic, which counts for something.

The real appeal is the old-fashioned feel of the whole operation - floral displays, that slightly faded paint, staff who actually seem to know regulars by name. It's not fancy, and that's rather the point. On a warm day with Sussex countryside not far away, you could do worse. The water temperature varies by season, so spring and early autumn are your best bets for comfortable swimming.

If you're timing a park holiday around Arundel itself - the castle, the town's quirky bookshops, the riverside walks - the lido slots in nicely as a half-day activity. Don't expect cutting-edge facilities; come for the unpretentious charm and the chance to actually swim without fighting for lane space.