Lazonby Pool

The water's proper cold when you first dive in, but that's rather the point at Lazonby Pool. This open-air lido sits just outside Carlisle and operates as a genuine community swimming spot - the kind of place where regulars have their favourite lanes and families actually bring their kids for a proper splash about rather than paying through the nose at some leisure complex.

It's a straightforward affair: outdoor lanes for lap swimmers, a shallow end for children, and the kind of no-nonsense atmosphere that makes it work. On a decent summer's day, especially weekday mornings when the school rush has passed, it's genuinely lovely. The water temperature climbs to something swimmable by July and August, though hardy types will have a go earlier in the season.

Walkers heading to High Hall Farm Campsite or Drybeck Farm in the area will find this useful - a proper refreshing dip after tackling the surrounding countryside. Kids will get an hour or two of enjoyment here, though it's not the sort of place with inflatable water parks or wave machines, so manage expectations accordingly.

Check their website for exact opening dates, admission fees, and whether you need to book ahead - these outdoor pools can be weather-dependent. Arrive early in summer to secure a spot and avoid the afternoon school crowds. It's no-frills and honest, which is exactly what you want from a local pool.