Our furry friends love to dip their paws in the water and enjoy a paddle, however, with blue-green algae present in a number of rivers and lakes across the UK, it can be extremely difficult to find a safe swimming spot for your four-legged friend.
That’s why the team at tails.com have rounded up some of the best dog-friendly swimming pools and lidos you can visit this Autumn, where your dog can enjoy swimming safely.
1. Tidal Paws, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
From fun swim sessions to lessons, your pooch can do it all at Tidal Paws, Barnsley. The indoor swimming pool is a great place for dogs of all sizes and ages to enjoy a safe swim – and owners can even join them for a dip.
The pool has anti-swim jets at one end to create a flow with some resistance, for those who are stronger swimmers, or if your pooch is still learning to swim, you can have peace of mind that they have a life jacket.
2. DoggyPaddle, Wirral, Merseyside
Designed with your four-legged friends in mind, the indoor swimming pool is 16ft x 8ft and 4ft deep, and is heated to an optimal temperature to increase blood flow in your dog.
Whether you’re wanting to host a ‘pool pawty’ for your pooch and their friends, or let them enjoy a solo swim – DoggyPaddle offers a range of options to suit you and your dog’s needs.
3. Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The Grade II Listed heated swimming pool is the perfect place to take your pup for a paddle. The Lido’s 50-metre main pool opens up for its annual dog swims, during the second weekend in October this year (6th-8th).
Your dogs can enjoy everything from paddling to jumping in and making bigger splashes. Tickets for the event are available to book now!
5. Saltdean Lido, Salltdean, Brighton, East Sussex
The stunning art deco building and Grade-II listed lido is a great location for your canine companion to enjoy a swim amongst other paddling pooches.
Whilst the lido isn’t open to dogs all year round, the outdoor pool does host events for dogs to come and enjoy a paddle. The next events for your furry pals at the Brighton location are currently scheduled for the weekend between now and the beginning of October.
6. Paws in the Pool, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Located in the South of England, Paws in the Pool, is a heated indoor pool where dogs both big and small can learn to swim and have plenty of fun.
The pool is open 365 days a year, each session lasts 30 minutes and is totally private for up to three dogs, meaning there is plenty of space for dogs and their owners to have plenty of swimming shenanigans, whether it is simply to enjoy a paddle or build confidence in the water.
7. K9 Swim, Newton Heath, Manchester
If you’re based in the North West and looking for a day having a splash with your furry friend Newton Heath in Manchester is home to the largest canine hydrotherapy pool in the region.
From induction swims to non-assisted swims and hydrotherapy, K9 Swim has plenty of options to suit your dog’s swimming needs.
8. Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall
Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean that you and your dog can’t enjoy a swim. Jubilee Pool located in the stunning Penzance Cornwall, offers plenty of fun for you and your canine.
Though the pool isn’t open 365 days a year to Dogs, the stylish 1930s sea-water lido has annual dog-friendly days, including their one to end the season on the 29th of October 2023, tickets are available to purchase now and range from £2-£6.
9. Sholastone Sea Water Pool, Brixham, Devon
With lots of sunshine and beautiful beaches, it is unsurprising that the southwest coast is home to another stunning dog-friendly lido. The Sholastone Sea Water Pool based in Brixham, Devon, is built into a natural rock pool that overlooks the ocean.
While Sholastone Sea Water Pool isn’t open to dogs all year round, they have regular swim days, dedicated to canines to splash around.
10. Canine Aqua Splash, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
Canine Aqua Splash, based in Borehamwood just outside of London, boasts a 9-metre pool and is designed for owners and their dogs to create a long-lasting bond.
Their private sessions, which are open between May and October each year, allow your dog to have a safe space to be introduced to water and they even have life jackets available for those dogs that might be a bit apprehensive or need a bit of encouragement to begin with.
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