Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight

<p>The Ventnor paddling pool is small but lovely.</p>


<p>Thanks for letting us know what is available all in one article!  Will be taking the kids this week.</p>



<p>Heatwave? Hurrah! Grab that beach towel, slap on some sunscreen, get out there for a weekend dip or after-school splash around near you in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoor-swimming-and-adventure-pools">OUTDOOR SWIMMING AND ADVENTURE POOLS</h3>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hilsea-lido-portsmouth"><a href="https://hilsealido.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hilsea Lido</a>, Portsmouth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="928" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Hilsea-Lido.jpg" alt="Hilsea Lido" class="wp-image-40242" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Hilsea-Lido.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Hilsea-Lido-800x516.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Hilsea-Lido-1000x644.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/05/Hilsea-Lido-768x495.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>Reborn after a £7.6m transformation, Portsmouth’s much-loved Hilsea Lido has reopened for summer 2026 with a fresh new look and year-round appeal. Originally opened in the 1930s and saved by passionate local campaigners, the historic 67m outdoor pool now pairs invigorating open-air swims with a stylish sauna, cold-water immersion, family activities and events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aldershot-lido"><a href="https://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/lido" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aldershot Lido</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Aldershot-Lido.jpg" alt="Aldershot Lido outdoor pool Hampshire" class="wp-image-37514" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Aldershot-Lido.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Aldershot-Lido-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Aldershot-Lido-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Aldershot-Lido-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Aldershot Lido. Facebook, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aldershotlidoofficial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@aldershotlidoofficial</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>One of the most impressive outdoor pools in Hampshire (and possibly the country), Aldershot Lido is less lido and more waterpark with no less than three water flumes, fountains and a big old sandpit and paddling pool for the toddlers. It&#8217;s open over the half term, at weekends in June, then daily throughout July and August.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petersfield-open-air-pool"><a href="https://petersfieldpool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petersfield Open Air Pool</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/petersfieldopenairswimmingpool"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Petersfield-Open-Air-Swimming-Pool-1000x749.jpg" alt="Petersfield Open Air Swimming pool Hampshire Lido" class="wp-image-37516" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Petersfield-Open-Air-Swimming-Pool-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Petersfield-Open-Air-Swimming-Pool-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Petersfield-Open-Air-Swimming-Pool-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Petersfield-Open-Air-Swimming-Pool.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Petersfield Open Air Pool, Facebook, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/petersfieldopenairswimmingpool">@petersfieldopenairswimmingpool</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Over in East Hampshire, the 25m heated Petersfield Open Air Pool has been open since 1962 and has a big local fan club and community vibe. Open daily until Autumn, the trustees that run the treasured lido keep it in brilliant condition and organise floating aqua sound baths, end-of-season cold weather swimming, saunas and other events. They also offer swimming lessons and inflatable sessions. Keep an eye on the <a aria-label="Facebook page (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/petersfieldopenairswimmingpool" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook page</a> for all the latest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lymington-sea-water-baths"><a href="http://www.lymingtonseawaterbaths.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lymington Sea Water Baths</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/07/Lymington-Sea-Water-Baths-Southpoint-Films.jpg" alt="Lymington Sea Water Baths Southpoint Films" class="wp-image-14184" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/07/Lymington-Sea-Water-Baths-Southpoint-Films.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/07/Lymington-Sea-Water-Baths-Southpoint-Films-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/07/Lymington-Sea-Water-Baths-Southpoint-Films-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/07/Lymington-Sea-Water-Baths-Southpoint-Films-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Lymington Seawater Baths, <em>Southpoint Films</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Down in the New Forest, another veteran lido, the awesome Lymington Sea Water Baths, has been open since 1833. The 110m outdoor pool is filled with seawater and has an incredible inflatable obstacle course and standup paddle boarding sessions, as well as swimming. Being in a prime Summer tourist spot it gets super busy, so pre-book on the website to make sure you get in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-forest-water-park"><a href="https://www.newforestwaterpark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Forest Water Park</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="672" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/08/New-Forest-Water-Park.jpg" alt="New Forest Water Park Hampshire outdoor pools swimming" class="wp-image-23477" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/08/New-Forest-Water-Park.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/08/New-Forest-Water-Park-300x202.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/08/New-Forest-Water-Park-720x484.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/08/New-Forest-Water-Park-768x516.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/08/New-Forest-Water-Park-781x525.jpg 781w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: New Forest Water Park, Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nfwpfun" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@nfwpfun</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Just down the road from the Lymington Seawater baths the New Forest Water Park&nbsp;in Fordingbridge has a whopping 4,000 square metre aqua park. As well as taking a punt on the water inflatable obstacle course, you can try out wakeboarding and stand up paddle boarding as well. It&#8217;s also home to the Hampshire Open Water Swim Centre for some wild swimming adventures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isle-of-wight-aqua-park-at-tapnell-farm-park"><a href="https://tapnellfarm.com/play/aqua-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isle of Wight Aqua Park</a> at Tapnell Farm Park</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/isleofwightaquapark-at-Tapnell-Farm-min.jpg" alt="Isle of Wight Aqua Park Tapnell Farm Park outdoor pools inflatables family attratcions" class="wp-image-27518" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/isleofwightaquapark-at-Tapnell-Farm-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/isleofwightaquapark-at-Tapnell-Farm-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/isleofwightaquapark-at-Tapnell-Farm-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/isleofwightaquapark-at-Tapnell-Farm-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/isleofwightaquapark-at-Tapnell-Farm-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Isle of Wight Aqua Park at Tapnell Farm Park</figcaption></figure>



<p>A bouncy, splashy assault course, the Isle of Wight’s only aqua park at <a aria-label="Tapnell Farm Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/tapnell-farm-yarmouth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tapnell Farm Park</a> makes the perfect playground for over sevens to jump obstacles and cascade down giant free-fall slides. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ryde-waterside-pool"><a href="https://www.watersidepool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ryde Waterside Pool</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Ryde-Waterside-Pool.jpg" alt="Ryde Waterside Pool" class="wp-image-27185" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Ryde-Waterside-Pool.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Ryde-Waterside-Pool-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Ryde-Waterside-Pool-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Ryde-Waterside-Pool-900x507.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Ryde Waterside Pool</figcaption></figure>



<p>Also on the Island, there&#8217;s the Ryde Waterside Pool, a 25-metre swimming pool with a retractable roof. It&#8217;s open year round &#8211; so perfect for summer showers and any random heatwaves we might have in September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-splash-pads-and-paddling-pools">SPLASH PADS AND PADDLING POOLS</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;re looking for smaller splash parks for the little ones there are a huge amount across the area. On the North Hampshire border, <a href="https://wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/your-visit/our-attractions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellington Country Park</a> has a dedicated Splash Zone with squirty spouts and a water umbrella.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1090" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Splash-Pad-Eastrop-Park-Basingstoke.jpg" alt="Splash pad at Eastrop Park Basingstoke Hampshire outdoor splash parks paddling pools" class="wp-image-37517" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Splash-Pad-Eastrop-Park-Basingstoke.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Splash-Pad-Eastrop-Park-Basingstoke-800x581.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Splash-Pad-Eastrop-Park-Basingstoke-1000x727.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Splash-Pad-Eastrop-Park-Basingstoke-768x558.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Chineham Splash Pad, Basingstoke. Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BasingstokeGov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@BasingstokeGov</a>,<em> Stewart Turkington</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>At Basingstoke there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/local-parks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chineham Splash Pad</a> at Chineham Park in Popley (above) and the centrally located <a aria-label="paddling pool at Eastrop Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/eastropimprovements" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paddling pool at Eastrop Park</a>.  </p>



<p>Over in&nbsp;the Totton and Eling areas, there&#8217;s <a aria-label="Testwood Paddling Pool (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.totton-and-eling-tc.gov.uk/Living_In_The_Town/Play_Areas.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testwood Paddling Pool</a>, open now,&nbsp;with<a href="https://www.tottoneling-tc.gov.uk/paddling-pools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Eling Splash Park</a> and <a href="https://www.tottoneling-tc.gov.uk/paddling-pools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hanger Farm Paddling Pool</a> due to open at the beginning of the school summer holidays. </p>



<p>Hedge End also has its own <a href="https://hedgeend-tc.gov.uk/services/play-areas-paddling-pool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paddling pool at the St Johns Recreation Ground</a> and there&#8217;s a bit of free parking and an ice-cream stand there as well (I&#8217;ll have a Cornetto, please!). And Eastleigh has <a aria-label="Fleming Park Paddling Pool (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/EastleighBC/photos/a.1428053680554583/4966312193395363/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fleming Park Paddling Pool</a>, just off&nbsp;Passfield Avenue.</p>



<p>Portsmouth has a <a href="https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/leisure/swimming-pools-splash-pools-and-watersports" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">few splash parks</a>  &#8211; all free to use &#8211; including one located by Canoe Lake on Southsea Seafront, just to east of South Parade Pier. There&#8217;s another one slightly further along outside the D-Day Museum (and located right by Watkins &amp; Faux cafe, who do a pretty good lunch). And another off <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paulsgroveadventureplayground" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paulsgrove Adventure Playground</a>, set to open in the summer holidays. </p>



<p>Right outside Hilsea Lido, the brilliant Hilsea Jubilee <a href="https://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/things-to-do/hilsea-jubilee-splash-pool-p873341" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kid&#8217;s splash park</a> right outside is free to enter. Gosport also has its own <a aria-label="on the seafront at Stokes Bay (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.gosport.gov.uk/gosportsplashpark" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the seafront at Stokes Bay</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="909" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Ventnor-Paddling-Pool.jpg" alt="Ventnor paddling pool Isle of Wight outdoor pools splash parks Hampshire" class="wp-image-37515" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Ventnor-Paddling-Pool.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Ventnor-Paddling-Pool-800x485.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Ventnor-Paddling-Pool-1000x606.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/06/Ventnor-Paddling-Pool-768x465.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="https://www.ventnortowncouncil.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ventnortowncouncil.gov.uk</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>The <a aria-label="East Cowes Paddling Pool (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.eastcowestowncouncil.co.uk/council-facilities/esplanade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Cowes Paddling Pool</a> on the north of the Isle of Wight is open until October. Go south and there&#8217;s the fun and famous Insta-worthy <a aria-label="Ventnor Paddling Pool (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/ventnor-beach-p970021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ventnor Paddling Pool</a> (above), a giant model of the Isle of Wight located at the foot of the cascade.</p>



<p>*<em>Info correct at the time of writing but do check websites and Facebook pages where possible for latest updates. </em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-more">Want more?</h2>



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Outdoor pools and splash parks around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

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