Name: Shepton Mallet Lido
Rating: 5.0

Shepton Mallet Lido

Shaftgate Avenue, Shepton Mallet, Somerset and Bristol, BA4 5YA, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Shepton Mallet Lido is a historic outdoor swimming pool nestled in a quiet residential street, offering a refreshing escape during the warmer months. Originally dating back to the 1950s, this eco-friendly venue was extensively refurbished in 2006 and is uniquely warmed using recycled heat from the nearby Brothers Cider factory. As one of the best things to do with kids in Shepton Mallet, it provides a safe, outdoor environment for children to enjoy the water and sun simultaneously.

Visiting the lido is a budget-friendly option for families, with 2026 prices set at £8.00 for adults and £4.50 for children. For those who live locally or plan to visit frequently, monthly membership options and summer season passes are available to make regular swimming more affordable. To ensure a spot during busy periods, visitors are encouraged to pre-book their sessions through the official mobile app.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, Shepton Mallet Lido provides a range of features specifically designed for younger swimmers. The site includes a dedicated toddler pool and a fun splash pad area with fountains and water jets, ensuring even non-swimmers can have a great time. It is a community treasure that combines historical charm with modern facilities for an active and social summer day out.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Sensory Play: The fun splash pad area features a series of fountains and water jets that provide a stimulating sensory experience for younger children.
Educational Day Out: Children can learn about eco-friendly practices as the pool is sustainably heated using recycled energy from a local cider factory.
Safe Summer Fun: The main pool is professionally lifeguarded and includes four dedicated lanes for more confident swimmers to practice their strokes.

Top 5 Highlights

The 25m Main Pool: This heated outdoor pool ranges in depth from 0.9m to 2.0m, making it versatile for both casual splashing and serious fitness laps. Kids love the feeling of swimming in the fresh air during the peak of summer.
Dedicated Toddler Pool: At 12 metres in length and with a maximum depth of 0.8m, this smaller pool is a safe haven for the youngest visitors to build their water confidence. It allows parents to stay close to their toddlers in a quieter environment.
Interactive Splash Pad: Located near the toddler pool, this area is filled with fountains and water jets that keep children entertained for hours without needing deep water.
Moonlight Swims: For a truly unique experience, the lido hosts special evening sessions in 2026 during full moon dates, allowing families to swim under the stars until late. These sessions must be booked 21 days in advance.
Lawned Picnic Area: The pool is surrounded by a grassed children's play area where families can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy a picnic between swims. It makes the venue feel like a proper summer holiday destination.

Detailed Inventory

Main Outdoor Pool: 25m x 12m heated pool with 4 lanes for different swimming abilities.
Toddler Pool: 12m length pool with a shallow, safe depth for younger children.
Splash Pad: Fun water features including jets and fountains for play.
Grassed Play Area: A dedicated space on the lawn for kids to play out of the water.
Recycled Heating System: Modern eco-technology that keeps the water at a comfortable temperature.
Changing Rooms: On-site facilities for individuals and families to change and shower.
Snack Bar: Sells a variety of drinks and light snacks to refuel after a swim.
On-site Toilets: Accessible toilets located conveniently near the main entrance and pool area.
Official Mobile App: Used for session bookings, membership management, and checking live timings.
Lifeguard Stations: Constant professional supervision across all water areas.

Facilities

Toilets: Toilets and changing facilities are available on-site, including accessible options.
Food Options: A snack bar is available for light refreshments, and there is space for picnics on the grass.
Booking: Use the official app to pre-book sessions; while drop-ins are sometimes available, they are not guaranteed during 2026.
Pro-Tip (Sun Safety): As an outdoor venue, always bring high-factor sunscreen and a hat, as the poolside can get very hot during the afternoon.
Clothing: Don't forget to bring towels and a change of warm clothes for after your swim, especially for the Moonlight sessions.
Parking: Limited on-street parking is available, but the Commercial Road Car Park (BA4 5BU) is a reliable nearby option.

What to see

What Visitors Love

The eco-friendly heating means the water is surprisingly warm, even on slightly cooler summer days.
The Moonlight Swims are frequently cited as a magical and memorable event for families and couples alike.
It has a wonderful community feel and is much quieter and more relaxed than large indoor leisure centres.

What Visitors Don't Like

Because it is a seasonal outdoor pool, opening is strictly weather-dependent and limited to summer months.
Parking on Shaftgate Avenue can be very difficult as it is a narrow residential street.
Popular sessions like the splash pad on weekend afternoons can feel a bit crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shepton Mallet Lido worth it for toddlers?: Absolutely. With a dedicated 12m toddler pool and an interactive splash pad area, it is one of the safest and most enjoyable outdoor spots for the under-5s.
How long does a visit take?: Most families stay for 2 hours, allowing for a good swim and some time to relax on the grass.
Where is the best place to park?: While there is some residential parking, the best place is the Commercial Road Long Stay Car Park, which is a short walk from the lido entrance.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Membership

Essential: £52 Monthly
Core: £42 Monthly
Concession: £42 Monthly
Junior (3-15 years): £30 Monthly

Swimming - 1 hour session

Adult: £8.00
Junior (3-16): £4.50
Kids (0-2): Free
Concession: £5.50

Lido Swim - 2 hour session

Adult: £9.00
Junior (3-16): £5.50
Kids (0-2): Free
Concession: £7.50

Pricing URL: https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/shepton-mallet/pricing/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The lido can be privately hired for birthday parties outside of standard public swimming hours. These packages typically include exclusive use of the pool and can be combined with a dedicated space for cake and food.

Big Lido Party - 2 hours: £250.00
Private Pool - 1 hour: £135.00
Venue Hire (no pool) - 1 hour: £30.00

Varies by day; generally 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM during high summer. (Check app for current 2026 seasonal shifts).

Address: Shaftgate Avenue, Shepton Mallet, Somerset and Bristol, BA4 5YA, England

Post Code: BA4 5YA

Council: Somerset

County: Somerset and Bristol

By Car: Use postcode BA4 5YA. Tucked away off Shaftgate Avenue in Shepton Mallet.
By Train: The nearest station is Castle Cary, followed by a taxi or bus ride (approx. 7 miles).
By Bus: Regular services run from Wells and Glastonbury to Shepton Mallet town centre.