The outdoor swimming pools in Hitchin and Letchworth will be reopening this month for the summer season.

The lidos, run by Everyone Active in partnership with North Herts Council, have been closed for the winter break since September 2023, but are set to reopen on Saturday, May 25.

New for this year are morning and afternoon sessions, to ensure more people can enjoy the lidos.

Whilst visitors are still welcome to turn up on the day, a new booking system has been introduced this season. Just download the Everyone Active app or visit everyoneactive.com.

With a kitchen at each site, the lidos will offer a selection of hot and cold food and drinks.

As the new operator of the sites, Everyone Active has also invested in a number of new sun loungers available for hire at each facility, as well as public wi-fi across both lidos.

Planned additions to the lidos include table tennis tables.

Hitchin Lido features a heated 50-metre outdoor pool, with a smaller, shallower pool and play area ideal for children, and a large sunbathing terrace.

Letchworth Lido also has a heated 50-metre pool, as well as a smaller teaching pool.

Letchworth's duty manager Richard MacSweeney said: "We are thrilled to be opening the doors once again for the community to come and enjoy our wonderful facilities here at Letchworth Lido.

"Offering the use of the pool to people of all ages and abilities – from young children learning to swim to seniors who reunite every summer – is something that makes me very proud.

"I learnt to swim in this very pool, so ensuring children have the same opportunity I did is really important to me.

"Having worked at this centre for over 20 years, I know just how much of an integral part of the summer season the lido is to the people of North Herts.

"I am confident this year we will see even more young people and families enjoy our pool in the sunshine thanks to extra hands on board and the continued community feel of the space."

Sarah Kingsley, North Herts Council’s service director – place, said: "We can’t wait for the outdoor pools to throw open their doors. We look forward to welcoming families, swimmers and fun-seekers to enjoy the facilities.

"If you book your session in advance, you won’t need to worry about queuing either."

To pre-book from May 18, use the Everyone Active app or visit everyoneactive.com/centre/letchworth-lido or everyoneactive.com/centre/hitchin-swimming-and-fitness-centre.