A cherished riverside lido just 45 minutes from South East London is officially welcoming visitors again this summer following a substantial refurbishment worth nearly £250,000.
The Strand Lido and Leisure Park in Gillingham has re-emerged with a fresh look, enhanced facilities and a brand-new splash pad aimed at younger guests.
The major upgrade includes the transformation of the old paddling pool into a beach-themed splash pad for children aged three to 11.
It boasts 30 sensor-activated water jets, offering a vibrant and safe water play experience. The installation began in March alongside a wider site refresh, which included new seating areas, updated bins and smart railings.
The total investment—£248,283—came from Section 106 funding, collected from housing developers and allocated by Medway Council.
For now, the lido will open only at weekends, with daily access rolling out during the school summer holidays. Two swim sessions will be available each day: 10.30am to 1.30pm, and 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Visitors are encouraged to book their sessions online in advance.
Admission prices are as follows:
- Adults: £7.20
- Juniors: £4.75
- Seniors: £4.75
The splash pad is included in the session fee.
Originally opened in 1896, The Strand remains the UK’s only riverside tidal saltwater pool still in use. Last year, it gained national recognition after being added to the Historic Pools of Britain register—an accolade celebrating pools with cultural and community significance.
Councillor Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for heritage, culture and leisure, expressed pride in the development: “We are proud to have invested in this exciting project to improve the already great offering and add a brand-new fun feature for our children and families to enjoy both this summer and for years to come.”
The lido offers more than just a splash:
- A large outdoor leisure pool
- Six 25-metre swim lanes
- A 300-metre lazy river
- On-site café
- Children’s play areas
- Perfect for a summer day trip, it blends nostalgia with new-age family fun.
By car, the journey from South East London takes roughly 45 minutes. From Orpington in Bromley:
- Join the M25 at Junction 4
- Follow for six miles
- Exit for Dartford/A225/Canterbury/M2
- Use the A2 via the Darenth Interchange for eight miles
- Exit at Cobham and continue for another 15 minutes
By public transport:
- Take a Southeastern train to Gillingham Station
- It’s just a one-mile walk from there to the lido on Pier Road, ME7 1TT
Bookings for sessions are now live. With the school holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make a splash.
