01/05/2026
Hilsea Lido is back! 🏊♀️
After four years and a £7.75 million refurbishment, Portsmouth's iconic Hilsea Lido reopens Saturday 2nd May; a smidge over 90 years after it first opened.
The newly restored outdoor pool is set to become a real community hub, with a brand new sauna, food and drink on site, family activities, and events throughout the year. It's run by the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton in partnership with South Downs Leisure.
The Hilsea Lido to Fareham loop on Let's Ride is one of our favourite local rides:
📍 Start: Hilsea Lido, London Road, PO2 9RP
📏 Distance: 14.5 miles
📈 Climb: Just 71m — mostly flat
⭐ Rated 4.5/5
🏰 Highlights: Port Solent, Portchester Castle, Cams Hall, harbour views, Portsdown Hill
The route heads east for a lap of Port Solent, then hugs the shoreline past Portchester Castle towards Fareham before looping back via quieter streets and National Cycle Network 236.
It's a gorgeous ride for confident young cyclists and families looking for a longer adventure. Pack a picnic, plan a swim at the Lido, and make a day of it. What a way to spend a spring weekend! ☀️
Routes like this are exactly why we love what we do — our Bikeability training gives children the skills and confidence to enjoy rides like these for years to come.
✅ We deliver cycle training in Southampton, Portsmouth and surrounding areas in partnership with Bikeability
Bikeability is 'cycling proficiency' for the 21st century, designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads.
DM us to find out more or contact your school about any upcoming training sessions.