For over 20 years, an old lido has sat abandoned in a Cambridgeshire town, but it is set to get a new lease of life with a £795,000 makeover
For over four decades, a lido was at the very heart of a Cambridgeshire town, but it’s been abandoned for 22 years.
In 2003, the St. Neots Lido closed its doors and was filled in officially the following year, but the council has announced a regeneration plan that will see it given a new lease of life as a splash park.
Work has begun on the site already, which is located next to Priory Park, and will feature a series of exciting play areas for local kids. Meanwhile, an abandoned UK Butlin’s site is now seaside town’s ‘hell hole’ hotel.
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A joint project between St Neots Town Council and St Neots Aquatic and Leisure CIO will see a hydro blast installed, which will shoot up a massive stream of water, as well as a water arch, and an aqua tent, which causes water to flow in a dome shape, The Sun reports.
But there will many other jets for families to enjoy in the sunshine too, with the Mayor of St Neots Council, Richard Slade, saying: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the community and council work together.
“We’re proud to support a project that will bring joy to generations of local families.”
Funding was allocated to the project in 2024, after it was initially put forward in 2022. Once they were happy with the detailed agreements and plans, the council offered St Neots Aquatic and Leisure CIO a grant to deliver the ambitious new attraction this year.
The CIO will be in charge of actually building the project, and once it is completed, it will be operated by its “approved provider” the council said in a statement.
“This isn’t just a splash park – it’s a promise kept to the families of St Neots,” said Mick Marks, Chair of St Neots Aquatic and Leisure. “Our trustees have worked tirelessly to get to this point, and we’re thrilled to see construction now underway.”
All being well, the amazing new splash park is due to open in Summer 2026, ready for local families and visitors to enjoy.
St Neots is a town rich with history, and one that is well worth visiting if you are looking for a family day out in the UK.
Located on the River Great Ouse, if water-based activities are your idea of a good time, there is much more than just the new splash park on offer. There is a Riverside Miniature Railway that is perfect for little ones, and a 72-acre park along the water, perfect for a scenic stroll.
Just a 10-minute drive away is Southlake Waterpark, which boasts massive inflatable slides, open-water swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding – and much more.
For nature lovers, the Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is well worth a visit, and you might even see an otter if you’re lucky. Visitors rave about the cafe here, and there are trails you can follow around the 77-hectare reserve to take in some stunning wildlife.
Dating all the way back to medieval times when a priory stood in St Neots, it’s rich with history, with a battle during the English Civil War taking place in the market square, and some stunning historic churches that are well worth visiting.