Shaftesbury Council who run Dorset’s only Lido have offered Naked Swims for over 10 years in the characterful, historic pool heated to 29C. Built in 1831, ‘the tank’ as it was known, provided water for the people of Shaftesbury until the 1890s when it became a swimming pool.
As the Naked Swims have become more popular, the Council have been happy to respond. A few years ago, the hour-long session happened once a month, then it was twice a month, then from 2025, weekly Naked Swims were held on Tuesday evenings 7-8pm with a capacity of 30 swimmers.
This season, has seen waiting lists building; 5 people on the waiting list at first, then for the last two sessions, 7 people hoping to get a place. Last Tuesday, the Naked Swim regulars asked if there couldn’t be an extra session added to meet demand.
Therefore, for the remaining weeks of August, starting tomorrow, Friday 14th, the Council has included an additional Naked Swim on Fridays, 7-8pm.
The first one on Friday 14 August, again at the request of regulars, will be a Women Only swim, to help encourage those who feel more comfortable in a female-only setting and may be trying swimming without a costume for the first time.
For good measure, there will also be a Naked Aquafit on Wednesday 19 August, 7.15-8pm. As several of us who were first-timers at Aquafit found out, it’s demanding, but a great workout and great fun!
Free teas, coffees, biscuits and chat after all sessions; any donations welcomed to help fund scholarships to train more local young people as lifeguards for 2027.
Book here https://www.shaftesbury-tc.gov.uk/shaftesbury-lido/booking/ and scroll down to find the session you want to join.
Any questions, please contact the Lido on 01747 853181, or Nigel through the British Naturism website at @Nigel_H
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