Historic lido opens to dogs for charity paddle

Saltdean Lido opens to dogs at the end of each summer season to raise funds

About 2,000 dogs have taken a dip at a historic lido in East Sussex as part of an annual fundraiser.

"Dogtember" at Saltdean Lido sees the heritage attraction welcome four-legged swimmers to raise money for the Saltdean Lido Trust which runs the site.

The lido says the event, which runs across four consecutive weekends and began on Saturday, is believed to be one of the largest dog swimming events in the UK.

Deryck Chester, a heritage trustee at the lido, said about 15,000 tickets had been sold for dogs and their humans so far.

The Grade II listed 1930s Art Deco structure reopened in summer 2024 after being restored to its former glory thanks to National Heritage Lottery Funding and community donations.

It is now run by the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company.

Mr Chester said: "It's one of those events where you're not sure who is enjoying it more - the dogs or the humans - everyone is walking around with a huge smile on their face.

"The weekends generate so much revenue it helps support the running of the building and the pool for the rest of the summer for regular human swimming and raises around £140,000 a year for the charity."

The canine swims, which happen at the end of the summer bathing season, began in 2017 and have grown in popularity.

All dogs are welcome at the events but breed-specific meets are also available for labradors, spaniels, huskies and Newfoundland dogs

Visitors and their pets flocked to the lido on Saturday from Edinburgh, Cardiff and the Isle of Wight to take part.

Mr Chester said: "It's a huge part of Saltdean's seaside heritage and really important for the sustainability of the lido as a community space."

The trust said the "Dogtember" events bring in around £140,000 a year to the charity