Families have been flocking to the much-loved Blackpill Lido in a bid to stay cool in the soaring summer temperatures.
Swansea’s outdoor water park is home to a paddling pool and children’s play area, along with a climbing rock and picnic area.
And it has been a popular choice during the heatwave at the start of the school summer holidays as families are able to have fun for free at the site.
Read more : The best lidos, water parks and swimming pools within an hour’s drive of Cardiff and Swansea
It first re-opened back on Saturday, May 29, and the lido waters will be running until the end of August.
But despite its popularity, it seems you can’t please everyone.
People can review attractions on the website TripAdvisor, and they make some interesting and surprising reading. The lido has 127 reviews the vast majority of which are positive, giving it an overall rating of 4.5. But not everyone is happy. Here are the figures showing the number of people rating it under each category…
Excellent – 68
Very good – 44
Average – 12
Poor – 1
Terrible – 2
Of the less than pleased reviewers were one family who said: “A small yet packed piece of land between a main road and the sea with one or two poor features and a poorly stocked cafe.
“Considering the stream flowing next to the lido looked rather lifeless and dirty which, along with the constant noise from the main road I fail to see this is so popular with families – especially considering the wide expanse of Swansea Bay stretching away towards the town being so unpopulated.
“Maybe it’s popular simply because of the ample car parking across the road?”
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This is a free attraction, so we’re not quite sure what Sarah (below) is talking about.
Sarah said: “Really disappointed! £2 each for my children to be told to use slide side only by the very grumpy woman! After taking their money!”
Tony also didn’t think much of the site but said the views in the surrounding area were incredible.
He said: “This is a shallow water and spray area that would only be fun in very warm weather. A few swings and rundown playthings also nearby. Across a path you have a beach and fabulous views of Mumbles and area.”
Another user added: “This has very little by way of charm. In my boyhood I remember paddling in the foot-deep water – there was no-where deeper to swim. Then it was painted sea blue.”
Lidos were first established in Britain back in the 1930s and at their peak of popularity there were 57 in Wales. The lido in Swansea at its most popular was bigger in size and even had boats to draw in the visitors.
The site draws big crowds
(Image: Jonathan Myers)
Entire families camp out there for the day
(Image: Jonathan Myers)
Niall, in another review, said: “Really helpful staff in the restaurant but I must admit its not much to do there in the winter rather than summer because the swimming pool is not open in the winter and that means its not much people there in the winter.” Probably because people generally don’t really like swimming in the winter Niall.
But others said the site was a real draw for tourists and locals alike.
Gary said: “Ideal for young children: there is a large paddling pool a play area and a cafe. The best thing about it is it’s free.”
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Bob, in another review, completely agreed and said it was worth going along to.
He said: “My wife and I visited the Blackpill Lido on a walk from Mumbles.
“Although we didn’t have any children with us, were very surprised to see all the facilities available for young families including a water park, climbing wall picnic tables a beach with lifeguards, toilets and cafe etc. and all for free.
“Well worth a visit.”
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