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A cherished destination amongst residents for nearly 130 years has been hailed as a cheaper alternative to a holiday in Greece. The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent, has been compared to holiday resorts in the Mediterranean.

The lido features on the Historic Pools of Britain register as it remains the sole riverside salt water swimming facility in Britain, making it a unique day out. First opening back in June 1896, The Strand Lido has remained a treasured location for countless families. Water is drawn straight from the River Medway and treated with chlorine for secure bathing, and there's plenty of fun to be had in and around the pool.

There's a paddling pool for toddlers, alongside a 300-metre gentle current channel, elephant-themed slides and water features designed to delight younger guests. For fitness enthusiasts, the lido also provides six 25-metre swimming lanes, reports MyLondon.

With its pristine white surfaces and azure-painted aquatic zones, the entire venue resembles a Mediterranean holiday destination rather than a location beside the River Medway. This Kentish treasure received glowing recognition in The Lido Guide, being described as "more like Greece than Kent".

The assessment noted: "Nothing about the exterior gives away what lies within. What lies within is a riot of Mediterranean-resort-style colour and fun. Any children in the party will be completely unable to contain their excitement.

"The whole thing is a freeform riot of bright white painted concrete, edged in royal blue, that gives the treated river water that fills the pool a hue that is more reminiscent of Greece than Kent. It takes a special sort of curmudgeon not to grin like a loon while hurtling down a pink elephant's trunk into brilliant clear water."

Catering to all needs, the facility boasts sunbathing areas, an on-site cafe (though visitors can bring their own packed lunch), changing facilities, toilets, poolside showers and an inflatables shop.

One delighted visitor shared their praise on Tripadvisor, writing: "So impressed with this place and feel lucky to have it in Medway.

"Very clean, love that the water is sourced and filtered from the Medway, not too much chlorine as lots of natural salt! Could easily spend the day here sunbathing and slipping in and out of the water at own pleasure."

As the pool remains unheated, it only opens its doors during summer months, from May 25 to September 1. So you'll need to book fast and in advance, with two daily sessions running from 10:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

Another visitor dubbed it a "hidden gem" whilst recounting their visit: "What a great place to go. Went for the first time this summer and was pleasantly surprised.

"It was very clean and well maintained. The parking was super cheap and the numbers were controlled so it never felt overcrowded which was lovely."

Close by, the Strand Park boasts attractions for every age group, featuring a delightful miniature railway, an alfresco fitness area, a parkour course, tennis facilities, picturesque waterside strolls, and children's playground zones.

Another fan remarked: "This place is full of great things to do. Walk along the river, crazy golf, a mine railway and, of course, the wonderful Strand lido swimming pool. Something for all really."