Now that the weather is finally starting to warm up, it’s time to make the most of the great outdoors, with many people thinking of where they can go to cool off.

Yes, a trip to the seaside is always welcome, but did you know that there are outdoor pools and lidos much closer to home? Here's our pick of the top five to go to.

1. Rudding Holiday Park

Situated within the holiday park in Harrogate, this outdoor pool is somewhat of a hidden gem to many people in the local area, and non-residents can pay to use it too with bookable 75-minute sessions.

The pool is heated pool to a warm 32 degrees so it's deal for families to enjoy, come rain or shine. More energy to burn off? There's also a children’s playground.

Top tip: head to the family-friendly Deer House pub pre- or post-swim for a drink or a bite to eat.

Rudding Holiday Park outdoor pool, Follifoot, Harrogate, HG3 1JH.

2. Ilkley Pool and Lido

Set to open from May until September is the unheated Grade II listed 1930s Ilkley Lido, which features a lagoon-shaped pool with a lawned sunbathing section, an indoor pool (that's open all year round) and a picnic area and café.

Serious swimmers will love the divided lanes, while the slide that deposits children into a shallow area will keep the kids entertained.

For sun worshippers, if you get there early enough, you may even be able to claim one of the sunbeds from which you can admire the views over the surrounding Ilkley Moor.

Top tip: the tennis courts, the putting green and bowls are also bookable during the summer months.

Ilkley Pool and Lido, Denton Road, Ilkley, LS29 0BZ.

3. Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool

Also opening from May, Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool is nestled in the North York Moors National Park and is Yorkshire’s only 25-metre heated outdoor pool, so it's ideal for those who want to get the lengths in.

Unlike Ilkley, it's heated to approximately 28 degrees during the summer months, providing a comfortable swimming environment.​

And from September through to November, the pool offers 'Cool Pool' sessions where the water temperature gradually drops to approximately 13 degrees. These sessions cater to cold water swimming enthusiasts and are accompanied by a free hot drink.​

Top tip: The pool hosts special events such as celestial swims, allowing swimmers to enjoy the pool under the night sky, often with a warm drink to follow.

Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool, Baxton's Sprunt, Helmsley, YO62 5HT.

4. Ingleton Outdoor Swimming Pool

Originally opening in 1934, Ingleton's Outdoor Swimming Pool was built by local miners on strike who filled it with water from the river. It was refurbished in 1974, which brought the heated and chlorinated facility it has today.

Surrounded by the rolling hills and lush countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, locals and visitors alike can swim in the pool and enjoy the scenic backdrop from May.

Top tip: pay a visit to the stunning Ingleton Waterfalls; it's only a three-minute walk away. And you can also go for a walk pre- or post-swim at the nearby Ribblehead Viaduct for more stunning views.

Ingleton Swimming Pool, Sammy Lane, Ingleton, Carnforth, LA6 3EG.

5. Whitby Outdoor Swimming Pool

Located right by the seafront in Whitby, the pool offers a safe and shallow space for kids to play, with the North Sea as a stunning backdrop.

It has an old-school, nostalgic vibe — the kind of place that reminds people of classic British seaside holidays. Families have been coming here for generations, giving it a sentimental charm.

Top tip: there's also a mini golf course nearby so you can make a day of it.

Whitby Outdoor Swimming Pool, Whitby, YO21 3EJ.