In 1935, the Bendall family purchased the Greswolde Arms (later Hotel) and set about creating an outdoor pool on the site of a bowling green. This was an important coaching inn from the late 18th Century when it was the first stop outside Birmingham.
The pool opened in 1936, and the ceremony featured Jean Gillie, a film star of the day and featured a fashion show by a local store and a swimming exhibition by Olympian Doris Molesworth.
Also on the bill were The Six Claudettes, bathing belles and the Three Water Nymphs who performed fancy diving and swimming. Entrance to the gala was 5 shillings and it started at 3pm on a Saturday in June.
The pool measured 135 ft × 40 ft and featured a fixed diving tower and springboards and a water chute. There was a separate children’s pool. The water was purified but chlorine was not used. The filtration system circulated the entire volume every six hours.
The changing facilities accommodated 1,000 bathers: a huge volume for a non-council facility. There was also a café for 200, soft drinks vendor and a hair salon. The surrounds were laid out for sunbathing and relaxing amongst landscaping and flower beds. Extensive parking was provided for, and it was free.
The pool closed during WWII and re-opened on 4th May 1945. It was offered to Birmingham City Council in 1952.
The pool had a relatively short life and closed in 1965.
| Name | Greswolde Lido The Greswolde Arms, High Street, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 0NW, England |
| Built / opened | June 1935 |
| Cost | |
| Dimensions | 135′ x 40′ |
| Capacity | |
| Water type | Filtered freshwater |
| Depth(s) | |
| Diving boards | Five level fixed boards, springboard |
| Changing facilities | For 1,000 bathers |
| Second pool | Childrens pool |
| Spectator seating | |
| Designer | Mr Ernest S. Roberts, architect |
| Date closed | 1965 |
| Status | demolished |
| On site now | Housing |
| Last updated | 30th July 2025 |
