


Strictly speaking this entry should be for the Ladies Open Air Baths but I am including information for the adjacent and earlier mens pool that is now filled in.
The pool was used by a local sub-aqua club in the 1990’s which probably prevented an early demolition. It nearly became an hotel in 2009 before the council changed their mind and gave a local group the opportunity to work up a proposal for refurbishment.
Works to the derelict pool began in 2015 and it was eventually re-opened in 2017 albeit as a different type of facility.
Name | Kings Meadow Bath aka Thames Lido Napier Rd, Reading RG1 8FR |
Built / opened | Mens pool opened 1879 Ladies pool opened1902 by Mayoress Mrs Holland Bull |
Cost | £4,890 |
Dimensions | Mens pool 260′ x 80′ Ladies pool 120′ x 45′ |
Capacity | |
Water type | Originally fed from adjacent River Thames but changed to mains in the 1950’s |
Depth(s) | 3′ to 6′ |
Diving boards | |
Changing facilities | |
Second pool | N/A |
Spectator seating | |
Designer | John Bowen, Borough Engineer and Surveyor |
Date closed | Mens pool circa 1955 Ladies pool 1974, re-opened 2017 |
Status | Open |
On site now | The pool |
Notes | Listed 25th August 2004 |
Links | Thames Lido – An urban retreat located in Reading Thames Lido | Award Winning Oasis in Reading (youtube.com) Kings Meadow swimming pool open day 2008 (youtube.com) |








