The top ten UK swimming spots to keep cool as the mercury rises

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Tinside Lido in Plymouth boasts fountains and views of the Isle of Wight
The beautiful Llyn y Fan Fach in Wales is haunted by a 'Lade of the Lake'
Nantwich has the last inland brine pool in the country for aches and pains

By India Sturgis for MailOnline

Published: 02:32 EST, 18 April 2015 | Updated: 07:36 EST, 23 April 2015

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At last, after months of grey skies and miserable weather, the sun is out. If you are looking to celebrate the wonderfully balmy weather by taking a dip, there are a few places you could try.

Lidos, which are seeing a resurgence as more money is ploughed into renovation and redecoration, are a good first port of call. Picking the right one - that isn't too over-crowded or too run down - is crucial.

In response to extra demand, many pools are extending their opening hours in line with the weather or organising late night swimming slots for busy workers.

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If you are looking to celebrate this wonderfully balmy weather by taking a dip, there are lots of places to try

For those who are more adventurous; look around, there are acres of countryside watery holes to dip your toe into.

Whether you pick a lido, river, lake, pool or stream - here are ten of the best swimming locations in the country to cover all your watery needs.

Tinside Lido, Plymouth

As Art Deco style Lidos go – and there are quite a few – this has to be the most lavish. A fountain spews water from the centre, stripes adorn the lanes and the waterfront pool has panoramic views out to sea.

Tinside Lido underwent a £3.3 million restoration in 2003 and has been voted one of Europe's top 10 pools

It was built in 1935 and underwent a £3.3 million restoration in 2003 to restore it to glory. Voted one of the top 10 best outdoor pools in Europe, it’s definitely worth a splash.

Lake Windermere, Cumbria

Where better than Lake Windermere to take a plunge? The Cumbrian expanse is the largest natural lake in the country and its wide views inspired Wordsworth.

At ten and a half miles long and 219 feet deep, you’ll have your work cut out if you are swimming lengths.

Best Western Salutation hotel offers swimmers a tour of the best swimming spots around Lake Windermere

Best Western Salutation hotel in Ambleside (a mile inland) offers keen swimmers a dedicated tour of the best swimming locations and bucolic spots, and will provide wetsuits to those who need them.

Stonehaven Open Air Pool, Aberdeen

An Olympic-sized, open air pool containing heated, filtered sea water. It claims to be ‘often warmer than the Med!’ with sheltered sun terraces and a paddling pool for under-eights.

Bordered by a colourful Art Deco-listed building, the pool celebrated its 80th birthday last year. There’s also the option of midnight swimming sessions while listening to music.

Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Aberdeen holds midnight swimming sessions during which music is played

Aberdeen's Stonehaven Open Air Pool is a big hit with locals

Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall

It could be your last chance to swim in this beautiful sea pool due to funding cuts threatening its closure.

The part-natural, part man-made swimming pool nestles under cliffs on the north Cornwall coast and is filled by the Atlantic twice a day.

It stretches 88 metres by 50 metres at its longest points, and allows visitors to bathe in glorious, sparkling and calm sea water.

Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall is part-man made and part natural, and stretches 88 metres by 50 metres

Llyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons, Wales

This natural lake is thought to be one of the most haunted bodies of water in Wales.

It lies at the western border of the indomitable Black Mountains and local lore says that at 2pm on the first Sunday of August the ‘Lady of the Lake’ emerges from its depths.

Stories wildly vary, but many claim she is the wronged wife of a violent husband who walked into the lake after he struck her. That aside, it makes a wonderful place for a bracing swim.

Llyn y Fan Fach is thought to be haunted by 'The Lady of The Lake' but surrounded by stunning scenery

Brockwell Lido, Brockwell Park, London

For those in the capital looking for a refreshing dip, Brockwell Lido is a 50-metre-long pool and another 1930s Art Deco triumph.

It closed in 1990 but reopened after four years thanks to local pressure. Now it’s Grade II listed and hosts barbeques and film nights, including screenings of Jaws where viewers float about in dinghies while watching the movie.

Brockwell Lido is 50-metre-long pool that is another 1930s Art Deco triumph with huge local support

Rheidol Vale, Aberystwyth, Wales

A beautiful area, dotted with sets of pools, waterfalls and a beachy bank for barbecuing. This is the perfect place for family summer outings. Give children free reign to scrabble around the rocks or float down small chutes.

Rheidol Vale gives children free reign to scramble around the rocks and trees or float down small chutes

Lymington Sea Water Baths, Hampshire

Built in 1833, these are the oldest open air sea water baths in the UK. The lido overlooks the Solent with stunning seaside views.

It’s also enormous, and home to the South Coast’s biggest inflatable obstacle course. This is a great option for hardy children and offers kayaks and water rollers to play on. Also available for private bookings.

Built in 1833, Lymington Sea Water Baths are the oldest open-air sea water baths in the UK

Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool, Cheshire

Probably the only inland brine pool left in the country, Nantwich swimming pool measures 30.5 metres by 15 metres. Brine (salty water) is pumped into the pool from an underground source, the medicinal benefits of which are well-documented.

A swim in salt-enriched water thought to cure ache and pains, including rheumatism, and was popular with Victorians.

The extra buoyancy of salted water can be helpful too for those recovering from injuries and looking to build strength.

Stainforth Force (right) in the Yorkshire Dales has a rushing waterfall and plunge pool for children to play in

Stainforth Force, Yorkshire Dales

If you are in the area, this is a brilliant place for children. Don’t expect peace and quiet, though. An assault course of pools lead their way to a waterfall on the River Ribble, just north of Settle.

You’ll find a plunge pool (with ladder) at the waterfall’s edge and people daring each other to jump off the top.