There really aren't enough swimming pools knocking about these days - the one in Ilkley is one of the best near Leeds, and even that's a fair way out of the city.
It's open all year round as it has an indoor heated pool which is pretty lovely - almost like a giant bath. It's also a full sized 25m number which means that those serious about using swimming to get fit have plenty to go at.
Ilkley Pool's finest hours come in the height of summer, however, when the outdoor pool, the "lido" is open for business. It's perfect for those very rare days in England when you actually need to cool off, and can be a good day out with mates as there's always plenty of young people there having fun - there's also plenty of opportunity to sunbathe if the weather really is that good.
There's tennis courts and a putting green available too but it's really all about the lido - at under £4, it's the perfect summer bargain day out. read more