Ilkley Lido to welcome hundreds of dogs for special swimming weekend

Hundreds of dogs will be given the chance to make a splash at Ilkley Lido during a special weekend before its outdoor pool closes for the winter.

Before closing its outdoor pool for the winter, Ilkley Lido is launching a special weekend for dogs and their owners.

Once temperatures drop below 10°C, the outdoor pool is drained and closed for the season. But before then, Ilkley Lido is running its Doggy Days on Sunday (Oct 11) and Monday (Oct 12).

“It’s been a fantastic season for Ilkley Lido and what better way to bring it to a close with the ever-popular ‘Doggy Day,” said Councillor Ian Walker, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities at Bradford Council.

He added that for anyone with a water-loving pooch, “this is a unique opportunity to let them have a swim in one of the country’s most iconic outdoor pools.”

There will be six sessions across the weekend, with slots available to book online. Between swim sessions, owners can warm up with hot drinks.

Tickets for a dog and owner start at £8.20. General adult admission is £4.90, while junior admission costs £3.30.

More than 900 dogs are expected to attend.

As of Monday (Oct 5), many sessions had already sold out, but visitors can request to be notified if spaces become available.