The Cold Knap Bathing Pool opened on May 1, 1926, and was one of the largest open air swimming pools in the UK, measuring 120 years long and 20 years wide. It offered plenty of space for families to enjoy the fresh sea air from the comfort and safety of this enclosed environment.
It was built as part of a larger development of seaside developments across the country intended to promote health and leisure, with its bold art deco design making it a statement piece in the community.
The freezing cold pool would offer up a space to cool off on the hottest of summer days on the seafront. Its diving boards at one end were perfect for the adrenaline seeking swimmers among us and its shallow paddling areas at the other perfect for youngsters and more inexperienced swimmers.
The concrete terraces surrounding and overlooking the pool would provide a great spot to enjoy sandwiches packed on a picnic blanket, warming up by lunchtime. Those wishing for something a little fancier could indulge in chips, hot dogs or ice cream from The Knapsnak café nearby.
The lido would see its heyday during the 1950s but within 30 years, it would begin to decline. Its popularity began to diminish as overseas sun steadily became more affordable, with many locals swapping Barry for Benidorm.
Operating costs rose and fewer visitors graced its diving boards, leading to the lido’s closure in 1996.
Despite local opposition, the buildings were demolished and the pool was infilled beginning in March 2004, signalling the end of this Barry landmark.
A campaign launched in June 2014 with the aim of rebuilding the lido would see would see more than 7,000 people show their support for the cause, citing the regeneration of Pontypridd’s lido as inspiration for the movement that captured the hearts of the town and those who were lucky enough to spend their summer wading in its waters.
Former Holton Primary pupil and current weatherman Derek Brockway even showed his support for the Rebuild The Knap Lido campaign, recalling family outings to the facility in the 1970s.
Today, the site is home to The Knap Gardens and Lake, with the footprint of the pool clearly visible in the shaping of the site in the distinctive harp shape of the original lido.
