Lido 'inundated with bookings' as heatwave grips UK

People across Surrey have turned to a lido to try to stay cool amid the record-breaking heatwave in the UK.

Wisley, in Guildford, is expected to hit 33C on Tuesday while Charlwood, in Mole Valley, should hit 32C, according to the Met Office.

Geoff Lawrence, marketing manager for Guildford Lido, operated by Freedom Leisure, said as soon as temperatures warm up, especially with reports of a heatwave, the facility becomes inundated with bookings.

"We are at full capacity today with 2,900 visitors coming," he said.

He said bookings for Wednesday were already full, while there were 1,000 bookings for Thursday and 900 for Friday so far.

Describing the pool as a "vital community asset", he said: "It was great to see everyone smiling, laughing and having a fantastic time."

The record for the hottest May day in the UK could be broken again on Tuesday, with lunchtime temperatures hitting 32.2C at London's Heathrow.

People in Epsom town centre had mixed views on the heat. Retired singer Terry Yem, 89, said he kept out of the sun, adding: "I like it when it's here, but unfortunately we don't get enough of it, and we just get extremes. It's either wet and windy or we get a heatwave."

Self-confessed sun worshipper James Moule, 83, a retired mental health nurse, said: "All my life I've just lain in the sun."

Claire Salaman, 79, said people liked to "grumble", but said: "There's shade here and there, which I take advantage of, and it's just a case of giving thanks for what we have got."

As people turned to outdoor swimming spots, Waverley Borough Council warned Frensham Great Pond could become extremely busy during hot weather, and people would be encouraged to go to other locations when the car park reaches capacity.

Visitors at Frensham have been urged to protect the site by taking litter home, keeping dogs away from designated beach areas, respecting wildlife, and treating others with consideration.

"Please do not bring disposable BBQs or attempt to light a fire, as they can very quickly cause devastating wildfires," a council spokesman added.

Shaheer Nawaz, who has a King Whippy ice cream van in Woking Park, said: "Usually we are very busy during the summer, but when it is really hot, we're not as busy as people think we might be.

"People are more likely to travel and head to the beach, or they stay indoors."

Meanwhile, a health reminder has been posted on Surrey County Council's social media page, urging residents to stay safe.

People have been advised to stay out of direct sun, particularly during the hottest part of the day, check on older people, younger children and babies, and stay up-to-date with information on key services.

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