Great Britain The Lido, Margate - various visits May 2010

[Obscurity]

Lidos, which were enclosed sea bathing pools, became increasingly popular as the trend for sea bathing became an ever more sought after pastime of the Victorian era. In the 1920's the Lido at Cliftonville was completed to cater for the popularity of sea bathing. The Lido was built on the existing Clifton Baths Estate, beneath which ran many passageways used by smugglers in previous centuries. The underground complex consisted of bars, cafes and an indoor warm sea water pool with nearby changing facilities. There was also a huge amount of tunnels roumored to have ran under the lido and also connecting the nearby Margate caves. The Lido was hugely popular from it's construction right through to the 1960's. A winter storm in January 1978 which destroyed Margate Pier also wreaked havoc with the Lido, particularly the outdoor pool. Reconstruction work was never even considered, and even today the Lido faces almost certain demolition.

I had visited this place last year with fortknox0 but my time was cut short and I was unable to photograph the place so myself, Fortknox0, Frosty and maniac went to look for a way in. finally back inside the place I was able to photograh it.

About a week later myself, Fortknox0 and Frosty returned with Rooks and Speed for another look. This place is amazing and so big and ALL underground. The highlight for myself was the underground smugglers port. This was big and amazing. This is still tidal, this is great but if the place is visited at high tide then the changing rooms and some of the rooms/passages flood.

On with some pictures;

Thanks for looking

 

[Maniac]

Very nice photos there mate, puts mine to shame!

Never mind, I shall add them anyway. Was a couple of good visits to this place, always a bit edgey when you're in there as there are live bits to this building which are still used and link into the dis-used bits.

The changing rooms and locker rooms have definitely seen better days.

The underground dock/harbour type area was intriguing. The water was crystal clear and not that deep.

This area was apparently used for Raves in the 80's it's been derelict a long time thou and is filled with junk and rubbish.

Then as high up as you can go before you get to the live bits is the 'grand hall' although it doesn't look as grand as it used to.

I really liked this part, as it was filled with loads of random bits and pieces, like lots of chairs

But more interestingly, this retro arcade machine. I've no idea what game it is, but it's a very early one.

Stage area

Bar

All in all a very interesting place to look around.

 

[Wevsky]

would like to go back there myself now fully loaded with dslr and tripod..several reports saying blocked as it was then re-opened and i saw last wedsday screwed firmly shut but screws come undone ~ love the pics desertionphography u really do know yer way round yer camera and lighting

 

[Ryda]

I'd love a look round this place in the near-future if anyone fancies giving me the guided tour?

 

[Maniac]

I'd love a look round this place in the near-future if anyone fancies giving me the guided tour?

Unfortunitely the access we were using is now well and truely sealed

 

[Wevsky]

I'd love a look round this place in the near-future if anyone fancies giving me the guided tour?

Unfortunitely the access we were using is now well and truely sealed

Ah but maniac it also became available again few days after my last attempt by a couple of people i know..then no doubt re sealed..but for how long!!