Ilkley Lido’s Full Moon Swims are returning for 2026

Ilkley Pool & Lido Community Group has announced a new programme of full moon swims for 2026.

The group's most popular events of the year offer a chance to swim into the evening, bathing in a magical combination of water and moonlight in one of the most beautiful pools in the UK.

Last year the sell out swims attracted visitors from all over the country, with 70 percent of visitors travelling from out of the area to attend. Visitors came from as far afield as Birmingham and Kent and tickets expected to be in demand again this year.

The full moon swims also offer a way to directly support the pool and lido which has been under threat of closure in recent years due to budget constraints. The events are run by volunteers from the Ilkley Pool & Lido Community Group. Since 2025 the Community Group has been working in partnership with Bradford Council to help to secure the pools’ future, enhance the site and widen access to the facilities.

Booking is now open for the following running through 2026:

• Sunday 31 May – the Blue Moon.  Sunset is at 9.30pm and the event runs 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

• Wednesday 29 July - the Buck Moon. Sunset is at 9.10pm and the event runs 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

• Thursday 27 August - the Sturgeon Moon. Sunset is at 8pm and the event runs 7.30pm to 8.45pm.

• Saturday 26th September - the Corn Moon. Sunset is at 7pm and the event runs 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

As May 2026 has two full moons, the group is also hoping to run the first event of the season to mark the Flower Moon on 1 May. The water temperature has to reach 10 degrees for the lido to be able to open so organisers are keeping their fingers crossed.

All events will offer swimmers the chance to warm up with hot drinks from coffee vans and purchase post-swim treats from Ilkley Kitchen.

Becky Malby BEM, Chair of Ilkley Pool & Lido Community Group said:

“We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with the Council team to support our beloved pool and lido.

“We’re all counting the weeks til lido season returns and are so happy to be offering the fantastic full moon swims again. It’s been a long winter and we all need to get some dates in the diary to look beyond the grey skies and rain. See you there!”

Booking is essential via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/full-moon-swims-at-ilkley-lido-tickets-1982589778397 with a 2 for 1 ticket offer now on.