The term Lido is from the name of the place in Venice where bathing took place. Lidos usually have areas for sunbathing, relaxing and eating and are designed for activities around water.

Arundel’s open-air lido was originally built in 1960 following a generous donation of land from the 16th Duke of Norfolk to celebrate the 21st birthday of his eldest daughter, Lady Anne.

Arun District Council made the decision to close the Pool in 1999, to save money.

The local community, as well as visitors to the town and surrounding area, missed this unique facility of open-air swimming, attractive grassed areas and views of the famous castle.

Arundel & Downland Community Leisure Trust took responsibility for the site in 2002. The original objective of this registered charity was to restore and refurbish the Arundel Lido site.

The first phase of the refurbishment was to the children’s paddling pool in 2003. The Trust reopened the site providing a range of organized activities for children during the summer school holidays.
Over the winter of 2003/4, the main pool was totally rebuilt by the Trust and re-opened by Lady Mary (one of the 16th Duke’s daughters ) on 28th June 2004.

Arundel Lido celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010.