Lidos have a cult-like following in London and generally either you’re a believer or you’re not. What is a lido? Basically just an outdoor swimming area, usually a pool. It’s just way more British and way cooler to say lido then municipal pool, don’t cha think? Here is my guide to London area pools.
When the term pool IS used, it’s usually an American style LA pool-party-type venue of water. I like these as well, but can’t always swing upwards of £65 ($100) for a dip. But they do serve a purpose (i.e. have a bar).
Naturally, I’ve included different types in my guide and ruled out the ones too far out of London (I’m sorry, but Hampton and Richmond ain’t in my London). All prices are for 1 adult. Kids cost 33%
less.
The best way to narrow your search is to pick an area of London and proceed, so I’ve set it out that way.
East London
What? London Fields Lido
They say: “London’s only Olympic sized heated outdoor pool”
I say: People in East London sing its praises, but they live in East London…
Where: London Fields Westside E8 3EU
Upside: generally open no matter the weather and has kid free times, water maintained at 25c (77F), cheap, very London.
Downside: Transportation — there’s no tube, which is fine for East Londoners, but not okay usually for tourists. You can get an overground train from Liverpool Street Station (7 mins) or take the 38 bus from the West End, Kings Cross or Angel and get off at stop E. Then a 7-10 min walk from the bus stop/train stop.
Cost: £4.10
Hours: 1:30 pm – 7:00 pm Tues-Thurs,1.30-5.30 Fridays 10-6 sat+sunday 1.30-5.30 friday no mondays
What? Shoreditch House’s Rooftop Pool
Where? Ebor Street, E1 6AW 10 min walk from Liverpool Street Station (or take the number 8 bus)
They say: “The 16 metre, outdoor swimming pool is heated and open year round to membersâ€
I say: I love it, love it, love it. The views, the service, the sun loungers, the location, and mostly, the crowd.
How much? Free if you can tag along with a member (only 1 guest per member). However, annual membership is £700 per person plus £200 sign up fee. And a membership process that requires a letter of recommendation from a current member and career history. Am considering a membership; although friend who I tagged along with has moved to New Zealand and so I’m on the hunt for some new friends…
The way around it until you get the invite: Bag a hotel room “from £75â€. I can’t find any under £135 on their website for this summer, but am going to book a night soon anyhow to try the place out again.
Want the view, but not the fees?: The Boundary restaurant will suffice. No pool, but totally beautiful rooftop nearby. Redchurch Street E2 7DD
Central London
What? Oasis Sports Centre
Where? 32 Endell Street WC2H 9AG (Covent Garden tube, across from the Shaftesbury Theatre.
They say: Nothing. It’s a totally hidden surprise with a confusing website, an urban myth almost.
I say: My go-to choice if it’s sweltering in London and I’ve only got a fiver in my pocket.
Note: Currently roofing works being done, so while there’s 2 lanes open, it’s kinda a construction site.
Price: Around £4, obviously I couldn’t find out on their website.
What? The Serpentine Lido
Where? Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
They say: “London’s Oasis in the Parkâ€
I say: I’m swimming in Hyde Park, this is sooooo weird!! And my highlights won’t turn green!
How much? £3.75
Upsides? Fresh water — no chlorine, easy to find in the centre of London
Downsides? Not the best if you’re scared of algae. And it’s not heated!
What? Sanctum Soho Hotel Roof Garden Jacuzzi
Where? 20 Warwick Street, Soho, W1B 5NF (The Picadilly end of Soho)
They say:”a rare find in a central London hotel and overlooks the garden from its elevated position.”
I say: Isn’t a jacuzzi in a bar a bit sleazy? Well, I don’t care, I want to go but there’s always an event on!!
How much? Free!! But you need to buy some pricey drinks and there can’t be a private function on
What? The Berkeley Knightsbridge Hotel Rooftop Pool
Where? Wilton Place Knightsbridge (Tube: Hyde Park Corner)
They say: “Swim and sunbathe on top of the world”
I say: Totally worth it for a half day and all you can drink OJ-fest with a view
Extras? restricted children hours, no mobile phones, complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water and juice.
How much? £65 day membership or £35 half day membership on weekdays. (includes gym) Weekends book up 2-3 weeks in advance. Yearly memberships start at £1400
South London
What? Tooting Bec Lido
Where? Tooting Bec Road, London SW16 1RU
They say: Opened in July 1906, it is the earliest purpose-built open air pool in London, and is the largest fresh water, open air swimming pool in England.
I say: I’m not taking the Northern line when it’s that hot, but locals rave about it and one day I’ll go.
Transport: Deep in South London on the Northern Line (25 mins from Leichester Square) plus bus 319 or 249 for another 15 mins.
How much? £4.75 for adults
North London (note: my neighbourhood and thus a major bias)
What? Parliament Hill Lido (also called Hampstead Heath Lido)
Where? Hampstead Heath
They say? Open-air unheated swimming pool and paddling pool. The pool is 60 metres by 28 metres.
I say? Brr…if I’m that cold and up here, I’d rather go in the Heath ponds.
How much? £2
What? Hamsted Heath Ponds
Where? Hampstead Heath, NW5 1QR
They say: The Heath has three unique and internationally
famous bathing ponds: the Ladies’, Men’s and Mixed P
onds.
I say: So lovely and old fashioned, this is why I love England! Total 1860s!
How much? £4.50 or £93 for the summer
Hours: 7am-8pm in summer
Transport: The Heath isn’t easy to reach for visitors. There’s an overland rail station (Hamsted Heath Rail) that’s 15 mins away, Tuffnel Park on the Northern Line tube is 20 mins away, or the 214 from Angel or C2/214 from Kentish Town will take you there.
How many? There are 3 ponds, a men’s, women’s and mixed/co-ed.Warning: the mens and womens are often nude. Here’s a really good blog entry by a Brit about the ladies pond.
Temp: Lido: 17°C; Ladies’ Pond: 14°C; Men’s Pond: 16°C; Mixed Pond: 15°C as of 21 May 2010.
There are more (Brockton and Richmond come to mind), so please do check out:
The definitive guide to Lidos
LondonTown’s guide to outdoor swimming
And most importantly, don’t be too English and forget to wear sunscreen!!
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Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia was started to get us back to the UK for a trip and it did that in 2009. Now, the goal is for Anglotopia to make our dreams of traveling to the UK whenever we want a reality.
