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Summer Swimming in London 2008
 
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We love it when the city sizzles - London's parks and squares thronging with sun-seeking guys and gals - but you'll need another way to really chill-out this summer. Whether it's lengths in a pool, lazing in a lido or surfing in the sea, a watery submerging refreshes you faster than you can say Castlemaine XXXX. While many public lidos were sadly reduced in the 1980s, there’s been a welcome and steady rise in the revival of some of London’s oldest watering holes in recent years. When London hots up, a refreshing dip really is more of a pleasure than a purge, especially when you can take in the views offered by some like the Hampstead Heath Ponds and enjoy the park land nearby others including the Hampton Heated Open Air Pool. So until London Underground can sort out the air con in our carriages and deliver us coolly to our destination we recommend one of the following outdoor splash spots. For the ultimate chill out take your togs, soak up some rays, pack a picnic and dive in for a delicious al fresco swim.
  Brockwell Lido
 Lido Park Gardens, Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA Open daily May to September After a period of closure Brockwell Lido re-opened in July 2007. This excellent community sports facility was built by the London County Council in 1937. Seventy years on and it still remains as valued and popular now as it ever was. This Lido was once called "The Evian Lido" after the famous mineral water supplier pumped some much-needed cash into the lido a few years back. Now, thanks to recent upgrades, the lido represents a magical sanctuary for residents in the south east of the city. Affectionately known as "Brixton Beach", you'll need to use your imagination to hear the sound of the waves but it is a welcome respite from the sweltering heat and a home-from-home for a diverse mix throughout the summer months. The glorious outdoor pool forms the centrepiece of this local leisure attraction idyllically located in Brockwell Park. There is also a safe paddling pool for the smaller tots to splash around in. Framing the pool is a range of rooms that host a number of varying activities including yoga, aerobics and under 5s Whippersnappers music and drama workshops. This is a great community resource and a heavenly place to spend a long, hot summer's day; choose a shady patch of grass underneath the sweeping trees, relax and enjoy the infectious, relaxed vibe. Address: Lido Park Gardens, Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA Phone: 020 7274 3088 Timing: May 21st to Sep 30th, Mon to Fri 6.30am-8pm, Sat & Sun 10am-6pm Pricing: £5.20 (Adults), £3.60 (Concs), £2.60 (Early morning), £3 (Evening), £3.15 (Over 60s), £3.10 (Children), Free (Under 5s), £13 (Family 2 adults 2 chldren - extra child £1.50) Nearest Station: Brixton Tube Brockwell Lido - Information  Finchley Lido
Great North Leisure Park, High Road, N12 0GL Open weekends June to August Finchley Lido is one of those lidos considered under threat but this summer the chilly outdoor pool will open for weekends from Saturday 14th June until the end of August (hopefully) - best to check with the Lido before going. At the leisure centre next door there is also a heated indoor pool, a modern fitness centre, exercise classes and fitness programmes. If you're after a more relaxed afternoon and the aim is to escape the summer heat, the outdoor pool is the place to be. It has good changing facilities and you can lie out on the poolside and soak up some glorious sunshine. The original 1930s outdoor pool, which sadly no longer exists, was enclosed by an elegant colonnade of Roman Doric columns, with fountains to either side and was used in the 1948 Olympic Games for men's water polo. Today, the outdoor pool is a much smaller affair and, unlike the championship pool of the previous lido on the site, there's no diving permitted, but still, when the mercury rises, you'll be thankful you made the trip to this little outdoor oasis. Address: Great North Leisure Park, High Road, N12 0GL Phone: 020 8343 9830 Timing: June 14th to August 31st (weather permitting), Sat & Sun 10am-4pm Pricing: £5.15 (Adults), £3.25 (Children), Free (Under 5s) Nearest Station: West Finchley Tube Finchley Lido - Information  Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
Hampstead Heath, NW5 1QR Open daily all year Since as early as 1860, and probably before, many hardy London folk have taken a dip before work in one of three wooded ponds on Hampstead Heath. It's a century-old tradition that becomes wonderfully welcome when things hot up in the summer months. However swimming was not the original intention for the ponds; the much-loved tarns of water began as a string of reservoirs which were originally established to supply London with water. Looking across the ponds you can't help but notice the imposing presence of Kenwood House, a neo-classical gem perched on the hill top. The fabulous collection of paintings and painted ceilings in this Robert Adam's house will add some culture to your swim. (1) The Highgate Men's Pond - a secluded sylvan spot (Highgate, London NW3, access is via Millfield Lane, N6). In the fenced enclosure nudity is de rigeur amongst the regulars - the serious swimmers, chess players, weight-lifters, readers and sunbathers for whom this is a sort of club. Out on the springboards and in the water, costumes are required. In the 1930s the Highgate Diving Club used to practise dives from the ten-metre high board and their Aquatic Carnivals attracted crowds of 10,000. There are no longer any high boards - a sign of these cautious times. No children under eight are allowed and 8-15-year-olds can only enter with an accompanying adult. (2) The Kenwood Ladies' Pond - as the Ladies' Pond is highest up the hill it benefits from being nearest to the natural springs in Kenwood and has by far the cleanest water. It's hidden by an expanse of sprawling foliage to hide the ladies' modesty.(3) The Hampstead Mixed Pond - a heap of fun in the summer if a little on the busy side on really warm days. It's not often you can enjoy the freedom offered by the open fields in London but this really is a fertile pocket of uncultivated land, dotted with the odd hay bail, leafy avenues and shaded woods. This rolling rural park is undoubtedly one of the loveliest areas of London. The Heath's bathing ponds, shrouded underneath sweeping willow trees and lush undergrowth, are a delightful summer surprise, making this a lovely spot for a slightly murky swim. If you have time (or for a less murky swim) you could also try Parliament Hill Lido nearby.Address: Hampstead Heath, NW5 1QR Phone: 020 7485 4491 Timing: Open daily all year, Summer Times (until 28th September 2008) - Men's and Ladies' Ponds 7am-dusk, Mixed Pond 7am-6.30pm (Wednesdays in July till 8.30pm) Pricing: £2 (Adults), £1 (Concs) Nearest Station: Hampstead Heath Rail Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds - Information  Hampton Heated Open Air Pool
High Street, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2ST Open daily all year One of only three heated outdoor pools in the capital, Hampton Heated Open Air Pool is open 365 days of the year. It's situated to the western edge of the adjoining picturesque Bushy Park - the capital's second largest royal park and, like Richmond, home to free-roaming deer. You'll also find three ponds where keen angling fans can be seen patiently waiting at the water's edge. The most popular attraction of this leafy royal park is of course Hampton Court Palace, a must-see if you've made it this far. Back at the pool you'll also find a gym offering yoga and Pilates overlooking the pool's calming waters, Sun Deck Cafe and a large grass area used for sunbathing, barbecuing and picnics. While it may be one of the few heated outdoor public pools in London, the busiest times are inevitably during the summer when hoards of families splash around on long steaming hot days. During the high season, you can dive in for early bird swimming from 6am on weekdays and there are parent and baby sessions in the teaching pool between 10.30am and midday on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sunday evenings are set aside for a fun game of water polo - open to all ages and all levels including beginners, just turn up at 5pm on any summer Sunday (you must be able to swim). Address: High Street, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2ST Phone: 020 8255 1116 Timing: Open daily all year, Summer Times - Mon, Wed & Fri 6am-10am (early bird), 12am-5pm & 6pm-9pm (public swim), Tue & Thu 6am-9am (early bird), 12am-5pm (public swim), Sat & Sun 9am-5pm (public swim) Pricing: £4.50-£6.20 (Adults), £2.75 (Children), £3.30 (Concs), £15 (Family 2 adults, 3 children) Nearest Station: Hampton Station Rail Hampton Heated Open Air Pool - Information  London Fields Lido
London Fields, Westside, Hackney, E8 3EU Open daily all year London's only Olympic-sized heated, outdoor swimming pool, this luxurious lido was re-opened amid much excitement in October 2006 after almost 20 years of closure. It promptly won the Golden Goggles Award that year for the best place to swim outdoors in London. Just over ten years back, in 1997, things were not looking so good but thanks to the hard work and dedication of local people who spent two days clearing lorry loads of Buddleia bushes and weeds from the pool, surrounding walls and buildings, the pool is back in business. Now over-heated Londoners can float in the 50m pool's 350,000 gallons of perfectly temperate water all year round. You'll find the lido in the north-west corner of London Fields Park in the heart of Hackney; enter from London Fields Westside. Bag a spot early in the day during the summer months as the place gets packed with sizzling bodies in search of cooling waters. Being built in the early 1930s, this lido is more elaborate than most and boasts substantial, well-kept buildings including staff accommodation, first aid rooms, refreshment kiosks, plus individual and group changing rooms. Recently, further bike racks have been added, along with improved security and queue control so there's no need to get over-heated while waiting in line for your dip. Address: London Fields, Westside, Hackney, E8 3EU Phone: 020 7254 9038 Timing: Open daily all year, Mon to Fri 6.30am-9.30am & 4pm-8pm (lane swimming), 9.30am-4pm (general), Sat & Sun 8am-10am (lane swimming), 10am-5pm (general) Pricing: £4 (Adults), £2.40 (Children), Free (Under 5s) Nearest Station: London Fields Rail / Hackney Central Rail London Fields Lido - Information  Oasis Sports Centre
32 Endell Street, WC2H 9AG Open daily all year This city centre sports facility includes not one but two swimming pools - one indoor and one outdoor, both heated. Often the outdoor pool is popular with recreational swimmers and can be more over-crowded than the indoor pool even during the winter months. Meanwhile the indoor pool is more frequently occupied by dedicated fitness fanatics competing against the clock and studiously doing their lengths. If your intention is to relax while you get refreshed, there's even a sundeck to lie out on above the car park, perhaps not the most scenic of spots but certainly one of the most central. City centre workers will be thankful for this oasis next to the office when the summer temperatures hit scorching. Thanks to the wonderfully central location of this pool, you can head out from your swim, feeling cooled and calmed, and arrive bang in the middle of colourful Covent Garden and enjoy all the shops, restaurants and entertainment on offer in this busy part of town. Address: 32 Endell Street, WC2H 9AG Phone: 020 7831 1804 Timing: Outdoor pool - Mon to Fri 7.30am-9pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am-5.30pm Pricing: £3.75 Nearest Station: Covent Garden Tube Oasis Sports Centre - Information  Park Road Lido
Park Road, N8 8JN Open daily May to September Park Road Pools in Crouch End has a great 50m lido - so great, in fact, that it was named the best in London by 'Time Out' in 2004. The open-air pool, opened on 1 June 1929, measured 165ft x 75ft and was then called Hornsey Lido. Today, the pool is warmed and open between May and September when the clear blue waters bring a refreshing coolness to sunbathers and swimmers lounging on the edges of the grassy banks. If the weather is less than stifling, why not get wet in one of the three adjacent indoor pools which include a diving pool. But don't be put off swimming in the outdoor pool by a spot of rain on a summer's day - that's the best time to go as you practically have the place to yourself. The children's pool and fountain provide great entertainment for toddlers in a safe environment and there's a shallow-step pool entry and lift in to the main pool for wheelchair users. The popularity of Park Road's four pools is soon apparent when you see the statistics: 350,000 local people a year take a refreshing dip in these inviting waters. Address: Park Road, N8 8JN Phone: 020 8341 3567 Timing: May to September 2008, Mon to Fri 7am-9am & 7pm-8pm (lane swimming), 9am-6pm (general), Sat & Sun 7.15-9am (lane swimming), 9am-7pm (general) | No swimming 1pm-2pm at weekends and during school Summer Hols. Pricing: £4.75 (Adults), £2.70 (Concs), £9.40 (Family of 3), £11.90 (Family of 4), £14 (Family of 5), £3.65 (Early Swim 7am-9am), £2.65 (Evening Swim 5pm-7pm) Nearest Station: Highgate Tube Park Road Lido - Information  Parliament Hill Lido
Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road, NW5 1LP Open daily all year This gorgeous, unheated lido on Hampstead Heath (also called 'Hampstead Heath Lido') was upgraded not so long ago when it had a generous £2.9 million lavished on it. This means the lido has a cool, stainless steel lining with wonderful reflective qualities, which also helps to retain the heat. Regular visitors love the wonderful sense of space, not a word commonly associated with many of London's swimming pools today. That sense of freedom is perpetuated by the most amazing views of the city from its elevated spot. The 60 x 27 metres pool is also ideally located to cool you down when you're all hot and bothered after a walk on the hill. You'll find there's a huge variety of people who use the pool depending on the time of day, from the really serious swimmers to families and groups of teenagers. All visitors are welcome to dive in, swim around, cool down and of course catch some rays. Bring your own refreshments or visit the cafe - the exterior of which is a beautiful example of 1930s architecture, with the steps on the surrounding area giving it the feeling of an elegant Roman amphitheatre. The ponds on Hampstead Heath are well worth a visit and are just a short walk away. Photo: Martin Deutsch. Address: Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road, NW5 1LP Phone: 020 7485 5757 Timing: Open daily all year, Summer Times (until 28th September 2008) - 7am-9am, 10am-6pm, Mon, Thu & Fri 6.45pm-8pm (adult lane swimming) Pricing: Early morning & evening - £2 (Adults), £1 (Concs), Free (Under 16s & OAPs - early morning only) | Summer day ticket - £4.30 (Adults), £2.70 (Concs), £12.80 (Family) Nearest Station: Gospel Oak Rail Parliament Hill Lido - Information  Pools on the Park
Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2SF Open daily May to September Richmond has more green space than any other London borough; a hike around the great park is the best way to get away from it all without leaving the city and, on a hot summer's day you can't beat a dip at Pools on the Park. The park it refers to is the famous Old Deer Park which makes for a superb back-drop to your breaststroke. The Grade II listed lido, built in the 1960s, was upgraded in the 1990s and now includes a first floor dance studio in what was the original foyer area. At the same time, the original slipper baths were also re-opened - the term 'slipper' was coined back in Victorian times when modesty prevailed and, in an attempt in hide their privates, people would drape bath-towels over the bath, transforming it into what looked like a giant slipper. This lovely lido is conveniently close to Richmond Train Station and on a summer's evening Richmond's cafe culture can feel like a world away from the sticky city centre. It's open late-ish (till 8pm most weekdays and 5.45pm on weekends) so it's perfect for a post-office dip on sultry summer nights. Towards the end of the season do watch out for the autumnal leaves which can be whipped up and swept onto the water. Address: Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2SF Phone: 020 8940 0561 Timing: May 1st to Sep 30th, Mon to Fri 6.30am-8pm (Mon 7.45pm), Sat & Sun 7am-5.45pm Pricing: £3.90 (Adults), £3.10 (Concs), £1.60 (OAPs), Free (Under 5s) Nearest Station: Richmond Tube / Rail Pools on the Park - Information  The Serpentine Lido
Hyde Park, W2 3XA Open daily May to September A hugely popular swimming venue, every summer Hyde Park's lovely lake invites Londoners to plunge into its watery depths. It's a great option for aqua fun in the very heart of the city. The Serpentine itself was created in 1730 by damming the Westbourne - a small tributary of the River Thames - in order that Queen Caroline might have a spot for the royal yachts to mess about on. People have been taking a dip in these regal waters for hundreds of years. Essentially a lido in the lake, the swimming area is found on the south side of the expanse of water and is clearly roped off. This doesn't stop the odd duck roaming among the swimmers. Beside the area there is a lovely sunbathing spot where an attractively tiled veranda hosts many a lounging sun worshipper hoping to soak up some rays. They have a fairly decent range of available deck chairs (for a small fee) if you really want to chill-out in comfort. Frazzled parents can enjoy an hour of respite as their inexhaustible tots happily splash around in the delightful paddling pool. If you get peckish, the Lido restaurant next door is a very pleasant little spot for a snack. It really is a great environment for summer fun and surprisingly continental on a warm day. Nearby, the Serpentine Gallery is a premier location for modern art exhibitions and the Summer Pavilion offers leading contemporary architects the opportunity to showcase their designs, resulting in avant-garde structures which are always worth a look. Address: Hyde Park, W2 3XA Phone: 020 7706 3422 Timing: May 1st to Sep 30th, Daily 10am-6pm Pricing: £4 (Adults), £3 (Concs), £1 (Under 16s - must be accompanied by an adult) Nearest Station: Lancaster Gate Tube The Serpentine Lido - Information  Tooting Bec Lido
Tooting Bec Road, SW16 1RU Open daily May to September A lovely large (90m long) and hugely popular lido. Despite being the earliest purpose-built open air pool in London, continual upgrades and investment have kept the lido in good shape and it recently received a £500,000 facelift giving it a new foyer and a suite of jacuzzis and saunas; it was also re-sealed and re-painted a couple of years ago. To keep the youngsters entertained, there's a shallow paddling pool with toy animals for your water babies to play with. It's a lovely spot in the scenic setting of Tooting Bec Common, which is shielded from the pond by a tree-lined bank, providing a wonderful opportunity to lie out on a lazy summer day. But be warned: it can get very busy in the summer months with 2,000 visitors a day passing through. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you can swim in peace during the less busy months from October to May by joining the South London Swimming Club who have been racing here since 1908 and bravely do so at Christmas and on New Year's Day. Address: Tooting Bec Road, SW16 1RU Phone: 020 8871 7198 Timing: May 24th to Aug 31st 6am-8pm | Sept 6am-5pm Pricing: £4.50 (Adults), £3 (Concs), £12 (Family 2 adults 2 children) Nearest Station: Tooting Bec Tube Tooting Bec Lido - Information  Brighton
West Sussex, BN1 2FW Famous for its bohemian lifestyle and gay pride, Brighton is a beautiful, hip and slightly hippie hang-out with all the buzz of a city coupled with the benefits of being by the sea. It's not far from London, many have cycled in the famous London-to-Brighton bike ride, and plenty more commute daily. With its grand Regency architecture (a legacy to its popularity among the royals), wide vistas and fairground attractions which flash and beep all day long this place has that unique mix of grandiose and tacky, which seaside resorts specialise in. In summer this place gets packed with sun-seekers and music pumps out of the beach-side bars. No one seems to mind that the big pebbles and sloping beach make an uncomfortable bed to lie on. At night, Brighton Pier lights up in a technicolour of neon; walk to the Royal Pavilion at the end and you'll pass plenty of opportunities to win furry animals and the like. The West Pier, on the other hand, remains a sad-looking derelict wreck since it collapsed into the sea and was subsequently burnt down a few years back. No trip to Brighton would be complete without a pier-to-pier stroll along the seafront and a bag of traditional fish and chips. Try Bankers (at 116a Western Road, BN1 2AB, Tel 01273 328 267) one of Brighton's best-loved fish and chip restaurants, or The Regency (131 Kings Road, BN1 2HH, Tel 01273 325 014) overlooking the beachfront, described as "a really good all-things-to-everybody restaurant" by Rick Stein himself. Make sure you leave time to wander around The Lanes, Brighton's central and tres chic shopping streets; with designer labels and cosmopolitan coffee shops, it's easy to while away several hours here. But be warned, Brighton is a victim of its own popularity and, at the height of summer, you'll be lucky to get a last-minute room - all hotels get fully booked well in advance and most have a two-night minimum stay. Book Brighton Hotel Travel: By train. Timing: Approx. 1 hour from Victoria or London Bridge Railway Stations  Whitstable
Kent, CT5 1EJ Whitstable on the North Kent coast of the UK lies just 60 miles east of London. OK, so it's not strictly in London but it is has been dubbed "Islington-on-Sea", a reflection of its growing popularity among visitors from the capital. It also happens to be one of the prettiest areas of coast line close enough for Londoners to enjoy on a day out. This fishing port is most famous for its oyster trade, traditionally the main source of income and celebrated at the annual Oyster Festival which lasts an impressive nine days (19th to 27th July 2008). If you're a shellfish fan, time your visit to coincide with the feast day of St James of Compostela, the patron saint of fishermen and, apparently, oysters, and you'll be treated to all the oyster-related celebrations you could hope for. Events for the 2008 festival are still to be confirmed but there'll be the annual Whitstable Regatta and, going on previous years, you can expect things like oyster opening competitions, the official Landing of the Catch and fireworks. The streets of this quaint town have acquired a number of quirky names including 'Starvation Point' (where fishermen would queue for work) and 'Squeeze Gut Alley' (a walk down it soon reveals why). The pretty town's stunning sunsets have been an inspiration for artists including Turner and you'll find plenty of picture and painting shops to browse around. Sink a sun-down pint at The Old Neptune pub (Marine Terrace, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1EJ) and you'll see why so many artists are inspired by this view. On a hot summer weekend there's nothing like a wonderfully scenic 5-mile bike ride from Whistable to Canterbury, highly recommended by locals. If you've worked up a sweat after that you'll be glad you're right next to the North Sea for a refreshing dip in the salty waters. Travel: By train. Timing: Approx. 1 hour 20 mins from Victoria Railway Station
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