/ London Guide/ London Attractions
July 9, 2019
Visiting London and want to go swimming? Take a dip in one of London’s lovely outdoor swimming pools.
Top of the list must be the famous Serpentine lake in Hyde Park. Not too far from Park City Grand Plaza Hotel London, this has always been a popular destination for Londoners – and not just in summer. Even in the depths of winter, a group of swimmers belonging to a swimming club come here to bathe every day and are usually filmed enjoying the water on Christmas Day. This is an open lake and you may well find yourself meeting a few ducks or even a swan also enjoying a swim. Afterwards, you can sunbathe on the grassy banks, or take a pedalo for a ride across the lake.
A close runner up in the London Lido stakes are the swimming facilities out on Hampstead Heath. There is quite a choice on offer. You can opt for a swim in the conventional rectangular pool at Parliament Hill. Alternatively head for the ever popular Ponds. Although there are over 30 ponds scattered across Hampstead Heath, only three are suitable for swimming. Check you have chosen the most appropriate one before diving in as one pond is for men only, one for women only and one is for everyone. It is a very relaxed environment, with clear ponds surrounded by lush greenery and trees. It seems a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of London.
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The largest outdoor pool in the UK is situated in London, although you do need to take a train to Tooting Bec common. People have been swimming at Tooting Bec Lido since 1906, and its popularity has remained undiminished. The pool is 100 yards long (91.4 metres) and 33 yards wide (30 metres), and surrounded by iconic changing cubicles in bright red, yellow and green. This iconic scene has featured in countless films and advertisements including Brad Pitt’s boxing pool scene in the film Snatch.
Also situated in a public park is the London Fields Lido, Hackney. Used by swimmers since the 1930’s, the London Fields Lido has some of the longest lido opening hours in London. Check beforehand, but it is usually available for pre-breakfast outdoor swims as well as swimming until late in the evening. One of London’s hidden secrets is the number 5 swimming destination – and it is only a short walk from London’s theatreland. Book a stay at any of the hotels near Kensington London and head out to the Oasis Sports Centre. Tucked away in a side street close to Covent Garden and offers a great place to swim in the heart of London. Sunbathe on the sun terrace, take an Aquafit class in the indoor pool and enjoy the pleasure of gently heated water in the long outdoor pool.
