In the midst of the biggest heatwave in Britain, Erin McMillin looks into staying cool in London...
This weekend is going to be HOTT and as the resident American intern, I’ve been missing my summers by the pool, terribly. So I’ve made it my mission to ease my need for home and to find the best places to lounge under the sun (i.e. lidos, ponds, fountains, rivers, anywhere to cool off).
Here’s a few I found—the bad news, I can count the number of pools in London using number of fingers on my hands (if you haven’t noticed, London is a little cramped for space), the good news, THERE ARE POOLS:
Brockwell Lido
Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, London SE24 0PA
Tel: 0207 274 3088
Built in 1937, this Grade II pool attracts a large number of Londoners who want to cool off from the summer heat. Area includes sun terraces, BBQs, and plenty of space to lay your towel out under the shade. Prices run about £4.00 or £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for children.
Charlton Lido
Shooters Hill Road, London SE18 4LX
Tel: 0208 8567180
Located in the lovely Southeast of England right in the middle of a landscaped park. A hot spot for the summer. However, this pool is only open on the weekends and unheated. Alas, we can’t get everything, but this week’s weather willing have you jumping in faster than you can say Kelly Clarkson.
Highgate Ponds, Hampstead Heath
East Heath Road, London NW3
Tel: 0207 485 4491
These ponds hold tradition that go back until the late 19th century as Londoners found it perfectly acceptable to take a dip in these waters in the wee hours before work. Hampstead Heath contains three ponds—men’s, ladies’, and mixed—and is open daily from 07.00-19.00. Relax in this rural setting and get away from the fast-paced life of the city. However, unlike the generations before, this dip is not free. The price to swim: £2.00 and £1.00 concessions.
Hampton Heated Open-air Pool
High Street, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2ST
Tel: 020 8255 1116
One of the only pools I’ve found with a springboard and slides because c’mon, how much fun can you have just wading? Also an area for laps with fast and slow lanes. Opening this Tuesday (18th of July) so get there soon. Costs £4.00 or £5.00 for an adult swimmer
Oasis Swimming Pool, Central London
Oasis Sports Centre,
32 Endell Street, London WC2H 9AG
Tel: 0207 831 1804
Another pool with a long-standing tradition, this site first began as a Turkish bathe used by Queen Anne. Oasis includes two indoor pools and one open-air pool, which was used as a static water tank during the Second World War—another interesting historical fact. The open-air pool proves to be the most popular swimming locale as use continues even throughout the freezing winter weather.
Parliament Hill Lido (aka. Hampstead Heath Lido)
Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road, Hampstead, NW5
Tel: 0207 485 3873
Located in North London, this lido reopened last year after impressive refurbishments including art-deco design and stainless steel lining to naturally heat the pools. A 70 x 30 m space, this expanse allows plenty of room to socialize or get in a few laps. Also includes a paddling pond to keep an eye on the little ones. Great view of the London skyline and within walking distance from Highgate Ponds.
The Serpentine Lido, Central London
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Tel: 0207 706 3422
Part of Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, this ‘lido’ has become a very popular watering hole. Great place to sunbathe with deck chairs and a tiled veranda. Paddling pool, sandpit, swings, and performances from 2:30-4pm for the kids. If you’re hungry, there’s a restaurant next door, but remember to wait at least one hour before jumping back in or else you’ll be attacked by a school of frenzied piranhas…or get cramps, whatever (at least that’s what my grandmother told me).
Tooting Bec Lido
Tooting Bec Road, London SW16 1RU
Tel: 0208 871 7198
The first thing that attracted me to this lido was that Brad Pitt was once spotted here while filming the movie Snatch. But besides that point, Tooting Bec is one of the earliest and largest open-air pools in London. Also includes a suite of jacuzzis and saunas. Open from 6am-7:30pm daily.
Somserset House Fountains
Somerset House, Strand WC 2R
Tel: 020 7847 4600
A great way to bring out your inner-child. Watch the intricate water display and dash in and out of the jets trying to not get wet. Pretend the water is molten lava or better yet acid, sulphuric acid, acid that seeps from the depths...
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