In London, outdoor swimming pools triumph -and not always heated-, at any time of the year
In the Ancient Rome swimming was part of the elementary education curriculum. and it is believed that it was Gaius Maecenas, political adviser to Augustus and protector of talents such as Virgil and Horace, the one who built the first heated pool , more than two thousand years ago.
In London, however, in the XXI century and more than a hundred years after the first Olympics of the modern era, which led to the popularity of swimming, outdoor pools are a hit –and not always heated-, at any time of the year.
BROCKWELL LIDO
Embedded in one of the corners of Brockwell Park, this Olympic swimming pool built in 1937 is located in the south of the city, next to the Herne Hill station. At the beginning of the 20th century, swimming pools began to be called lido in the UK to inject some Venetian glamor into the British capital.
This historic pool features a solarium around it where it is possible to sunbathe and is a listed building (Grade II listed) since 2003. It is open all year (Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 7.30pm and weekends from 8am to 7pm) and it is not heated.
coffee serves artisan pizzas and has outdoor tables overlooking the pool. Currently due to the prevention measures of Covid19 reservations are required and only sessions of one hour maximum are allowed.
HAMSPTEAD HEALTH PONDS
Hampstead Heath Park has more than thirty ponds, but only three are designated for bathing. The heath It is one of the green lungs of the British capital with 320 hectares of wooded area and ancient trees under which to shelter from the sun.
This park, located in the north, is very different from other parks in London and what makes it different is that it is care to have a wild look, so with a ride on the Heath you already feel that you are very far from the city, despite being half an hour by tube from Piccadilly Circus.
This park has more than 30 ponds, but only three are dedicated to swimming
The history of the park dates back to XVI century, when its springs supplied water to the city. Nowadays, many Londoners share the waters of the ponds with the ducks, both swimming and taking a quick dip.
The mixed pond, in which men and women can bathe, is the closest to the Hampstead Heath Tube Station, while the other two ponds, one exclusively for women and the other for men, are closer to bus stops Highgate and Archway.
During the summer the ponds are open from 7 am to 8 pm. This year for the first time it is necessary pay to bathe -until now there was a little box where you could leave "the will"-, and currently, due to the extraordinary measures by Covid19, it is need to book in advance.
LONDON FIELDS LIDO
In one of the most gentrified neighborhoods of the British capital, hackney, is where the outdoor pool of London Fields.
This Olympic pool is open daily, whatever the weather
Olympic swimming pool that opens daily whatever the weather since its reopening in 2006, -which in England can lead to strong emotions-, its waters are always at a pleasant 25 degrees. Besides having several lanes available for swimming, there is also a cafe and a solarium and all this with views of the London Fields park, which has a Green Flag, the highest recognition in terms of parks and green spaces in the United Kingdom. this pool open from 6.30am to 9pm every day.
BECKENHAM PLACE LAKE
Situated in southeast of the capital, in the Lewisham neighborhood, this is a new option for London dips as this georgian lake It has been recently restored. The lake is part of Beckenham Place Park, a green space of 96 hectares that also has a cafe, soccer fields and tennis courts.
Located in a beautiful natural environment, the lake has a team of lifeguards. Also, if swimming does not convince you, another option to enjoy the environment from the water is kayak sessions.
Covid19 prevention measures require advance reservation to be able to bathe in this lake, which is open on alternate days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7am to 6pm and Sunday from 7am to 5pm and what allows one hour sessions.
Also, it is worth visit the adjoining Georgian mansion, a listed building (Grade II listed) built by John Cator in the 1760s and that it has record store and yoga studios, plus artist studios.
Bathing in a Georgian lake? Of course!
SHOREDITCH HOUSE
Is coveted 16 meter long swimming pool, with a bar next to it, and with fabulous views of the City of London for being located on the roof, it is not within everyone's reach. Only guests of the Shoreditch House Hotel, members of the private club you are a part of, or friends of members, Since members can bring a companion, they can enjoy it.
Popular with Instagrammers and instantly recognizable for its famous red and white striped loungers, This heated pool is open year-round from 7am to 10pm.
This coveted 16 meter long pool has fabulous views of the City of London