Bank Holiday Bathing | London’s Top Pools and Ponds To Cool Off In
Grab your swimming costume, sun cream and a cold beverage as this weekend is (finally) set to be a scorcher. Who needs a holiday in Spain when the temperature is due to reach 20 degrees in Mile End? Here are our top picks of the pools and ponds to hit this weekend.
Hampstead Ponds, Hampstead Heath
There might be ducks, mud and cold water but a dip in Hampstead Heath ponds is nonetheless, glorious. Follow their Twitter account for regular updates on the water temperature and mentally prepare for a chill. Currently, tickets are released on Eventbrite every Monday at 12 noon for the week ahead. Check the City of London website for the latest release and to book your spot.
Opening times: The Mixed Pond opens at 7am and closes at 8.30pm (last entry 8pm)
Price: Day ticket, £4.05
Brockwell Lido, Brixton
Nestled in the corner of Brockwell Park, the lido is a much-loved local landmark that has been at the heart of Brixton’s community since 1937. Enjoy the retro changing rooms and onsite Café while you’re there.
Opening times: 6.30am-7pm
Price: £8
Book your spot - https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/brockwell-lido/login/
Image: better.org.uk
Oasis Leisure Centre, Holborn
As the name suggests this oasis of calm and tranquillity in the centre of London is a great spot for your long weekend. The heated pool is the perfect place to unwind and even has a little sun terrace to top up your tan.
Opening times: 9.30am-6pm
Book now: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/camden/oasis-sports-centre
Photo Credit: @better_uk
Stoke Newington West Reservoir Centre, Hackney
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Hackney, the reservoir centre offers a range of watersports including canoeing and yachting. Open water swimming is still at the heart of what they do and you can access the water for a dip anytime you like. The water temperature is currently 12.2 degrees - wetsuits are highly recommended!
Opening times: 7am-7.30pm
Price: £10 for non-members
Visitors must book: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/west-reservoir-centre#
Photo Credit: @better_uk
Camberwell Leisure Centre
Although we’re forever optimistic, it wouldn’t be a Bank Holiday without a backup plan. An excellent ‘wet weather’ option this weekend is a day relaxing in or by the pool at the Camberwell Leisure Centre. A leisure centre may not sound luxe, but just wait until you see the beautifully renovated Victorian ironwork and skylight windows. Bookings are open but limited spaces are available due to social distancing measures.
Opening times: 7am - 6pm
Price: £4.65
Book your slot: https://profile.everyoneactive.com/login
Photo Credit: www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/
Ready to make a splash? We’d love to hear where you’re off to this weekend in the comments below. If you like our blog, you’ll love our Instagram.