London Lido's

What’s the one thing you need most during summer in the city? Tom Ford sunglasses? A limitless supply of ice lollies? No, a swimming pool! Obviously there are not many of us lucky enough to have an outside space, let alone one big enough to have a pool in, so where can you go to don a bikini or dodgy speedo’s and becoming a sun kissed bathing beauty? The Lido that’s where.

I remember throughout the winter reading stories of insane people getting up at 6am on a crisp November morning, pulling on their cozzies and hitting the local Lido for a 50 length dip in the icy waters. At the time I thought, ok you’re actually completely mad. But now that the sun has decided to make an appearance, these old fashioned swimming
pools seem a very plausible way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Add to that, the fact that we’re all now being so totally credit crunched that the finance for holidays suddenly seems just that little too much of a stretch- and your local Lido is looking like far and away the best and easiest option for a refreshing dip in the heat.

One of the most famous Lidos in London, the Brockwell Park Lido in Dulwich (affectionately known as ‘Brixton’s Beach’) is open from Monday 1st June until Sunday 30th August 2009, for further information on prices and opening times, call 020 7274 3088. Apparently it has a strong community spirit and relaxed and open atmosphere.

Historic Tooting Bec Lido boasts the biggest outdoor swimming pool in Europe, with a 90 metre main pool, children’s paddling area and snack bar. The Lido is open to the public from 6am to 8pm, Sunday 24th May to Monday 31st August 2009. For further information, prices and opening times call 020 8871 7198.

Other Lidos can be found all over London- Hampton, Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park, Richmond and Covent Garden.