Joy of the lido. Photo © Studio1One
If you’ve got a weekend in London booked, our Travelodge pool guide has you covered. There’s nothing like a dip on a hot summer’s day, and you can still do just that in the middle of the capital (and even a bit further away).
Just remember to pack your cossies and bathing caps along with your sunscreen.
1. Brockwell Lido
A London institution in the best sense, this glorious Grade II-listed art deco building is the heart of the outdoor swimming scene in south London.
Set in a picturesque corner of lush Brockwell Park, the pool is just a few minutes’ bus ride or 15 minutes’ walk from Brixton Station. If you’re staying in our Clapham, Vauxhall or Battersea Travelodge hotels, this is the swim scene for you.
It’s kid-friendly and you can even book swimming lessons for all ages. Satisfy hunger pangs at the entrance cafe, and definitely try the scrambled eggs – they’re famous.
But it’s not just about the main pool. Brockwell Lido boasts a gym, an indoor cycling studio and a hydrotherapy pool, so whether you’re with the little ‘uns or just need some R&R, you’ll find summer happiness.
There are a number of price deals for families (including 1 adult, 1 child), so just check the website. Under-5s go free.
Our tip: arrive early as the lido gets crowded on hot days.
2. London Fields Lido
A huge sundeck and sunbathing area, a 50m Olympic-size heated pool, a café stocking the best local produce – London Fields Lido doesn’t do summer fun by halves.
Whether you’re with the whole family or looking for a day out with your partner, this northeast London locale has a good balance between kid-friendly fun and grown-up summer socialising.
Tan time. Photo © miriamvandamme
The lido is in the northwest corner of London Fields (London Fields Westside), and the closest transport links are Bethnal Green Tube, London Fields Overground and Hackney Downs Overground. There are also a number of buses that run nearby, including the 55 that goes through central London.
The price for adults is £4.80 and for kids it’s £2.90.
Our tip: once you’ve done your laps, hunt down the table tennis table at the southeast corner of London Fields and join in a game. Or just head for the cafes, food stalls and cool shops along Broadway Market.
3. The Serpentine Lido
Slap bang in the middle of London (it’s at the south end of Hyde Park), the Serpentine Lido offers the most back-to-nature experience when it comes to outdoor swimming.
Over 110 yards of open-water swimming, plenty of green space and a kid-friendly atmosphere (there’s a paddling pool and a playground), this is the ideal place to have some fun in the sun just minutes from Oxford Street. You can get here easily from South Kensington or Marble Arch Tube stations.
View from Serpentine Lido. Photo © patronestaff
You’ll also have access to changing rooms, but you will need to pay £3.50 for each deck chair you use.
Entry fees are £4.80 for adults and £1.80 for under-16s, but they do do family deals, so check the details on the website.
Our tip: if you’re going with kids, be sure to have 2 adults for every under-16 child as there are safety regulations for the lido.
