London is so lucky to be home to many incredible lidos which stay open all-year round. Most people associate going to the lido as a summer adventure, but in recent times there has been a growing take-up of lido swimming as a winter hobby. More people are taking the plunge outdoors to enjoy the benefits of cold water swimming, from boosting our immune systems to helping manage our mental health and stress levels.
As an avid swimmer, I’ve always wanted to try out swimming in a London lido and experience the thrill of swimming in the open air. The prospect of visiting in winter always seemed incredibly daunting to me, as I thought cold water swimming was an activity best left for hardcore athletes that knew how to brave the cold.
But one crisp December morning, I decided to put my fears aside and go for my first ever winter swim at London Fields Lido in Hackney. Out of the several lidos I could have chosen, London Fields stood out as a good option for a beginner winter swim.
It has generous opening hours thanks to being well floodlit; the Olympic-sized pool is heated to a cosy 24 degrees; and it’s located in the heart of Hackney with very good bus and rail links. As I walked across London Fields itself to reach the lido, the atmosphere was serene with plenty of dog walkers and families enjoying the winter sunshine.
Waseem was impressed at the level of cleanliness at London Fields Lido
(Image: Waseem Mohamed)
As I strolled into the lido reception, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who helped sort out an issue with my booking. I had initially booked a “Swim Doctor” session with Better, the operator of London Fields Lido, but when I reached the lido my one-to-one swim lesson was unfortunately cancelled due to a booking error.
The lido staff, who were very apologetic and quick to resolve the issue, explained that I booked the session with too little notice for a teacher to become available, something that should be considered if you want to book a “Swim Doctor” with Better. Nonetheless, the staff were proactive in offering me a refund and allowed me to use the lido as a regular swimmer, so through the entrance gates I went.
Something that took me by surprise almost immediately was just how busy the lido was on this cold December morning. My usual London swimming pool is usually empty on a weekday morning, but London Fields was heaving with swimmers of all ages and abilities.
After quickly getting changed and putting my belongings away in the locker, I slowly waded my way into the pool. Adjusting my body to the cold temperatures was a challenge at first, but as I lowered myself into the heated pool I could feel my breathing slowly getting under control, and things would feel better once I started moving. As I found a gap in the swim lane traffic, I pushed off the wall to begin my first lap.
Within a few hundred metres, I quickly understood why cold water swimming was so popular here. I noticed feeling an incredible endorphin rush as I completed my first laps in the 50 metre pool, and equally felt my stress levels decreasing as I took in my surroundings. There was a gorgeous sunrise on the morning of my swim which glistened the steamy lido pool, and the only sounds I could hear were the splashes from fellow swimmers and the occasional airplane flying overhead.
Waseem is already planning his next trip to a London lido
(Image: Waseem Mohamed)
London Fields lido itself is incredibly well maintained and organised, which was helpful for a nervy winter swimmer like me. There were four double-width lanes available to use which cater to all swimming speeds, and I saw diehard triathletes training alongside leisurely breastrokers. The pool was also kept spotlessly clean which I find to be a rarity in London, with the only debris to worry about being the odd stray leaf.
Whereas in the summer, lidos are synonymously packed with sunbathers and causal swimmers, in winter London Fields is predominantly used by a dedicated batch of swimming enthusiasts. I noticed how there was a strong community feel around the lido, with staff members eager to strike conversations with pool regulars and many swimmers visiting as a couple or friend group. Despite the buzz of activity, there was plenty of space for everyone to have a dip, and I did not have any issues bumping into other swimmers in my lane!
Having spent nearly an hour racking up the lengths, before long it was time to hop out of the pool. Getting warmed up slowly is the key to being comfortable after a cold water swim, and London Fields has plenty of facilities to ensure you can do this.
There are changing rooms both indoors and on the poolside, plenty of accessible features such as unisex toilets, and most mercifully there are hot showers. There is also a small café by the lido entrance where you can pick up a warm drink after your swim.
As I finished getting changed and took a moment to relax on the many benches placed poolside, I reflected on what I learnt from my lido excursion. Having now given it a proper try, I have certainly caught the outdoor swimming bug, and would love to have another go at it if I get the chance again.
But my swim also allowed me to appreciate the greatness of London’s lidos. They represent the best of what this city has to offer, with a wonderful community feeling and a tranquil atmosphere that lets people take a break from the stresses of city life.
A winter lido swim is something that every Londoner should experience at least once, and I can’t think of a more magical setting to work out than a scenic open air lido.
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