Do you live or work in London? In town for a visit? Do you enjoy swimming outdoors and are looking for new places to swim? The new guidebook Outdoor Swimming London takes you on an aquatic tour to bring you 140 best wild swims, lakes and outdoor pools, all in or within easy reach of the capital.
John Weller and Lola Culsán share five of their favourite places to swim on the periphery of London: all accessible by tube, train, boat or bike. Perfect for an adventurous day out.
Luxborough Lakes, Chigwell (lifeguarded lake)
We took a trip to the far-eastern end of the Central Line one spring morning. What we love about London is that when you think you are done, a new thing pops up. The journey to Luxborough Lakes was easy; we got lost a bit on the way, but this added more spice to the excursion. The lake was beautiful and the big sky and open space filled us with joy. The hospitality and welcome that the manager Dermott provided was friendly and touching. There was a huge fire burning, amplifying the lake with vibrant orange shades. Surrounding the fire were people preparing to swim and others who had already been in, sipping hot drinks. The water was clear, cold and refreshing, releasing our energy; the fire was toasty and relaxed our spirits but excited that something so enchanting had appeared in our lives. Within minutes we made new friends and had easy-going conversations with like-minded Londoners, all with different accents but the same smiles and joyful energy. Seasonal swimming sessions – check Facebook group for details.
Directions:
🚇 Roding Valley + 1-mile walk (15 mins). From station, turn R down Station Way; after 100m, turn L onto Buckhurst Way and then R onto Chestnut Avenue, continuing onto Hornbeam Road; after 200m, turn R into Newton Court; walk past the green garages and bins, through the metal gates and continue in a straight line to the opposite side of field; follow narrow riverside track for 100m, under railway bridge, and cross bridge on L; turn L down road, back under the same railway bridge, and in 100m find entrance to lake
🚘 Free parking onsite.
GPS: 51.6193, 0.0535
Address: Luxborough Lakes, Chigwell IG7 5DF
Website: facebook.com/groups/309831223090407
Hampton Pool, Hampton (heated public pool)
At the edge of thousand-acre Bushy Park, home to herds of red and fallow deer, perches Hampton Pool. Originally conceived to float in the Thames, the lido was built in 1922 as an unheated swimming pool. Closed in 1981, the pool was refurbished, heated and reopened in 1985 following a campaign against its demolition by a local community-action group. After a very satisfying swim, we purchased coffee from the Sun Deck Café and watched all the action below from the rooftop sun terrace. Hampton Pool is run by a registered charity. We found staff helpful and there was a friendly vibe from other swimmers. Summer picnic concerts are held at the pool and there is a Poolside Swim and BBQ Club that holds evening member sessions and runs fundraising events. Hampton Pool is open 365 days of the year. There is level access to the pool; a poolside mechanical chair hoist provides access for customers with disabilities; and the shallow steps have handrails. There are also accessible toilets and changing rooms. Nearby is Hampton Court Palace, the former pied-à-terre of one Henry Tudor.
Directions:
🚄 Hampton Station + 0.7-mile walk (15 mins). From the station, turn L onto Station Road and after 600m turn L onto High Street. Hampton Pool is on your R after 600m. Alternatively, jump on bus 111 or 226
🚲 National Cycle Route 4 passes through Hampton Court.
🛥 Regular boat services between Westminster and Hampton Court Landing Stage (3.5 hours) + 1.5-mile walk (30 mins)
🚌 R68, R70, 285, 111, 216
🚗 Limited parking on-site. ♿ Two accessible parking spaces.
GPS: 51.4185, -0.3581
Address: Hampton Pool, High Street, Hampton, TW12 2ST
Website: hamptonpool.co.uk
Saxon Lake, Harmondsworth (wild swim)
Between Heathrow Airport and the M4 lies the ancient parish of Harmondsworth, complete with village green, historic church and a Grade I-listed Great Barn. Behind Harmondsworth lies Saxon Lake, a former gravel pit, excavated to build the motorway and the airport. A public footpath through the village cemetery led us to a narrow lane flanked by oxeye daisies, yellow mustard flowers and red clover. We soon caught our first glimpse of sparkling Saxon Lake, ringed by mature trees. We followed the path clockwise around the lake and spotted a few potential entry points but settled on one only yards from the M4. Noise from the motorway hadn’t deterred the local swans and sandpipers from the lake (the DANGER signs didn’t discourage us either). As we stepped in through warm, clear water along a gravel lake floor, a heron flew overhead, its wide wingspan rivalling those of the aeroplanes. We swam out to the middle of the lake, excited at our find – this unlikely wild-swimming haven amidst the frenetic traffic. The lake appears to be open access, and is well used by swimmers, but please seek permission or do your own research before you swim. Stop at The Five Bells in the village on your way back for drinks and great food in the beer garden.
Directions:
🚄 Paddington to West Drayton (25 mins) + 350 bus to Harmondsworth Lane (7 mins) + 0.5-mile walk (10 mins). From Five Bells pub in Harmondsworth, follow public footpath through St Mary’s Church cemetery and walk through gates. After 235m, turn L and follow the path around the lake. Lots of access points: choose one that best suits
🚘 Park on High Street, Harmondsworth, UB7 0AQ.
GPS: 51.4938, -0.4818
Royal Docks, London Docklands (lifeguarded lake)
The poster child for London urban swimming, the Royal Docks do not disappoint. Dive into what was the largest enclosed docks system in the world and you have the unique pleasure of swimming surrounded by the disused cranes and warehouses of London’s industrial past alongside sleek modern buildings, while, overhead, planes take off at ridiculously steep angles from the next-door London City Airport. With 400m, 750m and (sometimes) 1,500m routes marked out, it’s a good place to put in some distance, plus there’s plenty of room to swim unfettered by fellow splashers. The water quality is good, and it’s checked every two weeks. Facilities may be minimal but the venue is run on a safe (lifeguards in canoes) but relaxed and friendly basis. To fully appreciate the grandeur of the place, arrive by the Emirates Air Line from Greenwich, making this the only swim in London that you can arrive at by cable car. This is surely the most spectacular way to travel to a swim anywhere in the UK. From up on high you get a real sense of the sheer scale of the old docks, as well as just how inviting it all now looks. Post-swim sustenance can be found on the floating bar (they do pizzas), or at the other restaurants and cafés surrounding this glorious stretch of water.
Directions:
🚄 Royal Victoria Station + 300m walk (5 mins). Follow Seagull Lane for 200m. You will see Emirates Air Line station on your L. The swim is 100m further round the dock
🚲 Cycle Superhighway 3 or Thames Path from Central London, or take your bike on the DLR, Thames Clipper or Emirates Air Line cable car
🚇 North Greenwich Station + Emirates Air Line cable car (15 mins)
🛥 Thames Clipper to Royal Wharf Pier + 1-mile walk (20 mins).
GPS: 51.5067, 0.0170
Address: London Royal Docks open-water swimming, Dock Road, London, E16 1AH
Website: loveopenwater.co.uk/swimming-london-royal-docks
Chesham Moor Open-Air Pool (heated outdoor pool)
I know a land where the wild flowers grow Near, near at hand if by train you go, Metro-land. Metro-land. -George R. Sims, untitled, c. 1914
The delightful Chesham Moor Open-Air Pool lies far, far away at the suburban end of the Metropolitan Line. Cheerfully adorned with bunting, the 25m heated pool is open all year round, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The first swimming pool was built on the site in 1912, and in 1964 the pool and surrounding buildings were reconstructed. Modern-day facilities and classes include family swims, inflatable sessions and toddler swims; a gym; spinning classes; and tennis courts. Swimmers with disabilities benefit from a poolside hoist plus accessible toilets and changing rooms. In nearby Great Missenden, visit the Roald Dahl Museum, which celebrates the life and work of one of our favourite children’s authors.
Directions:
🚇 Metropolitan Line to Chesham (50 mins) + 0.7-mile walk (15 mins). Exit station, double back into alleyway on L and walk 300m; continue onto Punch Bowl Lane. L onto Red Lion Street and walk 300m. At roundabout, slight R onto Amersham Road for 300m. At next roundabout, first exit onto Moor Road and continue 450m
🚲 Bikes permitted on Metropolitan Line Monday to Friday before 7:30, between 9:30 and 16:00 and after 19:00; anytime on weekends and bank holidays
🚘 Park next to Moor Road Play Area, Shantung Place, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1SF
GPS: 51.6973, -0.6068 Price:
Website: cheshammoorfitness.org.uk/swim
Address: Chesham Moor Gym and Swim, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1SE
Outdoor Swimming London is available now for £18.99
About the authors:
John Weller and Lola Culsán and are authors of Outdoor Swimming London: 140 best wild swims and lidos within easy reach of the capital.
Also from John Weller and Lola Culsán: Wild Swimming Spain and Hidden Beaches Spain
Follow their adventures on Instagram @wildswimminglondon
Join us at Stanfords London on Wednesday 13th April 18:30 as we welcome John and Lola to talk about their new book Outdoor Swimming London and hear about lots more great swimming spots in the capital.
Tickets £5 Includes glass of wine/soft drink (£5.00 off the published price of Outdoor Swimming London for ticket holders when purchased on the evening).