Liquid Assets
Diving into a chilly pool of water in December, January or February might sound like madness, but sometimes it can actually be just what you need to sort your head out. Joe Minihane is the author of Floating: A Life Regained, an account of his obsession with wild swimming and its restorative qualities. Joe found that diving into pools, lakes, rivers and the sea not only kept him in physical shape, it helped him battle the stresses of work and big-city life. Since the book was written, he’s attempted to swim in all of New York’s five boroughs, and for this issue, he’s rounded up some of his favourite swimming spots in east London. There are no gravel pits and canals in his list (thankfully), but instead a set of curated lidos, indoor pools and outdoor spots ideally suited for brightening up your mind, body and soul this season.
Charlton Lido
Swimmers who ride the bus deep into Charlton to take to its lido’s waters are in for a treat. First opened in 1939 at the end of the so-called “lido boom”, this pool reopened in 2013 following a major £2 million refurbishment. Like London Fields, its 50m expanse is heated, with lanes tacked out most of the time to service the serious swimmers who come here whatever the weather. That’s not to say this isn’t a place for frolicking. Come midsummer, it’s impossible to do more than a cursory length in the main area without having to work your way around kids and families making a splash. For post-swim enjoyment, there are two sun terraces, as well as an excellent cafe upstairs. And for those for whom swimming isn’t enough, there’s also a fitness centre attached, too.
Hornfair Park, London SE18 4LX
London Royal Docks
Open-water swimming has been officially allowed in the Royal Docks since 2015, with the area becoming a haven for those who want to hone their technique and get their times down. Lifeguards are on hand at all times, and swimmers are required to wear a National Open Water Swimming Coaching Association (NOWCA) wristband, which costs £12. As with Stoke Newington, there are marked courses, though these are a touch lengthier than those on the Seven Sisters Road, at 400m, 750m and 1,500m, with triathletes in mind. Casual swimmers needn’t fear – there’s an open area for general swimming that makes for a less competitive and more relaxing experience. For the real hardy types, winter swimming is also on offer, with loops around the 400m course that get shorter as the temperature drops. These are guided swims, offering strength in numbers when just getting in the water can feel like a challenge.
Waterfront Studios, London E16 1AG
Stoke Newington west Reservoir Centre
A reservoir overlooked by tower blocks, nestled just south of the busy Seven Sisters Road, may not seem like the most obvious place for a dip. But the Stoke Newington West Reservoir Centre has become one of London’s finest outdoor swimming spots in recent years. It’s a well-organised affair, offering different courses to suit different abilities, with 200m, 400m and 750m options available. For first-timers, this isn’t a case of simply showing up and diving in. Instructors are on hand to deliver a dedicated open-water swimming induction, to ensure everyone stays safe. Once in, the chance to swim alongside the local birdlife, or flip on your back and watch the grey skies of north-east London make it a visceral alternative to the local indoor pool. Best of all, there are hot showers and a first-rate cafe attached, meaning you can warm up and grab a massive slice of cake afterwards.
The West Reservoir Centre, London N4 2HA
Ironmonger Row Baths
First opened as a public washhouse in 1931, the baths at Ironmonger Row are arguably the most historic in east London. Located just behind the former church of St Luke’s on Old Street, they include a Turkish bath in the basement and laundry facilities, which date back to the days when locals could come and clean their clothes as well as take a hot bath. Today, the Grade II-listed building is home to a swanky pool and spa, part of a £16 million regeneration that saw the baths close for two years between 2010 and 2012. At 30.5m, the pool is a unique length, often catching out casual swimmers looking to clock up sufficient laps to complete a kilometre. Access to the spa downstairs is available separately, with steam rooms, sauna, tepidarium and plunge pool all available, as well as a relaxation area. Gowns, towels and flip-flops are provided. It’s the ideal way to unwind after a lengthy swim or a day cooped up in the office.
1 Norman Street, London EC1V 3AA
London Fields Lido
Closed for 18 years between 1988 and 2006, the rebirth of London Fields Lido is part of a wider resurgence in outdoor pools around the UK. Refurbished in 2016, with new changing areas and improved access, a massive 250,000 people swim here each year. Inevitably, it’s most popular in summer, when the lines snake out of the door and across the park outside, with the hordes spreading out their towels and dozing in the sun at the far end of the pool. But London Fields Lido really comes into its own when the nights draw in and the temperature slides. Because it’s heated, a welcome steam rises from the water as you emerge from the changing room, the blast of cool air on skin immediately soothed by sinking into the deep end and ploughing out a few lengths. Like all the best lidos, ability doesn’t matter. There are lanes for speedy swimmers and those who prefer pootling up and down having a chat. Everyone is welcome.
London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU
Kings Oak Hotel, Epping Forest
Epping Forest is close enough to London that it doesn’t feel like a trek, but far enough away to give you a sense of escaping the daily grind. While its woodland is dotted with myriad ponds and streams, perfect for more intrepid swimmers, the Kings Oak Hotel in High Beach has the perfect alternative: an outdoor pool. Dating back to the 1930s and surrounded by broadleaf trees, this lido is a summer haven. There’s pool-side waitress service, for both cocktails and meals, while the hotel offers swimming memberships in the warmer months. Alternatively, you can eat in the pub or grab afternoon tea after a long swim. Just be warned, though: you might want to save your trip here until the temperatures rise a bit. The water is unheated, so if you’re not used to the cold, you’re likely to feel it when you start practising your shallow dives, even if it’s a scorching day.
Paul's Nursery Road, Loughton IG10 4AE
