As summer weather arrives in the UK, many Britons have found themselves flocking to outdoor swimming pools and lidos in a bid to cool off. However, there is one lido which visitors have gone so far as to say it feels as though they have been transported to Spain when relaxing around the pool on hot days.
Charlton Lido is located in South London, boating an Olympic-size heated swimming pool which is open all year round.
The swimming pool offers dedicated lanes for fitness swimming and is open to both members and non-members. Offering a range of swim sessions plus a smaller children’s pool, it’s a popular place to swim for fitness, as a family and for leisure.
The pool also hosts regular ‘Swim for All’ sessions, perfect for all levels of swimmer and those who want to take a casual dip.
Swimming slots are best booked in advance, with pay-as-you-go spaces available for £11.50. Senior and Junior tickets are available for £5.50 and Flex Members can swim for £9.50. The pool also offers additional discounts for those with a Greenwich One Card or for off-peak swimming sessions with a Greenwich One Card.
Though the pool is located just south of the River Thames in London, some visitors have said they did not know the pool existed before their visit. On Google reviews, one visitor said: “Love this place! Who knew this place existed just 20 minutes from the City?”
They also added that on the sunny day they visited, the swimming pool seemed to transport them miles away to the coasts of Tenerife. They wrote: “This is the place I’ve been searching for.
“They have a members’ area to sunbathe on loungers and it’s practically empty. Then they have a spin station at the head of the pool…I swear I feel like I’m in Tenerife.”
On Tripadvisor, another visitor described it as a must-visit destination for those looking to cool off with a swim.
“If you like lidos you must visit this one. Massive 50 metre Olympic sized pool and heated,” they wrote.
“Very clean, great facilities including great showers and hairdryers. You buy a token for your locker on your debit card. Easy to park outside, use the Y pay app. I will definitely be going back there.
“If you are a member of Better £5.50, otherwise £11.00-ish. You have to pre-buy your ticket before you arrive. If you are a Better member do it on your app.” [SIC]