English lido hidden in the heart of London that people may not realise exists – and it’s heated all year round
THERE’S a heated outdoor swimming pool in central London that gets missed by most tourists.
Less well-known than other lidos in London like Brockwell Lido, London Fields Lido and Tooting Bec Lido, the Oasis Sports Centre is arguably a quieter place to visit on a hot summer‘s day.
Located on Endell Street, the Oasis Sports Centre is just a five-minute walk from Covent Garden Tube Station.
Despite being in the heart of central London, the outdoor swimming pool isn’t well-known among holidaymakers.
Known only to locals and lido enthusiasts, the outdoor pool stretches for 27.5m and is heated throughout the year.
Because it is set inside a sports centre, there are other facilities at the central London lido too, including an indoor pool and gym that operates a range of classes.
There are also three squash courts, a sauna, and a large rooftop terrace on the site.
Over the past few months, the outdoor swimming pool has been praised by visitors on both TripAdvisor and Google, with one person saying: “This swimming pool is top-notch!”
Someone else added: “A public outdoor heated pool in central London for £7.20, it’s absolutely a hidden gem.”
Another person wrote: “I love this pool, and I can’t believe it’s in the middle of Covent Garden, that’s so random.
“The water temperature was balmy, the deep end was super nice and deep which I find is quite rare in london pools.
Entry into the lido costs £7.20, with advance booking encouraged as it’s popular with locals.
OTHER UK LIDOS
There are plenty of other little-known lidos across the UK from tidal pools to outdoor pools that have been likened to exotic destinations.
Shoalstone Seawater Pool
One of those places is Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham.
It’s one of the few tidal pools left in the UK, and it’s been compared to pools in much warmer climates thanks to its amazing views of the ocean.
The Lido Guide wrote: “Any swimmer who has spent any time at all looking at swimming-related social media feeds will be familiar with the Bondi Icebergs sea pool, even if they have never set foot in Australia.
“We’re not usually in the business of comparisons […] but in the case of Shoalstone, the comparison is so powerful it would be remiss not to mention it.”
Ashby Leisure Centre
The outdoor swimming pool, at Ashby Leisure Centre, first opened in 1929.
This tiny UK lido has “chilled seaside vibes” as well as a beach-themed play area and cheap tickets for children.
Dubbed Ashby-by-the-sea by the banners surrounding it, it’s the only public lido in Leicestershire.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
And here are five outdoor pools that look like they’re abroad.
Still want to see Australia without leaving the country? A seaside town in England is said to have beaches that rival the land down under.