A Celebration of the UK Lido

Our good friend Lindsey, an avid open-air swimmer, has been on a mission to visit all the Lidos in the UK.

We asked Lindsey to take us with her to one of her favourites ...

 

Why did you choose to take us to Tooting Bec Lido?

"Tooting Bec is one of the UK’s oldest lidos, built in 1906.  The pool is 91 meters long by 33 metres wide and is one of the UK’s largest freshwater lidos.  This large blue pool is flanked by iconic primary coloured changing room doors, so it's a real beauty !" 

Tell us a little bit about the history of Tooting Bec Lido

"It was originally a pond, achieving its lido status in the 1930s when a filtration system was added. Swim galas, demonstrations of diving, competitions etc. brought people from the area together, in the spirit of community and well-being. 

Women were begrudgingly permitted access one morning a week. It was not until 1931 that mixed bathing was allowed.

The lido fell into decline in the 1980s and is now, fortunately on the up again as governments and powers that be realise (at last!) that being outside and exercising is good for you!"

Christmas morning line-up for the race for the Burton Trophy 1924

Can you swim all year round?

"Oh yes! Open all year round – and unheated - the die-hard swim set get to have fun breaking the ice to get in during the winter, a rite of passage and a test of one’s commitment to open-water swimming. For the softies among us, there is a sauna (only in winter, however!) to take the nip off and bring back feeling into the extremities."

What was your visit like?

"My son Henry and I visited Tooting Bec Lido on an afternoon in May. The air temperature was warm, the pool a rather cool (and unheated – you’ve been warned!) 16.7 degrees.

Bravely taking the smooth metal steps down into the shallow end, we embarked on the longest length that seemed to go on forever, to a gradual decline to 2.1 metres.  We both found it easy to warm up especially when the sun came out, making the views of surrounding vegetation an absolute joy."

Schools had broken up the day we went and it was so good to see so many young people meeting up and having fun.

A rendez-vous for any age, so many people taking pleasure in their companions or moments of solitude and mindfulness.

Keeping fit physically and mentally in an open, wide space for anyone to access is what Tooting Bec has on offer, nothing pretentious, just your local baths.

We ended our visit to Tooting Bec with a hot cup of tea in the café after showering in the modern, almost Doctor Who like “pods” on either side of the entrance. I got a sense that community spirit and pride is strong here. What a pleasure and open for everyone to enjoy."

 What were the highlighting features of Tooting Bec Lido?

"Tooting Bec has its original fountain which is so lovely to see, and the pool itself is spacious and there's room to pass others in the lane for serious swimmers. Plus, personally I just love all the coloured changing rooms, adding colour no matter the weather!"

Lindsey wears the Louise Lido Dress with the Vera Divers Cardigan, historical palava prints brought back to celebrate wild and outdoor swimming in the UK.

Thanks so much Lindsey