As London braces for temperatures soaring to 40°C this week, many outdoor pools are sold out, but Park Road Lido in Crouch End still has tickets available for Friday evening and weekend slots. The lido, built in 1926, offers a refreshing escape with lane swimming divided by speed and a family-friendly area.
Heatwave triggers lido rush
According to the Met Office, there is a strong chance the record for June's hottest temperature of 35.6°C, recorded in Camden Square in 1957 and Southampton in 1976, could be broken this week. With temperatures hitting 29°C today, 36°C on Tuesday, and a potential 40°C on Wednesday, Londoners are scrambling for cooling spots.
Popular lidos like London Fields and Brockwell Lido have sold out quickly, but Park Road Lido remains an overlooked gem. Admission costs £9.95 for an adult, and slots are bookable in advance. While the ideal post-work slot (4:30pm-5:30pm) is sold out from Monday to Thursday, a 60-minute swim at the same time on Friday still has space. Countless slots are available all week between 7am and 4:30pm, and the weekend is completely open, with highs of 27°C on Saturday and 26°C on Sunday.
Community praise and amenities
Park Road Lido is highly regarded among North Londoners. In a Google review, Chrissy Kelly described it as a 'wonderful lido in the heart of Crouch End,' while Cinzia Ferrari said she comes 'here to swim almost everyday.' Carolyn Stephens added, 'This lido is a piece of heaven and keeps me sane.' Another user, R, called it 'gorgeous,' noting the pool was 'lovely and clean and spacious.'
The lido features ample green grass for lounging, unlike the concrete common at many London lidos. Some complaints about toilet paper and a smelly gym have been noted, but reviewers acknowledge it is a council-run leisure centre, not a premium facility.
Alternative: Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
For another option, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, London's first floating swimming pool suspended in the River Thames, opened last week. It offers a 50-metre pool with six lanes, natural water, and a food and drink menu. Lane swimming costs £10 per hour, with concessions at £8.
Other lidos in the south
Brightlingsea Lido in Essex, a historic tidal saltwater pool converted in 1932, reopened for summer. Adult admission is £7.50, children over two £5.50, and under twos go free. Inflatables cost £4.50 and sunbeds £2.50. Brockwell Lido in South London was ranked 19th globally in a study of top cold water dip destinations based on positive reviews.
