A new lido has arrived on the scene – and it’s making a huge splash. In a picture-perfect estate on the outskirts of London is a stunning new oasis begging for you to take a dip. Birch (Selsdon) is one of Croydon’s newest and swankiest hotel openings, opening in late March this year, and is now home to a lush lido open to hotel guests and members, perfect for some summer splashes.
The 25-metre lido looks like something out of a bougie resort in the South of France, rather than a South London outdoor pool. Designed by the Sella Concept studio, the inspiration was taken from the golden age of outdoor swimming pools in the 1920s and 1930s and has restored the former outdoor pool into a tranquil lido. Pristine sunbeds and red pool umbrellas line the pool, with fire pits on either end to warm guests for swimming no matter the season or weather. A pergola is set to be installed later on to house the seating at the end of the pool and private fire pits are to be added too.
There’ll be some poolside fare too to fuel your water activities with a special food and beverage grab-and-go service that include a range of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. With food covered, it leaves you to spend the whole day lazing by the pool – ah, what a perfect day. There’s also an art deco DJ deck to greet you on arrival and will be on hand during the series of poolside events that Birch (Selsdon) will be hosting, including pool parties and waterside wellness, all part of Birch’s growing cultural programme.
The lido is set within a 200-acre estate that acts as a hotel and members club. Surrounded by rolling hills, the hotel and lido are the perfect setting for some calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city whilst only being a stone’s throw away, with direct links from central London to Croydon. The lido is open from 9am till sunset every day, children are welcome to use the lido between 10am till close Sunday to Wednesday and 10am-3pm Thursday to Saturday.
For more information, head to Birch’s official website here.