You’d think in a city that’s as stereotypically rainy and wet as London, we’d rarely go looking for swimming spots. Why not just stand outside in the rain, right? And yet, despite our weather, London’s lidos get a lot of love – even in the winter! South London’s swimmers were left dry in late 2022, however, when London’s oldest lido, Tooting Bec Lido, closed for refurbishments. But now, following an enormous multi-million-pound makeover, it’s back in action and has officially reopened to the public!
Now, technically the lido actually re-opened (sort of) back in December of 2023. But this was only for members of the South London Swimming Club. As of today (May 29) the lido is now available for anyone to enjoy.
Prices start at just £5.20 for children, with family passes for two adults and two children available for £24.30. Additionally, Wandsworth Council’s ‘Access for All’ initiative allows for up to 250 local residents to visit every day, free of charge.
London’s oldest lido
Tooting Bec Lido dates all the way back to 1906, and it’s the largest open-air freshwater pool in the UK at over 90 metres long. Thanks to its iconic colourful changing cubicles, the lido has been the scene of TV adverts and filming. Brad Pitt even plunged into the waters of the pool for a scene in the 2000 Guy Ritchie film, Snatch.
Following its closure in 2022, the lido was given a comprehensive upgrade, to the tune of £4 million. The works resulted in the following changes:
- replacement of the pump house
- new sub-station to power pool pumps
- new UV filtration and water purification system
- new pipework
- new pool lining
- new landscaping around the water’s edge.
So it’s not just more efficient and safe – it’s prettier too!
To celebrate the re-opening, the lido hosted ‘The Big Splash’, with 1,000 ticket-holders turning up to inaugurate the newly re-opened pool. Among them was the guest of honour, Five-time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds.
Said Wandsworth Council Leader Simon Hogg:
“The oldest and best Lido in London is now open again following £4m worth of investment by Wandsworth Council.
“This investment means we have protected the lido for the next 50 years so that local people can enjoy it for generations to come.”
Find out more about the Tooting Bec Lido and the South London Swimming Club here.
📍 Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Road, SW16 1RU. The nearest stations are Streatham Hill and Tooting Bec.