London is a surprising city. Within its bounds, you’ll find all manner of exciting sights – ranging from Japanese gardens to a traditional Hindu temple carved entirely out of stone. But even within our capital’s most bustling streets, you’ll find surprises. In the City of London, there’s a ruined church that’s become a charming park. And not far from there, you’ll even find an outdoor pool smack bang in the middle of one of London’s most popular areas.
Hidden away in Covent Garden, just across the street from the Shaftesbury Theatre, you’ll find the Oasis Sports Centre and Lido. Yup, that’s right. There’s a lido in Covent Garden.
The Oasis Sports Centre is something of a local secret. While some people are travelling out to Tooting Bec, Brockwell, or even Guildford, for a swim, those in the know are taking a dip in the heart of the city.
Oasis Sports Centre and Lido
Just steps away from a world-class theatre and a bustling shopping area, Oasis Sports Centre transports you away from London. The sports centre features a 27.5-metre outdoor pool, outdoor sauna, and a large rooftop terrace for sunbathing. The pool is heated to a cosy 25°C, and it’s open all year round. Yup, even in the middle of winter you can pop in for a refreshing outdoor dip!
The facility also boasts a 25-metre indoor pool, heated to an even warmer 27°C. And of course there are plenty of other exercise facilities. There’s a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned gym, 3 squash courts, and spacious studios that host a range of fitness classes.
And lest you think its location would make it prohibitively expensive, you can swim in the pool for a similar price to other London lidos. Sessions start at just £2.80 for juniors, or £8.45 for adults (with up to 2 under-5s included).
So, next time you’re sweating it out in Covent Garden – why not take the time for a quick dip?
📍 32 Endell Street, London, WC2H 9AG.
🚇 The nearest stations are Holborn and Tottenham Court Road.
🏊 Find out more here.
