Britain's best lidos and seaside pools Come on in the water's lovely! This wild swimming spot is located on a six-mile circular walk around Rickmansworth Aquadrome, which feels much more rural than its location within the M25 would have you believe. Clear water with few reeds. Click here to read my article about places to visit in Hertfordshire. It is situated between Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea, at the mouth of the River Colne, on Brightlingsea Creek. The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. [2] Its traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned oyster fishery) and shipbuilding. When the sun shines and the temperature rises, you can bet half the city is going to head to Londons lidos for a cool down. To find more details and to book the session, email hertsopenwater@gmail.com. Looking for things to do nearby? Surrounded by trees and sitting next to the nature reserve, the River Colne is fast-flowing though fairly shallow, making it a prime spot for a cooling dip on a summer's day. Previously, a popular spot for swimming was Tumbling Bay, also on the River Colne about a mile downstream. Escape the sweltering city for a cool swim. Walk to a wild swimming spot just a train ride away from central London. 10) River Colne, Rickmansworth The walk suggested by Margaret Dickinson and Liz Valentine begins and ends at the London Underground station, so locals can just join wherever is best as it passes St Marys Church, Bury Lake and the Rickmansworth Aquadrome. Polarised ones will also help to reduce the glare from the sun if youre lucky enough to be swimming on a sunny day. Steer clear of blue-green algae this stuff tends to form in lakes during the summer. Look for a path off to the right (signed HT and Colne Valley Trail) which takes you slightly uphill and follow this above and parallel to the canal with sloping fields on your left. Brightlingsea Harbour has a guide and details of where to stay. Whilst nearby Cambridge offers you the chance to take a punt on the River Cam, I reckon youd be just as happy taking a punt on a swim. The road passes Tesco on your left and soon joins the big main road by the roundabout near St Mary's church. Swim in the clear waters and modest current of the River Cam. West of where the path crosses the River Colne from Bury Lake you can enjoy a dip. Dont swim alone theres a reason why most places we swim at have lifeguards. But once you get there you've got swimming through some of the most picturesque Essex countryside you could ask for. Walk: An easy walk through beautiful countryside, from Hever to Penshurst to Leigh. The Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, has been open more than 60 years and offers a range of outdoor activities. The confluence with the River Thames is on the Staines reach (above Penton Hook Lock) at Staines-upon-Thames . The sessions happen four times a week, with a professional water safety team on board to ensure it's a completely safe experience. Among early proposals to link the river to London was one in 1641 by Sir Edward Forde for a navigable canal, the main purpose of which seems to have been the supply of clean water, and two in 1766, for canals from Marylebone to the river at Uxbridge and another from Marylebone to West Drayton. Swim through England's smallest town by following the River Stour in Fordwich. Nearest station is Manor House, Finsbury Park isnt far off either. Nearest stations are Didcot and Cholsey, but youll need to drive or catch a bus to Shillingford. This has been incredibly popular with lots of local children during some of the hot spells we experienced last summer. Find out more about H2Open Water swimming here. Amongst the meadows upstream of Cambridge, the Cam winds lazily through the greenery, and abundant wildlife is often spotted here. Still, for those with more wisdom and a hardier spirit, these top wild swimming spots will do the trick, without hordes of screaming children in rubber rings to worry about Plus, the vast majority of these spots are free to visit (paid spots are marked )! Later, however, the council decided to uphold the ban, and the sailing club that uses the lake remained opposed to reinstating swimming. Cover open wounds use a waterproof plaster to cover any open wounds. It is a vital asset to our area providing swimming facilities to people of all ages. You can also find another great stretch of the Wey down by Godalming, which tends to be a tad quieter. The first is on the north side of the river in Colney Heath Local Nature Reserve, and is a square-section cast iron pillar made by Henry Grissell at his Regents Canal ironworks and erected in 1861 or 1862. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city, The Worlds First Ever Jumanji Theme Park Is Coming To The UK In May, This Gorgeous Garden Centre Is Perfect For A Sunny Day Out Petersham Nurseries, Film Lovers Will Be In Heaven With These Gloriously Priced Vue Cinema Tickets. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Younger visitors are welcome provided they are competent swimmers. Open water swimming has also resumed at Stanborough Park, just outside Welwyn Garden City. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Henley itself may be better know for rowing, but remains a popular swimming destination further east, you can get in the water near Hurley Lock and Marlow Lock. You can reply with the word STOP at any time. Plus Pool, coming soon to the East River . Harlow Mills is a 40 minute train from Liverpool Street and the Stort is five minutes walk from there. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. The River Colne ( / kon / or / koln /) is a small river that runs through Essex, England and passes through Colchester. And if you fancy a trip to a local pub post-swim, Ive put together a list of some of the best family-friendly pubs in Hertfordshire. The river is fast flowing and quite shallow with a firm bottom. Mostly renowned as an angling lake, the sandy stretch of beach at Frensham Great Pond has a couple of buoyed areas reserved for swimmers and as the depths never exceed 1.4 metres, its a good one for kids. What follows are some tips on how to swim safely in open water, but for more information please visit the Royal Life Saving Society website. After this, at West Drayton, the Frays rejoins and the Wraysbury River, the second main anabranch, and Duke of Northumberland's River divide off. Special 200th issue offer - Get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20! If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies from this website. The land only has an access path through it and the owner does not want people using this as a picnic and access to the river point. Also, you might land on something sharp. Turn left and walk down the road to meet the canal. There are various swimming distances to choose from and you have the option of booking a local swimming coach if youre new to open water swimming or want to brush up on your skills. Their main sources are 2.5 to 4mi (4.0 to 6.4km): in western Northaw, Brookmans Park, Hadley, London and Borehamwood, draining much of those places. Map needed!. Go along the south side of the lake on a narrow, slightly overgrown path. Ive recently updated this post after hearing that the landlord does not want people picnicking or entering the water at the muddy beach area which is shown in the photo above. They all date back to the lido heyday of the 1930s. This is a recent addition to the open water swimming lakes in Hertfordshire. Thanks to Ross Clewlow for the lovely photo of Redricks Lake check out Train with Ross if youre looking for open water swimming coaching. The most recent . Check out Decathlon for swim boots and socks. It was a popular swimming place until the late 1980s (indeed one of us has still vivid memories dating back over 50 years of an idyllic day spent relaxing there after A level exams). The water is fast moving but fairly shallow. This will help to prevent infection from any invisible nasties in the water. As well as the main 30 metre heated pool theres also a smaller teaching pool and a small play area for toddlers. The only downside? Here you'll find cultural and adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly accommodation. Waterlog reswum: a wild swimming journey following Roger Deakin, Wild people: swimming legend Mercedes Gleitze, 10 of the best wild swimming spots in Britain, Wild swimming in Britain: best places to swim, water safety and how to get started. Theres a good entry point by the boathouse on Wharf Road and once youre in, you can let the water take you downstream to Shillingford Bridge. A large section of the picturesque River Cam has been designated as suitable for swimming. Its also one of Surreys best-known skinny dipping spots, so you may want to watch where you look. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, although I receive a small commission that goes towards the running of this blog. A CAMPAIGNING environmentalist has launched a petition calling on Colchester's MP to take a swim in the River Colne amid pollution fears. The obelisk records the agreement made between the canal company, John Dickinson who was the owner of papermills at Batchworth, and R. Williams of Moor Park, who was the landowner.[13]. Im trying to begin a similar habit by swimming at my local lido in Ware as well as heading down to the Beane and Lea Rivers for a wild swim. Specialties: Water safety and survival skills are essential at any age, and that's why British Swim School offers swimming lessons for babies, toddlers, kids, and adults. No matter the age or skill level . Go through the churchyard, cross the road and turn right to a roundabout, which you go round to the left towards a bridge carrying the main road over the Grand Union Canal. Most Londoners are desperate for a dip but with the lidos packed you might have to go a little further afield. Look out for good swimming spots at Streatley, before Moulsford,and just before Cholsey. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news in London sent straight to your inbox? It's even been featured in Wild Swimming Walks, a. Wear a swim hat along with the tow float, a bright hat will help to make you visible to other water users. Duck Oil. If you're up for an explore you can also go cross the river to find the Ankerwycke Yew, a tree that is thought to be 2,500 years old. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. [9] The second is a stone obelisk, 13 feet (4.0m) high, with a square base, which was erected at Colne Bridge in 1861. We did not see a 'No swimming' sign, but there was no barrier separating a swimming area from boats as there used to be in the days when it was a recognised bathing spot. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Theres a charity swim in the Lea each September postponed in 2020 due to Covid which is organised in aid of the brilliant Mudlarks charity. Find out more about Merchant Taylors Lake here. It's even been featured in Wild Swimming Walks, a book of the best walks within a train ride of London. One of the few non-London swim spots accessible via the tube, while you might not be far from civilisation you'll certainly feel a million miles away. ***update: Ware Priory Lido will be shut in 2022 for refurbishment***. There's a 400m course and it's a perfect training venue for open water swimmers. Something went wrong, please try again later. 2023 Double A Media. I have memories of spending all day in the sea in England in my swimsuit as a child but now Im a bit of a wimp and quite often put on my wetsuit when I swim outdoors. Just over half its course is in south Hertfordshire. Youll encounter the odd punt, which is the perfect invitation for a race, methinks. Find out more about Hemel Hempstead lido here. Just a short walk from Oxford Station which is an hour from London's Marylebone Station, Port Meadow is a beautiful place for a day out. Downstream, it forms the boundary between Buckinghamshire and the London Borough of Hillingdon. From the bridge, just before a zebra crossing, take steps on the left down to the canal towpath. You must do this or you will not receive the messages. Turn right over the bridge onto a little road. Westmill Farm has plenty more to keep visitors entertained theres an art centre, indoor soft play, fun zip wire course, high ropes, zorbing and lots more. This article was originally published in 2020, Escape Hunt Watford launches newest ancient Egypt-inspired game, Wetherspoon set for 30m loss as draught beer and cider sales plummet, Standon Calling everything you need to know: Line-up, parking, timings, alcohol rules and more, Holidaymakers left baffled as airport departures board blurs before their eyes, Cheap summer days out without breaking bank - let the train take strain, (Image: Nigel Cox / River Colne in Rickmansworth / CC BY-SA 2.0). It's a beautiful area for a walk so go get exploring! Sign up to our weekly email. Wild Swimming the people behind the lovely wild swimming books. The water is fast moving but fairly shallow. You can get a train to either end of this stretch, with stations at Henley-on-Thames and Marlow. Fast-flowing, but rather shallow, youll find it a lovely spot to cool off in on a summers day. The station is just 45 minutes from Waterloo making it easier to get to than most parts of our massive city. POLICE in Colne have issued a warning to young people about swimming in the river near Cotton Tree lane. Children are welcome to swim at Redricks accompanied by an adult. Downstream, it forms the boundary between Buckinghamshire and the London Borough of Hillingdon. Located inside LA Fitness our highly-trained swimming instructors will help develop the skills and confidence of every swimmer through fun and safe lessons with patience and enthusiasm. Putting this walk in the Ponds section of this book is a gesture of optimism because the ideal swimming place would be Bury Lake where, at the time of writing, the right to swim is contested. The sessions run on Mondays between 4pm and 7pm, and on Saturdays between 7.30am and 9.45am. Born from a love of unlocking hidden gems in a big city, London on the Inside connects people to local and global brands, discoveries and experiences. NOTE! Follow this path until you reach the River Colne, then take a path to the left (signed to Springwell and Inn Lakes) alongside the river, with Stocker's Lake on your left. Here you will find a footpath on the right that starts just by the driveway and runs roughly parallel to the road. [3]. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Here, just after a bridge over a side stream, go slightly to the right and then left to follow a track (signed Batchworth Lake Circular Walk) parallel to the canal and beside a lake which leads you round and then towards a car park. Established in 1997 HobieSwim is Long Island's premier swim provider. I have read lots of articles about wild swimming on the River Colne in Rickmansworth but Im not sure its actually deep enough for a decent swim. Surrey is turning out to be quite the wild swimmers destination of choice, isnt it? Signing up to the HertsLive newsletter means you'll get the latest news direct to your inbox each day. Expect crowds on the river in high summer, especially at weekends. The structure was designed by Robert Stephenson, and is grade II listed. Opposite, the other .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}23 of outer west and north-west London is drained by the Pymmes Brook, Brent, or Crane sub-basins of the Thames. And if youre swimming in chilly weather itll keep your head warm too (although some winter swimmers opt for a good old fashioned woolly hat). You can also swim in the river at Calver Bridge, but it's shaded by trees so is often cool and sometimes midgy. If you dont fancy attempting the Thames Marathon on the stretch of the Thames between Henley-on-Thames and Marlow, there are plenty of spots for a leisurely dip, including Hurley Lock and Marlow Lock. On weekends, swimming takes place between 7.30am and 9.30am on both Saturdays and Sundays. They are flooded gravel pits, dug out originally to supply the construction industry building an ever- expanding London. Temperatures have soared set above 30 degrees today (Friday), with warm weather expected too over the weekend, and while it may be tempting to cool off by taking a dip, police are asking people to think twice. . The pool is part of the main Hemel sports complex which also has indoor swimming pools. These eight swimming spots in rivers, lakes and ponds (and even a secret beach! Although not designed as a floatation device, tow floats will support your weight to a certain extent if you need a brief rest mid-swim. Swim: There are so many good swimming opportunities in the sea at Folkestone that walkers may be tempted to change their plans and linger all day. In the north-west, centred on Tring's northern boundary the Chiltern ridge is most noticeable, a watershed of this basin and that of the River Great Ouse, north and east towards the Wash. Signposts are advising this. Wild Swimming Walks: 28 lake, river and seaside days out by train from London by the Kenwood Ladies Pond Association (Wild Things Publishing. The water is surrounded by trees and is located next to the nature reserve, so its easy to forget youre within a short walk of the town centre and it feels more secluded than many of the spots elsewhere. Colne Valley swimming baths has been in the village of Slaithwaite for over 50 years. The muddy area with access from st leonards church next to the footbridge (as mentioned above) is situated on private land. I have updated the article. Wild swimming has becoming increasingly popular in the UK in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. Its set on a large nature reserve on the edge of town. Im ashamed to admit that Im not half as resilient to cold water as I used to be. Four rivers converge in Hertford the Beane, the Rib and the Mimram all flow into the River Lea (or Lee as it is also spelt), which in turn flows eventually into the Thames. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Please do read the safety tips for outdoor swimming provided by this important charity. Make those Central Line fantasies come true and while away an afternoon with a wild swim just a short train journey from London. We may be basking in a heatwave but police are warning people about the dangers of swimming in open water. Its all the way out in zone 7 but it possible to get to the River Colne on the tube. To reach the Midlands it continued along the river channel until its junction with the River Gade, which it ran parallel to, but did not take over the channel. The vessel travelled from Rowhedge in Essex to Colchester, which was part of a . While youre unlikely to come across legendary monsters or giant fish, you are likely to step on glass, rusted metal or other objects left by pesky humans. We hope that reason will prevail and people will again be allowed to swim at their own risk in this lovely stretch of water. Find out more about Fairlands Valley Park swimming. [11], At London Colney, there is a seven-arched brick bridge which carries Barnet Road over the river. On this stretch, its shallow but allows you to have a dip during an autumn heatwave, and it does get gradually deeper for those with more experience of wild swimming. For more information visit their website here. Once youre outside the M25, wild swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic weekend swims. Kirklees Active Leisure KAL have taken the decision this week to temporarily close the swimming baths due to rising energy costs until March 2023 where it will then be reviewed. A 20 minute walk from Cambridge Station, which is only 50 minutes from Kings Cross. Some of my posts contain affiliate links. Not so much a bouyancy aid (although they do support your weight if you need a quick rest mid-swim), a tow floats main purpose is to keep you visible to others whilst youre in the water. Hi, I'm Annabel. Duck Oil. Walk: Shepreth Railway Station to Cambridge 9.5 miles across farmland and riverbank, via the villages of Barrington, Harston, Haslingfield and Grantchester. Nearby Stocker's Lake is home to many waterfowl, especially during the winter months. Added bonus of having a bridge to jump off. Here, the Kenwood Ladies Pond Association share their favourite places for a summer dip from their book Wild Swimming Walks, each with its own country ramble. If you need somewhere to refuel, head for the Fordwich Arms. The beaches are sandy and pleasant for sitting on too. The open water swimming at Herts Young Mariners Base is available to those over 14 years of age. The writers acknowledge how ideal it would be to be able to swim in those large lakes, but unfortunately its still a point of contention and the council are very clear that swimming is not permitted. The villages of Colney Heath east of St Albans, London Colney south of St Albans, Colney Street (almost wholly a large business park) north of Radlett and Colnbrook between Slough and Heathrow take their name from the river. With plenty of space to sit by the river as well as easy access for swimmers means on a hot day you'll see a lot of people down there. Walk: An 8 mile walk from Chilworth station across wild heathland, before reaching gentle pastures, small woods and cosy commuter villages on the way to Guildford. It dates from 1774 and is called Telford's Bridge, although it is not thought to have been designed by Thomas Telford. Find out more about Stanborough Park open water swimming here. Park in the Car Park at SK 258 685 and cross the road and follow the path down to the river, it's deepest just up from the weir at SK 259 690. The water is surrounded by trees and next to the nature reserve, so its easy to forget youre within a short walk of the town centre and it feels more secluded than many of the spots elsewhere. This is the place where a dip in the Colne is possible. It starts at Hertford Lock in Hartham Common, not far from where the above photo was taken. SK 243 753. 10 January 2023. The River Colne may be one for a dip on a summer's day rather than regular training, but it has become a well-loved spot for wild swimming. 10 January 2023 A 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the River Colne. Retrace your steps to Rickmansworth tube. A series of flooded gravel pits (originally dug out to provide stone for the roads and buildings of London) are eye-catching spots, but youre not technically allowed to swim in them the neighbouring River Colne is the spot of choice. Each of the arches spans around 40 feet (12m) and is 45 feet (14m) high. Along with the tow float, a swimming hat will help to keep you seen in the water. Thanks for this information. As with Hitchin, the heated outdoor pool in Letchworth is 50 metres in length. You can either park next to Hartham Common (there are various car parks near Sainsburys) and walk across the park to the rivers from there or park at St Leonards Church in Bengeo and walk down through the fields. Route reproduced with kind permission from Wild Swimming Walks, book available now for only 14.99 from wildthingspublishing.com. You have to arrive fairly early in the day to claim one of the swimming docks, but you can walk further into the forest and find a nice opening to the . Please familiarise yourself with the open water swimming safety tips on the Royal Life Saving Society website. The outdoor swimming pool in Hemel Hempstead is smaller at 25 metres but its heated and theres a kids paddling pool too. Hampton Court Station is 36 minutes on the train from Waterloo. Two of its distributaries, constructed in the 1600 1750 period largely for aesthetic reasons for Hampton Court and for Syon Park, have been maintained. "Later we walked to the open air pool further . The confluence with the River Thames is on the Staines reach (above Penton Hook Lock) at Staines-upon-Thames. Walk: A 6.5 mile coastal walk from Margate, where JMW Turner spent his holidays, to Broadstairs, loved and frequented by Charles Dickens. If you head further east towards Cock Marsh theres also a beachy patch of the river. Oh, and herd of ponies also lives there. With plenty of space to sit by the river as well as easy access for swimmers means on a hot day you'll see a lot of people down there. Theres also a separate company Aqua Splash who offer a seasonal inflatable assault course on one of the lakes. Turn sharp left along a path (Summerhouse Lane leading to Bellevue Terrace) then pick up the Hillingdon Trail again, which leads up a steep hill through Park Wood then across fields with allotments on your left to a road. A CAMPAIGNING environmentalist has launched a petition calling on Colchester's MP to take a swim in the River Colne amid pollution fears. And its my new favourite place to swim. Wetsuits are available to hire and there are local swimming coaches should you require some open water swimming lessons. Ive yet to enjoy an evening dip but what I have tested out is the H2O Rampage experience an inflatable assault course floating in the lake. [6] The Slough Arm was built in 1882 which required three aqueducts to carry it close to its junction with the Grand Junction, to cross the Fray's River, the River Colne and the Colne Brook. Smudged Postcard participates in various affiliate marketing programmes. Thanks for the tip! Read my article about places to visit in Hertfordshire. Turn left down the road to the driveway to Pipers Farm at the bottom of the hill. It is believed to be a mainly man-made anabranch north of the confluence with the River Pinn to feed watermills in the Parish of Hillingdon. [7], Between Croxley Green, where the River Gade joins the Colne, and Thorney/West Drayton, below the Slough Arm, the river channels thread their way between many large lakes, some of which were once watercress beds, some chalk pits,[8] and some of which were the result of brickmaking, an industry that developed over several miles of the valley after 1800, when the Grand Junction Canal company advertised the presence of good brick earth, discovered during the construction of the canal. Places we swim at their own risk in this lovely stretch of.... Thames in England reproduced with kind permission from wild swimming spots at Streatley, before,... An afternoon with a professional water safety team on board to ensure 's... To jump off has indoor swimming pools as suitable for swimming Hemel sports complex which also has indoor pools. Wounds use a waterproof plaster to cover any open wounds use a waterproof plaster to cover any open.... The word STOP at any time true and while away an afternoon with a renowned oyster fishery and. On one of Surreys best-known skinny dipping spots, so you may want to watch where look. Perfect invitation for a walk so go get exploring just over half its course is in south Hertfordshire swimming.! Central London Mills is a seven-arched brick bridge which carries Barnet road over the bridge, just before.... The bridge, although it is not thought to have been designed Robert... Photo was taken vessel travelled from Rowhedge in Essex to Colchester, which to... Cotton Tree lane 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20 II listed fishery! From London at Staines-upon-Thames book of the Lake on a large nature reserve the! 2022 for refurbishment * * * update: Ware Priory lido will shut... Addition to the open water swimming coaching its all the way out in zone 7 but possible. The sun if youre lucky enough to be quite the wild swimmers destination of choice isnt... 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Are available to hire and there are local swimming coaches should you require open... To reduce the glare from the sun if youre looking for open water swimming lessons to... Swimming the people behind the lovely photo of Redricks Lake check out with., lakes and ponds ( and even a secret beach has also at... Youre lucky enough to be a tad quieter is grade II listed in Hemel is! And while away an afternoon with a firm bottom so you may want to watch where you look before.... Long Island & # x27 ; s best lidos and seaside pools on. Hope that reason will prevail and people will again be allowed to swim their... Are local swimming coaches should you require some open water swimming here also a separate company Aqua Splash offer. A bright hat will help to prevent infection from any invisible nasties in the.... Times a week, with a renowned oyster fishery ) and is called 's! Each of the River Thames is on the Staines reach ( above Penton Hook Lock ) at.. 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Is part of a rivers, lakes and ponds ( and even secret., email hertsopenwater @ gmail.com vital asset to our area providing swimming facilities to people of all ages above Hook! A swimming hat will help to reduce the glare from the sun if youre looking open. Shallow, youll find it a lovely spot to cool off in on a narrow, slightly overgrown.... Prevent infection from any invisible nasties in the top right looking for open swimming. Of outdoor activities arts and culture news in London sent straight to your inbox each day summers.! Mariners Base is available to those over 14 years of age and there are local coaches! Continue without changing your settings, we 'll assume that you are happy to all... Hire and there are local swimming coaches should you require some open water swimming coaching a. Swimming spot just a train ride away from central London kids paddling too! The Royal Life Saving Society website 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20 Stocker 's is... And details of where to stay Slaithwaite for over 50 years is between... - get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20 is not thought to have been designed by Stephenson... Your left and walk down the road to the open air pool further a River a... And adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly.! 60 years and offers a range of outdoor activities slightly overgrown path is spotted... Swimming pools the way out in zone 7 but it possible to to! Through the greenery, and on Saturdays between 7.30am and 9.45am Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea, at London,. Places we swim at their own risk in this lovely stretch of water in. Lidos packed you might have to go a little road as mentioned above ) is situated private. Within a train ride of London be shut in 2022 for refurbishment * * update: Ware Priory lido be! Are welcome to swim at have lifeguards Robert Stephenson, and just before zebra., but rather shallow, youll find it a lovely spot to cool off in on a section... About Stanborough Park open water swimming safety tips for outdoor swimming provided this... Tributary of the hot spells we experienced last summer polarised ones will help! Once you get there you 've got swimming through some of the arches spans around 40 feet ( 12m and! Is Long Island & # x27 ; s best lidos and seaside pools on! Later we walked to the driveway to Pipers Farm at the mouth the! And seaside pools Come on in the River Colne on the River.. Travelled from Rowhedge in Essex to Colchester, which tends to be and herd ponies! People will again be allowed to swim at have lifeguards Island & # x27 ; s even featured. 14 years of age 50 metres in length, arts and culture news in London sent straight your!