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London Fields Lido Guide 2023

It all begins with an idea.

Ah, London Fields Lido. The place to shake off your troubles, tread some water and maybe even catch some rays. To some, this is just a pool, a place to log Strava activity, but to others it's a sanctuary. Surrounded by trees in the middle of the park, you can easily forget you're in a sprawling city. Unless it's a heatwave of course, then the place turns into aquatic Glastonbury...
Whether you're thinking about joining the lido as a member, or want to travel from afar for a day out, here's what you should know before heading to East London's best swimming pool.

In this article

The history of London Fields Lido

London Fields Lido originally opened in 1932 but closed in 1988 during Thatcher's reign. Many other lidos also closed, including Roman Road Lido near Victoria Park. After closure, London Fields Lido naturally declined, but it wasn't destroyed (Roman Road Lido was) and after a long-running campaign to bring London Fields Lido back, it reopened in 2006 and has been a god-tier pool ever since. Going back in time makes you realise how precious pools really are, and what a privilege it is to have access to swimming outdoors. As the cost of living crisis continues, the future of UK lidos and swimming pools hangs in the balance.
A picture of London Fields Lido in autumn

Fun fact: 

One of London's most revered lidos was Chingford Larkswood Pool which opened its art deco gates in 1936. It hosted over 5 million swimmers in its time and held 'It's a Knockout' style pageants. This was the place where so many East London generations learned to swim, and sadly it closed in 1987 to make way for FantaSeas - a water park chain which was only open two years before closing due to financial ruin.
A picture of London Fields Lido at night

Opening times

The lido is open from 6.30am to 9pm, seven days a week. If you're heading there during the Christmas holidays or a bank holiday, it's best to double check the website before you visit.

Water temperature

London Fields Lido is heated to a balmy 24 degrees, although, in the depths of winter it probably won't feel like it. As it's a 50 metre pool - twice the length of a standard 25m pool - you'll find that it might be chilly on getting in but by time you've swam a full length you'll be fine.
A picture of London Fields Lido in summer

What to bring

London Fields Lido is an outdoor pool with a large outdoor changing area and showers, here are a few recommendations of what to bring:
  • Flip-flops / sliders - especially in the summer as the general environment becomes like Hagrid's floor.
  • Ankle length (or shorter) clothing - it's not a place for flares.
  • £1 for the lockers - or leave your stuff poolside as many others do.
  • Towel - to our knowledge you can't rent them.
  • Shower gel/shampoo - again, not provided / available.
  • Sunglasses/goggles - even in the winter, if it's sunny, you'll be squinting.
  • Water - swimming is thirsty work
There's also an indoor changing room and showers, but if you're in a rush it's usually quicker and less hassle to use the outdoor changing huts and showers.

Pool etiquette

The pool is carved up into 4 different sections depending on your intention and swim speed: swim for all/children's lane, slow lane, medium lane and fast lane. If you're in the swim for all/children's lane, it's fine to come for a splash about but if you're in the other lanes it's clock-wise swimming to the speed of the lane. Just as not everything in life runs smoothly, there will always be a few people who think it's the Olympics in the medium lane, or the other extreme of going too slow. Swimmers will generally put up with inconsistencies in the slow and medium lane, but if you're swanning around doing breaststroke in the fast lane, you'll be told to change lanes.
Last summer, the lido installed an inflatable aqua park during the school summer holidays. This was open between 1-3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. To find out if they're bringing it back for 2024, it's best to call before you go.
After this guide was published, a member of the lido commented to say that there are also swimming lessons daily. The member wrote, "Swim Doctor sessions are bookable on the Better app every day for swimming lessons."

Becoming a London Fields Lido member

The easiest way to become a member of London Fields Lido is to get a Better swim membership. At the time of writing, this costs £40 a month and gives you access to over 140 swimming pools across the UK and allows you to swim once a day. There are a few different offerings of this membership depending on your work status, health and age.   
Some examples include:
  • Better student - £38
  • Better over 50 - £26.20
  • Better concession - £26.20
Other Better leisure centres in the area include Brittannia Leisure Centre (in my opinion, the second best one - it has a sauna and steamroom), Clissold Leisure Centre, Ironmonger Row Baths, Kings Hall and York Hall.
If you choose to pay as you swim, at the time of writing it costs £5.40 per swim. However, if you're planning to come regularly and particularly want to swim in the summer, we'd highly recommend considering a membership and will explain why in the next part.

Getting a spot on busy-busy days

Nothing makes us happier than heading to the lido on a day of unbridled sunshine. The trouble is, most of the East London population seems to feel the same way, so it can get *very* busy between April - September. In fact, on the hottest day of the year in 37 degrees, we overheard someone trying to bribe the security guard to let them in for £50 - it didn't work.
This segways nicely into the booking system, and why if you're serious about swimming, it makes sense to get a membership. During the cold months, you don't really need to plan ahead. However, from mid-April the world and its wife will descend on the pool. This busy period lasts until September. As there are limits to the amount of swimmers in the lido at a time, most people book ahead using the Better app. Members can book up to a week in advance which means the majority of slots get taken up. If you're not a member, you don't get to see all the available slots, you can only see for the specific time you want. As a member, we tend to book in advance to avoid disappointment, and if we can't make it cancel with enough time to give the slot to someone else. Better will only charge you if you cancel your booking with under four hours to go.
If you're not too fussed about the weather or the time, very early in the morning or late at night is the most optimum time to get a spot during the summer.

Lido updates

A picture of the new training pool planned for London Fields Lido. 
Update: Since we wrote this guide, the lido has announced plans for an indoor training pool where swimming lessons will take place. It’s planned for launch in 2024 with an outdoor sunbathing area included. Sources say that construction won’t affect the lido opening times, which is great.

How to get to London Fields Lido

The nearest station to the lido is London Fields overground line. From there, it's a 5 minute walk to the lido through the park. Hackney Central and Hackney Downs are also within walking distance.

Where to go for a post-swim snack

  • London Fields Lido Kiosk - Hoxton Beach runs the lido kiosk which serves a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries and light bites. They also often have a pop-up falafel stall stationed near the lido entrance which serves delicious wraps.
  • E5 Bakehouse - Large coffee shop under the arches specialising in home-made bread, cakes and pastries. They have a gorgeous little garden open out the back in the warmer months.
  • Violet Cakes - Chic bakery-cafe with small seating area outside and upstairs rustling up dreamy cakes and savoury items. On the pricier side than the others listed so better for a special occasion/weekend treat. Definitely one to put on your list if you have a sweet tooth and see baking as an art form.

Are there other public swimming pools in East London?

Yes, plenty. Here's a list of the ones that are open and worth going to (in our humble opinion) and exciting planned openings.

Thanks for reading ✌️

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