Question of the week: What's one of your favourite things to do in London in the summer? "A lot of things that you can do in summer in London, you can really do any time of year - they're just nicer when the weather is good. But one thing that really is a summer-only activity is swimming outdoors, especially in the more natural pools. Obviously there are normal outdoor swimming pools in London (but perhaps fewer than you'd think), but, in my opinion, it's more fun to swim in the wilder water of the Serpentine and the Hampstead Heath swimming ponds.
The Serpentine, in Hyde Park, has a swimming area (lido, in local parlance) that is open between mid-May and September. There is a small charge for swimming, but it's worth it for the experience. The lake water is clean and unchlorinated, and it's nice to sit on the grass and watch the world go by if you don't feel like swimming.
Hampstead Heath has three ponds - one for men only, one for women only, and one mixed pool - as well as a lido. I've only been to the mixed pool, and it was really great. I've been told that the women's pool is 'a beautiful oasis'. The men and women's pools are open year round, and all three, plus the lido, open fully on May 1, and continue till September 19. A small fee is charged for the upkeep of the facilities.
One piece of advice, the water in all of these pools is cold. If you have any health conditions, you may want to check with a doctor before venturing into the water. Other than that, they're wonderful places to get out and have a swim!"
- Kris
* Photo by STML, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.
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