West Reservoir Centre London – Dreamy swim
I love outdoor swimming - whether it be in a lake, pond, river, reservoir or pool, if it's open air I’m into it. London boasts a surprising amount of quality outdoor swimming – from Parliament Hill lido to Hampstead ponds there are plenty of options to cool off on a hot day.
My new favourite spot for this is the West reservoir centre. Not only does this large reservoir in North London boast good quality water (apparently, it used to supply drinking water to the whole of Hackney), it is also an absolutely stunning place to go for a dip. It’s huge – it has a 750m perimeter loop for the serious swimmers – and offers the surreal experience of swimming through silky clean water surrounded by reeds, birds and tower blocks. Walking to the café in Woodberry wetlands for a post-swim snack tops the whole experience off.
Now, this is not the easiest spot to visit if you’re only in London for a few days. In order to swim there, you need to book an induction for which you need to wear a wetsuit. In addition, there are only three swimming sessions a week. However, if you’re sticking around for more than a week and the weather’s warm, it’s all worth it. For the rest of the week the reservoir hosts a variety of water-based sports – from sailing to paddle-board yoga (very Hackney) – so if those float your boat (excuse the pun) then it’s worth wandering down.
About this spot
West Reservoir Centre
- 09:00 - 17:00 daily (swimming times variable & outside of these hours - check website)
Non-member swim:
£
10
+44
2084428116
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in London
Beavertown Brewery – Craft beer direct from source
"Beavertown Brewery" in London is where the famous Gamma Ray and Neck Oil are produced. 10 taps with excellent seasonal choices, impressive food trucks...
By
Andrew
Bright
The Garden House – Turkish breakfasts
"The Garden House" in London is a Turkish restaurant where I love going for breakfast, especially after a long night. I recommend going for the menemen...
By
Kamla
Pillay
Dishoom – Bombay café in London
"Dishoom" London has three floors of recreations of the Victoria Terminus in Bombay, India. The Indian/Persian fusion food style is interesting and...
By
Claire
Creighton
The Black Dog – Park pub perfection
Of all the reasons why you have to check out this idyllic boozer, perhaps the most important is that this is the home of the finest scotch egg in London.
By
Harry
Thompson
The Trafalgar Tavern – Thames side drinking
"The Trafalgar Tavern" London is my pub of choice whenever I visit historic Greenwich and its wealth of landmarks. Since 1837, this pub has been...
By
Claire
Creighton
Paradise by way of Kensal Green – Decadent pub!
"Paradise by way of Kensal Green" is a beautiful, decadent pub in London. Everything seems to glitter and shine, the decor is flawless...
By
Claire
Creighton
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden – A tiny urban jungle
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
By
Madeline
Gowers
Thai Café – Thai-ny Café
"Thai Café" London is a true local gem. What this Thai restaurant (café!) lacks in lavish décor it makes up for in charm. It's run by a jolly Thai lady...
By
Claire
Creighton
Paradise Soho – Sri Lankan small plates
A must try for me at Paradise Soho are the gigantic grilled ceylonese prawns - tender and smokey from the charring & the cashew curry along with a hopper.
By
Angelina
Ivanova
Crystal Palace Park – Open-air fun with dinosaurs!
"Crystal Palace Park" in London isn't as well known as other parks but is just as worth a visit. My son loves the inaccurate 19th cen. dinosaur sculptures!
By
Mark
Meyer
Japan Centre – Japanese delights
"Japan Centre" London is for fans of Japanese food. I recommend heading to the counter and asking for some fresh warm soup and other delicious treats.
By
Peter
Hoffer
Download our app now and know your way!
Our Spotters' Local Favorites Only. Skip the Tourist Traps.
Find Nearby Spots and Navigate with Ease
Save Your Favorites and See Them on the Map
Know your way in London and navigate with ease!
✓ Full access to 0 local favorites. Zero tourist highlights.
✓ Get to know our 0 Spotters and ♥ their recommendations.
✓ Save favorites and show them on the map.
