Shattered by the heatwave? Come on, it’s only 30 degrees! In Italy we can bear much more than that! But in case you cannot suffer anymore and want to find some relief and, and the same time, work a little on your tan, here are the most amazing places you can feel like you are at the beach, without leaving London.
1. King’s Cross Pond Club. It’s the newest, chemical-free, entirely man-made pond, a 40m swimming pool whose water is filtered by wetland plants. Designed by Ooze Project Architects, it’s an installation and a piece of experimental art at the same time as being a pool. Tickets costs £6.50. www.kingscross.co.uk/kings-cross-pond-club and you need to book them in advance because there is space for only 40 people at the time and tickets sell quick.
2. Tooting Bec Lido. The largest freshwater pool in all Britain. The main pool measures 91.5 metres (a lot of strokes, uh?) and there is a pleasant vintage feel alla around. http://www.placesforpeopleleisure.org/centres/tooting-bec-lido
Tooting Bec Pool, London
3. Ladies’, men’s and mixed ponds at Hampstead. If you don’t mind swimming in a pond (possible encounters: frogs, swans, ducks) where the water is freezing cold (at least for Mediterranean standards) but you can have the unusual pleasure of a same-sex swimming pool (meaning you do not have to bother too much about shaving to perfection). www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/swimming
If you feel brave (or mad) enough to tackle the Thames go for The Great River Swim, which will take place on 11th July from Chiswick Pier.
4. The Serpentine. Not for swimming, but perfect for tanning with the benefit of the position, so central that, once bronzed, you can go directly to do some shopping.
5. Brockwell Lido. Not only a pool but an art deco building with café with events such as films, concerts and fairs. In case the sun is not enough. www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/brockwell_lido
Brockwell Lido
The fitness trend is paddleboarding, where you stand on a board and try to paddle you way along the water. It looks like it’s good for toning your muscles, flattening your stomach and helping your balance. At active360.co.uk you can try an introductory class of one-hour-and-a-half. Classes run out of Kew Bridge Brentford Boating Arch. If you think this is a grandma sport, try SUP Yoga, which combines paddleboarding with yoga. Underdog on water.
Credits: iveintomodelsubmarines.co.uk/communities/5/004/008/396/195/images/4538660119.jpg
http://www.walklondon.com/london-walks/walk-london-images/royal-london/serpentine-att1.jpg
