Charlton Lido

We have the dedicated members of Charlton Lido Swimming Club to thank for the survival of the well maintained and delightful Charlton Lido. These brave water sporting heros who maintain the running of the lido off-season have fought hammer and nail to keep the lido cooling frazzled Londoners in the south east. They've even been known to break the ice of this unheated pool in winter for their regular December dips. Brr. No such bravery needed in the summer months when it's opened up to the public (weekends only in June and July) and provides a welcome place to splash and relax. There's also a children's pool for little ones to safely paddle around in. The last of 13 lidos to be built by London City Council, it has a 1930s art deco design and benefits from a pretty location in Hornfair Park, 26 acres of landscaped parkland (originally known as Charlton Playing Fields). The Charlton Athletic football team who train nearby have been supportive of the efforts to keep the lido alive and you may catch some of the stars doing their lengths here. But most importantly, it's a place where you can take a picnic, cool off and catch some rays during the hot summer months, just like Londoners have been doing here for years.