London Fields’ hugely popular lido first opened in 1932, and was in use until 1988, when severe cuts to local council funding resulted in its closure. A dogged 18-year campaign by the London Fields User Group saved this the 50-metre pool from demolition, and it eventually reopened in 2006.
One of London’s few heated lidos, it’s open and well-used throughout the year, welcoming over 340,000 visitors annually to its lane swimming sessions, fitness classes and swimming lessons. Facilities currently include gender neutral changing rooms and toilets, a sundeck and cafe.
After its old indoor pool was decomissioned on healthy and safety grounds in 2020, there are plans to construct a new 13mx7m training pool, along with accessible toilets, a moveable floor and a viewing gallery.