The UK’s largest freshwater swimming pool marks its 120th anniversary this week.
Tooting Bec Lido opened on 28 July 1906 as ‘Tooting Bathing Lake’ serving the local community as a communal bath since few homes had private bathrooms. Fast forward 120 years and the Lido has gone through changes and improvements all while remaining an iconic part of the local community.
The 90-metre open-air pool which holds one million gallons of unheated water is open to all from early April until the end of September every year. In the winter months, members of the South London Swimming Club often swim everyday as well as running events including the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships. The Club which was established within weeks of the Lido opening making it one of England’s oldest swimming clubs.
Karen Wells, General Manager of Tooting Bec Lido at Places Leisure, said: “As one of the UK’s most historic and iconic Lidos it has such a rich heritage and a special place in the hearts of the local community, it is a real honour to see it celebrate its 120th anniversary. Although it is in middle of the hustle and bustle of busy South London, for many the Lido is an escape from busy city life with many using it to unwind as well as keeping healthy. From dedicated swimmers embracing the benefits of cold-water swimming in the winter to families creating lasting memories during the summer months, the Lido brings people together in a unique way. What makes Tooting Bec Lido so special is the sense of community it fosters. It is much more than a swimming facility; it is a valued local landmark that promotes health, wellbeing and social connection for people of all ages. We are incredibly proud to play a part in preserving its legacy while ensuring it continues to benefit the community for years to come.”
Matthew Eady, Director of Culture and Leisure at Wandsworth Council, said: “Tooting Bec Lido is one of Wandsworth’s most iconic landmarks and a much-loved part of local life. For 120 years, it has brought people together to swim, relax and make memories. This milestone is a chance to celebrate its remarkable history and the generations of residents and visitors who have enjoyed this special place.”
Margy Sullivan, a long-standing South London Swimming Club Member and Membership Secretary, said: “Tooting Bec Lido is not just a fabulous place to swim and relax around the pool, it is also a wonderful social community. Since its earliest days the South London Swimming Club created social events alongside its swimming and lifesaving activities.
“The Club continues to host many swimming events in addition to its races such as galas with other clubs, water polo and water safety training for its youngest members and local primary schools. It also hosts community, social and cultural events including the recent sell out pantomime, Aladdin and the Wonderful Pump written and performed by Club members, and the upcoming Art Sale, featuring works inspired by the Lido. The Club attracts swimmers of all ages and abilities, from casual dippers to Channel swimmers, everyone is welcome to come and enjoy Tooting Bec Lido.”
Over its 120 years the Lido has seen and upheld a lot of its history:
1906 – The Build
Tooting Bathing Lake was built in around four months between March and July 1906. To support the build project a work scheme for unemployed men was introduced with around 400 people participating.
1906 – Opening Day
The Mayor of Wandsworth, Alexander Glegg, formally opened the pool on Saturday 28 July 1906.
1908 – Christmas Day Race
It is believed that the first Christmas Day race was held in the Lido’s opening year, however, it was in 1908 when the Burton Cup was first offered as the prize for the winner of the men’s race. The race has been held every year since, excluding the war years. Races are now held every Sunday and bank holidays, including races are now also held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
1930 – Gaining the name ‘Lido’
The 1930s saw the bathing lake modernised, turning it into the Lido we know and love today. A new fountain and filtration system was installed along with a cafe, toilets and showers.
1932 – An icy start to the year
A member featured in local and national newspapers after he broke the ice which had formed over the Lido in order to get his New Year’s Day swim.
2002 – Major renovations
2002 saw the completion of significant renovations at the Lido, including the creation of a new shallow end entrance.
2006 – UK Cold Water Swimming Championships
In January 2006, the first ever UK Cold Water Swimming Championships were held at the Lido. The Championships have been held at the Lido every two years since apart from during the COVID pandemic and when the plant room underwent refurbishment.
2006 – Centenary Celebrations
To celebrate the Lido’s 100th anniversary, 101 members of the South London Swimming Club doggy-paddled their way across one width of the Lido to celebrate raising funds for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
2008 – World Winter Cold Water Swimming Championships
In February 2008, the World Winter Cold Water Swimming Championships were held at the Lido – the first time they had been held outside of Finland.
2017 – a new Pavillion
In the Autumn of 2017, a multi-purpose pavilion opened at the Lido which is utilised as a sports studio with a variety of exercise classes being held weekly. It is also available for hire for events and has additional space for sunbathing.
2023 – Working to safeguard the Lido for the next 50 years
To ensure the local community can continue to enjoy the Lido for the next 50 years, it closed for 12 months to allow for a new plant room and for the filtration system to rebuilt. This marked a £4 million investment into the Lido. An opening event was held to mark the reopening where five-time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds unveiled a plaque.
Tooting Bec Lido continues to be extremely popular with the local community and visitors, welcoming over 3,300 people through the turnstiles on a busy day. The Lido has recently installed a brand-new mobile pool lift making the pool even more accessible to members of the community.
To celebrate the Lido’s latest milestone, the South London Swimming Club are encouraging their members and the community to help them swim 120 miles of the Lido on 28 July.
Tickets for Tooting Bec Lido can be booked in advance via the Places Leisure website. Visitors are encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment, although walk-in entry may be available if sessions are not fully booked.
