Tooting Bec Lido and South London Swimming Club celebrate 120 years

On Tooting Bec Common lies a stretch of water that has been delighting south Londoners for well over a century. Tooting Bec Lido opened on 28 July 1906, and the South London Swimming Club, which has made the pool its home, was formed a few weeks later on 18 August 1906. In 2026 both celebrated their 120th anniversaries.

The lido is a true one off. At 90 metres long, it is described by Wandsworth Council as "the UK's largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool". It is unheated, with colourful changing huts, plenty of poolside space and a café, and visitors are welcome to bring their own food.

The South London Swimming Club, known as SLSC, is the lido's long standing club. Its website posts the latest water temperature, still being updated in late October, and offers guidance on cold water swimming for those tempted to keep going as the weather turns.

The anniversary celebrations were fittingly energetic. On 28 July 2026, the lido's birthday, members set out to log 120 miles of swimming in a single day. By the end of the day, they had swum 120 miles three times over.

The club's own birthday, on 18 August, was marked with a birthday breakfast from 7.30am to 9.30am. Members swam 120 lengths in strokes other than front crawl over two hours, there was a mass jump in, and the club's Mermaids each swam 120 lengths of their own.

For non members, the summer season is the best time to visit. This year the lido reopened for summer on 1 May, open every day with a mix of lane swimming and more relaxed open sessions. Tickets can be booked in advance through the Places Leisure website, and the council encourages swimmers to book ahead to avoid disappointment, though walk in entry may be available if sessions are not full.

The lido has been a backdrop to generations of family summers, early morning swims and community celebrations, and the club's 120th year showed just how much affection it still inspires.

Tooting Bec Lido is on Tooting Bec Road, SW16, on Tooting Bec Common. For club membership and winter swimming, visit slsc.org.uk, and for summer tickets visit the Places Leisure website.