West Reservoir Centre

“Gorgeous place for an outdoor swim. One way although route with different distances between 50m-400m. All the normal open water swimming rules apply: ie cap must be worn, no swimming on your back or they'll assume you need assistance and kayak over to check on you. Only downside: It's a bit expensive for non-members. The facilities will be nicer once the big upgrade has happened (due to start summer 2025).”

“This is one of my favourite places in north London. I can never get enough of swimming here - it’s lovely. The views while swimming are gorgeous. It’s a bit pricey though and you need to book ahead - but well worth it. Parking is very easy - there’s always plenty of space. And there’s a great little cafe for after your swim. For kids there’s also the watersports club which is very popular and well worth it”

“Superb location with the friendliest and most helpful staff in the business. As a bonus they are open Christmas, New Year & bank holidays :) There is a cafe and a nice range of birdlife too. You will never regret a swim here whatever the weather. A truly happy place which I cannot recommend enough.”

“A little gulag for swimming enthusiasts. You must wear a silly brightly coloured hat! You must put on a rubber bracelet! You must get a plastic inflatable and strap it to your body (not making it up)! There is only “mixed changing” (no separation by gender). You cannot linger and sunbathe. You cannot go to water for the second time (because they took your rubber bracelet)!!! There is barely any seating. So be a good stoic, go in, go out, change with all people watching and be on your way. You HAVE to book in advance through terrible better app (the name of the app is a comic misnomer) and one off swim costs £13.15 in July 20025.”