1 / 3West Reservoir Centre
📍 London, Greater London
Open-water outdoor swimming in a scenic reservoir with distances from 50m to 400m. Children's watersports clubs on-site. Mandatory coloured swim cap and tracking bracelet required. Advance booking essential via app.
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).
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with older children and teens who are confident open-water swimmers and comfortable following structured safety protocols. The watersports club is a strong draw for children wanting activity alongside swimming. Casual visitors expecting a relaxed dip will find the mandatory equipment and strict rules take adjustment.
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💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →309 Google reviews
Louise
9 months ago
“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).”
Maria P.
2 years ago
“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”
ingrid chen
11 months ago
“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.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
West Reservoir Centre offers open-water swimming in a scenic north London reservoir with a one-way route ranging from 50m to 400m. A children's watersports club operates alongside public swimming sessions. Mandatory safety equipment includes a brightly coloured swim cap (available to purchase on-site if you don't bring one) and a wrist tracking bracelet. Mixed-gender changing facilities only — no separate areas. A cafe and free parking are on-site.
