winter swimming

Steam rises off the heated pool at Charlton Lido on a snowy December morning

Thanks to Friends of Charlton Lido for flagging up Charlton Lido’s Christmas opening hours on their Twitter feed.

@charltonlido pool and gym opening hours for Christmas and New Year. Huge thanks to all the wonderful staff who’ll be working over the festive period! pic.twitter.com/5rEkjLlF6x

— FoCL (@FoCLSE7) December 14, 2017

The pool hours are similar to current opening times, though closing earlier on Sundays. The pool (and gym) will be open 9-11am on Boxing Day. You can find the latest opening hours on the timetable page of the lido’s website.

For those thinking of trying the lido in the cold weather for the first time, this writer can’t recommend it highly enough. The water’s at a good temperature for swimming (around 24 degrees), and the poolside staff have been doing a great job of maintaining a friendly welcome on chilly days.

Thanks to the Friends of Charlton Lido for sending us this update:

Following the recent Customer Forum meeting, and feedback from members over the summer, the Lido has now published the winter pool programme which will commence on Monday 9 October. The good news is that it follows the broadly the same pattern as last year but with the addition of three lunchtime sessions per week, two of which replace the 2-4pm slots on Monday and Tuesday which were the quietest times of the week. It’s hoped the new pattern will enable more people to swim regularly throughout the winter season. The early morning opening on Monday will also continue through the winter, in response to popular demand.

Winter Timetable

Monday 6.30am-2pm & 4pm-8pm

Tuesday 7am-2pm & 4pm-8pm

Wednesday & Thursday closed

Friday 7am-2pm

Weekends 9am-5pm

Swim Doctor Programme

The Swim Doctor programme will continue with three sessions per week through the winter, with the present Wednesday and Thursday morning sessions moving to Fridays from the week of October 9th. Sessions are free for members and £3 for non-members. Booking is advised.

Monday 7-8pm Swim Doctor Technique

Friday 7-8.30am Swim Doctor Fitness (30 minutes land-based + 1 hour in the pool)

Friday 9.30-10.30am Swim Doctor Technique