During a London heatwave with temperatures exceeding 35°C, a reporter decided to visit Brockwell Lido for the first time, despite its poor reputation. The lido, managed by Fusion Lifestyle until it went into administration on April 1, 2026, with Active Lambeth taking over from July 1, has a 2.9 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor.
Booking System Broken, Changing Rooms Disgusting
The booking system was completely broken, with no way to book a slot online. Upon arriving, the changing rooms were a shock: a sewage smell hung in the humid air, and the sodden tile floors were caked in dirt and hair. The small, dank, and hot room forced the reporter to hold her breath and keep her shoes on while changing.
But the Pool Itself Was Lovely
Despite the horrors of the changing rooms, the pool itself was gorgeous and clean. It is huge, with several lanes for exercise swimming and a large free-swim area. The reporter spent two hours dipping in and out of the cool, clear water, watching planes fly across the bright blue sky.
"I thought the lido was shockingly pleasant," the reporter wrote. "The changing rooms leave a lot to be desired, sure, but the pool itself was gorgeous and clean."
Worth the Trip if You Can Handle Grime
The walk-in cost £9.50, and the friendly receptionist confirmed availability. The reporter concluded that if you can handle a little bit of grime and are close enough to book in person, it is absolutely worth the trip.
