swimming

I've just moved into the area (actually Palmers Green), and am looking for places to swim. What pools would people recommend? Which are the nearest/nicest (just for ordinary swimming up and down!) and are there good times for avoiding a crowd? I've discovered the SwimLondon ticket - hope it's still up and running.

I'd like to meet up with someone for occasional swimming - meet at the pool, or go together if convenient. I shall probably be on public transport.

In the summer I shall be looking for some open air swimming - I used to go every day when I had a pool just down the road! I'm definitely intending to try out Hampstead Ponds - would anyone like to come with me?! Do local people go there for swimming? I'm thinking I'll cycle as public transport looks a bit complicated - or does someone have a good route? Don't know whether to start with ladies' pool or the mixed one. Shall also try other open air pools - the ones at Finchley, Crouch End, London Fields, Covent Garden (I've been doing my research!). Any other suggestions? Does anyone know if the open air pool at Trent Park, which used to belong to Middlesex University, is going to be open to the public this year?

Thanks.

Cathy Taylor

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Permalink Reply by Nicole James on March 20, 2013 at 22:30

Hi Cathy

I don't get much chance to go swimming (properly) now as I have two little ones but I do like the pool in Southgate (easy to access by public transport and it has recently been refurbished). I like the outdoor pool at Park Road, Crouch End, although the changing rooms for the inside pool could do with some updating. I used to swim outside at the Oasis in Covent Garden in the summer and loved it... I have my sights set on London Fields (I like big pools) but haven't made it there yet. Finchley pool is OK (just off the North Circular after Tesco at East Finchley) although the kids fun area (although away from the main swimming pool) is a bit manic.

Enjoy your swimming,

Nicole

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Permalink Reply by Cathy Taylor on March 21, 2013 at 15:05

Many thanks, Nicole.

London Fields is the one pool I have tried already - heated in winter has got to be good! (though actually didn't seem too warm..). Nice and clean and well-run. I agree about the size. There's a nice little cafe outside too - outdoor seating only I think.

Oasis seems to be a friendly place from what I've read. I'm going to miss my swimming companions from Jesus Green in Cambridge...

I'll try Southgate sometime soon - the cold weather is putting me off swimming at present!

Cathy

PS If you ever want help minding the little ones in the pool, I'll volunteer! Mine are all grown up now...

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Permalink Reply by Cathy Taylor on March 22, 2013 at 23:58

Thankyou Tom! Should be a pleasant walk or cycle ride from here. Didn't know there was a pool there.

Cathy

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Permalink Reply by Irena Rybinska on March 23, 2013 at 18:09

Park Road pool is good.Check it out.

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Permalink Reply by Cathy Taylor on March 23, 2013 at 23:18

Hey, thanks - an open air pool too and not so far away.

Cathy

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Permalink Reply by Richard McKeever on March 25, 2013 at 12:59

Hi Cathy,

In the past we used to have a couple of outdoor pools nearby. The Barrowell Green swimming Pool - up Green Lanes towards Winchmore Hill - now serves as LB Enfield's recycling centre and dump!

Closer to home the Bounds Green swimming pool (or Durnsford Road pool) is now the Sunshine Garden Centre. In its heyday it was used by Olympic Athletes and even once had a visit from Tarzan - or rather actor Johnny Weismuller, you can hear the full story in the video below:

Tarzan of Bounds Green from Tom Tagholm on Vimeo.

Eric Bromberger remembers the day he watched Johnny Weissmuller dive at his local pool, in a special one-off performance.

Today, the pool is a garden centre.

Who, among those buying their pot plants and compost, would imagine that Tarzan had been here?