Tooting Bec Lido, London

The south London suburb of Tooting Bec has a lido, a huge open-air swimming pool, the largest fresh water pool in England.

The pool was opened in 1906 as a bathing lake and within a few months the South London Swimming Club was formed. The club still uses the lido as its base.

There have been many changes over the years including, I believe, a new entrance so I presume this brick entrance has been replaced.

With the focus on outdoor exercise in the 1920s and 30s the pool adopted the name lido and included a fountain to help oxygenate and circulate the water.

A cafe was also added. I'm not sure if the vertical sundial is original, there may have been a conventional clock there but it certainly is very stylish.

The lido is an oasis in Tooting Bec Common providing a tree lined escape from the hustle and bustle of the London Streets and the colourful doors of the the changing rooms are sure to brighten any day.