Monday 22 June 2015

A Dip in Kings Cross Pond

Since reading about the new art installation that you can swim in, I knew that I'd have to book tickets for my wild swimming nut.  The Old Man has swam in rivers and reservoirs, in the sea, and in mountain lakes.  Being surrounded by open countryside is one of the biggest appeals of outdoor swimming, so I wondered how he'd feel about urban swimming.  Sure, he's been swimming in Hampstead Pond and in many of the London lidos but Kings Cross Pond is different.  Completely urban, right in the centre of the latest development phase of the area, and inspired by the popularity of the fountains at the nearby Granary Square.  Here you can swim with the BT Tower and the gothic St Pancras station in the background while East Coast trains trundle into the Kings Cross arches.


The pond is completely natural - no chlorine like you'd find in a municipal pool or lido, yet filtered and pure - so no creepy crawlies or fish like you'd find in a river or lake.  Perhaps this is the ideal balance for outdoor swimming.

Smaller than I expected, the pond is only 40 m long by 10m but it won't get overcrowded as it's pre-booked tickets only, limited to 163 people per day, the exact amount the reed filtration system can cope with.



Open from 6.30 am until dusk, you can book a ticket for a three and a half hour period throughout the week with prices starting at £3.50 off peak, rising to £6.50 at peak times including weekends.    Tickets are only released a week or two in advance though, so you'll have to take a punt on the great British weather. Spectators are welcome too, either for free at the elevated viewing platform, or poolside for £2 per person.  Children are welcome to swim but must be accompanied by an adult.  There are lifeguards on duty (I might add some of the friendliest lifeguards I've met), and you can change in the bright red and white poolside changing rooms and keep your valuables safe in the lockers.  You'll find sun loungers on the poolside and this is set to become one of the coolest places to be this summer.









Set on a raised mound, the kids will love rolling down the hill and parents will enjoy the tranquility of sitting amongst the wild flower planting, a true rarity to see such flowers growing in central London.



Twenty-odd years ago I worked at Kings Cross.  If you'd have told me then that the area would be completely regenerated with bars, galleries and amazing public spaces, I'd have laughed in your face. If you'd have told me people would flock to swim in a pond there I'd have thought you were crazy.  But here it is, and now I love this area so much.

The installation is only planned to be open to the public for 2 years, so take a dip now while you can.


24 comments:

  1. Wow that looks awesome! I had no idea that was there! x

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  2. This certainly sounds ideal for the summer months! I like that it's filtered yet outdoors, good value too x

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  3. That looks awesome - totally unexpected!

    My family would love that although I'd be the one on the sun loungers with my Kindle I think x

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  4. Ohh how strange, can't imaine I'd swim there but your partner looks super happy. You have to bring him here and he can swim in our lake amongst the countryside, R can play with the girls and we can sip wine! Mich x

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  5. Wow what an amazing looking place to go for a dip, I would definitely be tempted to give it a try. x

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  6. I DEFINITELY want to go. X

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  7. Wow, it looks amazing, thanks for sharing! I love your photos of the gorgeous flowers.

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  8. Ive seen it, been to it but haven't been brave enough to swim in it x

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  9. What a great use of that space! I love that it balances the whole natural thing with no bugs /fish that I'm sure put many off. That might just encourage people to wild swim after!

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  10. It looks amazing and I am so intrigued to try it. My lads would love it. I wonder it it is well used that more might appear in the country

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  11. Had no idea it was there! I'd love to try it but not sure I could be out so open in my swim suit. Bet my husband would dive right in though! Looks fab x

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  12. It couldn't be a more urban setting could it? I think my son would like to try it.

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  13. hahah what a fabulous place i never even knew this existed

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  14. Oh this is so nice! I wish there was something like this when i was in london. might be visiting it if we can find tickets though x

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  15. This looks lovely although I could imagine its a bit chilly. Wonder why its only there two years

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  16. This looks brilliant!! What fun and what a great experience. I love it!

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  17. How very random. I've never heard of such a thing but it sounds wonderfully unique! No chlorine, but no creepy crawlies and fish either? Sounds like a win to me.

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  18. OOOh how fab , I saw this on the news same i can't swim !

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  19. How cool is this and that's a rather wonderful shot of your old man. I may have to book a slot for one of our London visits during the holibobs!

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  20. That sounds and looks amazing, a genuine oasis in the middle of London!

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  21. I was recently at the pond, not for a swim but for a photography class, the place is very unique and well maintained.

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  22. I bet this is popular during the summer. London can get so hot and dusty and this seems like a perfect way to be in the country without leaving the city!

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  23. I think I saw this on the One Show and was intrigued by it. Must take a look when I'm in London next week.

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  24. This looks amazing! Once it's warmed up a bit, I'll be there....

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