Tooting Bec Lido

Tooting Bec Lido is an open-air fresh water swimming pool in South London. It stands on Tooting Bec Common between Tooting and Streatham. The pool is 91 metres long and 30 metres wide, making it Britain’s largest by surface area. An earth ramp once hid the pool from view across the common. The ramp is now mostly covered with trees that shelter many birds. The lido has strong links to local history. It opened in 1906 as the Tooting Bathing-Lake after the Reverend John Hendry Anderson proposed the project to give work to unemployed men. Segregation of the sexes ended in 1931, and a fountain was added to improve water circulation. The pool nearly closed in the early 1990s but was saved by the South London Swimming Club. Brad Pitt filmed a boxing scene for the film Snatch at the lido. Visitors find bright red, yellow and green changing-cubicle doors above turquoise water. The northern entrance now sits at the shallow end, making access easier for children. A new Pavilion at the deep end provides an all-year sports hall and better lifeguard facilities. Willow trees planted outside the entrance are slowly softening the wind and view from the common. The pool’s brick arches are due to be rebuilt as a memorial near the pavilion.