A new free lido will open in east London this summer

When summer comes to London, you can never have too many lidos. As soon as temperatures hit anything above 23C, we all flock to the nearest open-air pool to sunbathe and cool off. The problem is that they can often get packed and can be tricky to book. So, the more lidos, the better! 

Right on cue, Royal Docks is launching a temporary lido for a month later this summer. The lido, AKA Summer Splash, opens around this time every year and has been ‘designed to provide a safe outdoor water space for local communities, young people, and particularly those without access to their own private garden or outdoor area’. 

For 2025, the pool will be accessible from Friday, July 25 until Sunday, August 17. It’s unheated, just in case you need to mentally prepare yourself to brave the chill. 

Besides the pool itself, there’ll be sandpits, deckchairs, lessons for kids, ‘lates’ DJs series and a wood-fired sauna. Like a sort of quasi beach club. 

Summer Splash part of a wider water-focused programme in the area, titled At The Docks, that’ll also offer wakeboarding, paddle boarding and open water swimming. On top of all that, there’s a bunch of waterside events planned, like The Cause’s big birthday bash and Ensemble Festival – a showcase of circus, dance and physical theatre. 

Justine Simons, the deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said: ‘The Royal Docks is one of London’s best-kept secrets, a vibrant hotspot for creativity and culture, so I’m delighted to see the return of the At the Docks season. There’s so much for young people and families to enjoy, from fun activities to open-air performances and festivals, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.’

A new underground food market is coming to Waterloo. 

One of London’s best restaurants has announced plans to reopen.

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