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Stripping down to your skivvies and jumping into a cold outdoor pool of water might not be your idea of a great winter day out, but what if we told you you could hop in a jacuzzi and steam room afterwards? Because there’s nothing quite like a bracing day of sweating it out in the sauna and freezing yourself in icy water to scare off the winter blues. Why else do you think people in Finland are so happy?
That’s why we’ve just named the Thames Lido as one of the best winter day trips from London. From towns filled with cosy pubs, to quaint steam train outings and pretty country parks, Londoners have tonnes of options to choose from this winter when it comes to brilliant day trips out of the city.
But today we’re here to talk about Thames Lido in Reading. This Grade II-listed swimming pool and spa can be reached from the capital in just 25 minutes by train from Paddington. The pool is heated to a cool 23C all year round, and if that’s still too cold for you, you can warm your bones in the outside jacuzzi, steam room or sauna. Then there’s the spa, where you can have treatments including massages and manicures. It’s also got a lovely poolside restaurant, where you can treat yourself to cocktails, tapas bites or a festive two-course dinner.
After a day of hot and cold immersion (science says it’s good for you, apparently) in this stunning setting, you’ll be gliding home feeling more zen than a Buddhist monk.
Sessions at Thames Lido start from £25, and booking in advance is recommended.
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