With the current restrictions on travel, the chances to visit unseen pools has been few and far between. Recently though, I had the pleasure to swim at Parliament Hill Lido in London. It is really a special place. The late summer heat brought out lots of swimmers plunging into still very chilly 18 degrees water and the endorphins had everyone smiling. The pool seems to cater to anyone and everyone. At 60 meters long, I could barely see to the far end of pool when starting off and the stainless steel bottom gives the water a dazzling effect. Although it takes a bit of time to get to grips with the system of use and terminology (free flow = no advance booking and take your chances), the management of the pool works well. The pool was organised into lane swimming in the morning before 10am and then a mixture of lanes and free areas after that. It’s popular in the summer heat and I’m looking forward to braving it on a cold winter’s day. One local swimmer told me his record is 18 minutes at 1 degree water temperature with no wet suit. Yikes!