To mark the longest day of the year, Charlton Lido in south London is opening its doors to the public to allow customers to savour the occasion with specially-timed, open-air swims.

Solstice swims have become something of a tradition at the venue and this will be the fourth year running that the lido has put on activities to celebrate Midsummer’s Day.

Two sessions are offered -

* The midnight swim on Friday 20th runs between 23:00 and 1:00AM, marking the shortest night.

Customers at Charlton Lido enjoying an atmospheric 'solstice swim'.

placeholder image — Customers at Charlton Lido enjoying an atmospheric 'solstice swim'.

* The solstice swim takes place not long afterwards from 03:30 to 05:30 on Saturday 21*st, giving people the opportunity to watch the sun come up

The lido will be offering 4 double lanes for experienced and casual swimmers. While the event is designed for adults only due to the early time, we did welcome a number of families last year. Children aged 12+ who are competent swimmers (able to swim 25m unaided) will be allowed to participate if accompanied.

The event is free for members with Charlton Lido as their home club. Other customers will pay the regular ticket price: £11.50,

Swims need to be booked in advance via this link - https://bookings.better.org.uk/location/charlton-lido/swimmingft/2025-06-20/by-time

As if this wasn’t enough excitement, the lido is also adding a new activity to the midsummer offerings - solstice yoga at 5.30 am which will take place by the pool weather permitting. So if you fancy putting on your most spiritual leotard and seeing the sun come up while contorting your body into all manner of shapes, come along!

This is also available to book in the usual way, the week before, as with other fitness classes at the lido.

Charlton Lido is something of a landmark in south London. It first opened in 1939 and is renowned for its Art Deco-style design, making it a magnet for film and TV companies looking for a striking filming location.

The facilities – which underwent an extensive refurbishment prior to reopening in 2013 – include an Olympic-sized main pool which is heated to 25 degrees year-round, a children’s pool, a gym, spin studio, sunbathing space and rooftop café.

The centre is popular with local residents and thousands of people visit every year. Former Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew is a supporter as is Tom Gregory who holds the record for being the youngest ever person to swim the English Channel at the age of eleven.

Charlton Lido is run by charitable social enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand. Supporting the wellbeing of local communities is an important part of the organisation’s ethos.

Marina Miguens, GLL’s Assistant Manager at the centre, comments, “The solstice swims give swimmers a unique opportunity to enjoy a peaceful session with the sunrise as a backdrop. The event celebrates the shortest night of the year and marks the beginning of summer in a healthy and mindful way, encouraging movement for both body and mind.”

Alex, a regular customer at Charlton Lido, comments on the solstice plans, "A great, fun swim to see in the new day. I attended the 11:30pm swim last year and it was lovely to swim in the moonlight”.