Some spend Christmas morning strewn across their sofa surrounded by chocolate wrappers and panettone crumbs, others take a refreshing, even icy dip in the open sea.
But if you’re staying in town this year you can take your outdoor swim a lot closer to home. On Friday, Hackney Council announced that London Fields Lido and West Reservoir will be open for the first time ever on Christmas morning, between ten and noon.
It’s all in compliance with Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions which allow for outdoor sports; and for those who are less accustomed to the cold – London Fields Lido is heated.
Katie Foulger, Hackney Partnership manager for Better which manages the sites said: “This year and for the first time, we are delighted to be opening on Christmas Day at the heated London Fields Lido and the open water West Reservoir – catering for all swimming tastes. It’s been a tough year for our customers so it’s nice to spread a little seasonal cheer.”
Councillor Chris Kennedy said it was: “an amazing gesture to open up our two open-air swimming facilities as a Christmas gift to those who want to brave a Christmas morning swim.”
But on the London Fields Lido users Facebook group there were mixed reactions: Some were delighted, one commentator said: “It’ll be a toss-up between my wife and I who gets the Christmas morning swim and who gets to look after our one-year-old”.
Another added : “Since I won’t be going to Wales for Xmas I most probs will go for a dip” However, others thought the gesture wasn’t necessary, and said : “That’s harsh for the staff, its not a service that needs to be open Christmas day.”
The Lido will also be open at specified hours throughout the festive season- including on Boxing Day, through until New Year’s Day. On the 2nd January it will be open as normal.
If you’re inspired to take the plunge – whether on Christmas Day, or to reinvigorate yourself after the festivities – take a look at the opening hours for swimming pools across Hackney here.
If you’re not, EastLondonLines gives you full permission to enjoy that box of Celebrations and slice of panettone.
