Serpentine Swimming

 I've been a member of the Serpentine Swimming Club for a few years now, and there is something so special and magical about wild swimming in Central London - despite all the duck poo and pond weed, and occasionally being threatened by swans!

This year it has been particularly special, due to it being closed for so long, there was such a sense of excitement when it reopened. 

After 10 beautiful days - which unfortunately coincided with a heatwave, meaning every member turned up - it was closed again until it could be opened safely, which also coincided with a turn in the weather, which naturally made it less busy. 

It's open from 5.30-9.30am, and is a very pricey £20 for the year. Facilities are limited - change next to the pond, and avoid the duck poo - but it's such a friendly place, it's worth the slightly unusual conditions. 

I tend to go around 6.30am-7am, and it's very peaceful at this time. 

Reopening in May

So beautifully hot and sunny

Beautiful skies early in July

Just arriving for sunrise in September

Slightly misty in the pre sunrise moments in October

It's now dark when we arrive, but gets light pretty quickly. Although there are fewer swimmers now (the water is still 12 degrees so not too icy yet), we are kept company by the joggers and boot campers on the opposite shore. 

I would really recommend wild swimming - for the soul as much as for exercise, and as a fellow swimmer said this morning 'it's cold, but addictive'. So true!!