The temptation to cool off in Ruislip Lido is understandable – but swimming is strictly prohibited
During a heatwave, it’s only natural to want to go to the beach for a cooling dip in the water. One ‘beach’ located away from the coast in West London seems too good to be true – and that’s because unfortunately, it is.
Ruislip Lido, a 60-acre lake with golden shores and a woodland backdrop in Hillingdon, West London, looks every inch a holiday resort on a hot summer’s day. But before you pack your swimming costume, there is something you need to know: swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited, and the rules are firmly enforced.
Swimming is banned in the lido for multiple reasons, and has been for years – but this doesn’t mean the lido is not worth a visit. The lake may look inviting on a warm day, but Ruislip Lido is a reservoir, not a managed swimming facility. The conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous, even when the water appears calm and clear.
Why swimming is banned at Ruislip Lido
There was a time when swimming at Ruislip Lido was not only permitted but hugely popular. The reservoir opened to the public as a lido in 1933, and at its peak in the 1950s and 1960s, thousands of visitors came each summer to swim, sunbathe and water-ski. London Transport ran double-decker buses on three separate routes at 20-minute intervals to cope with demand.
The original 1930s building on the western shore housed changing rooms, a cafe, a manager’s office and a chlorination plant. However, declining water quality and falling visitor numbers after admission charges were raised in the 1970s gradually brought the swimming era to a close. The main building was destroyed by fire in 1994, and swimming has not been permitted since.
These days, there are some crucial safety reasons why swimming is not permitted:
- Blue-green algae -The lake has experienced blooms of toxic blue-green algae, which can be harmful to both people and animals. Crucially, even when a visible bloom has cleared from the surface, algae can remain present in the water and pose a risk.
- Cold water shock – The water temperature at Ruislip Lido can be far colder than it looks or feels from the shore. Cold water shock can cause an involuntary gasp reflex, rapid breathing and an inability to swim or get out of the water safely, which can put even strong swimmers in difficulty.
- Unpredictable depth and hidden hazards – The lake bed is uneven, with sudden drop-offs that are not visible from the surface, and points that appear shallow near the shore can change quickly. In addition to the mixed depth, submerged objects, debris and vegetation present additional dangers to anyone who enters the water.
- Swimmer’s itch – This frustrating sensation is caused by microscopic parasites in the water. The condition, cercarial dermatitis, is an unpleasant allergic skin reaction commonly known as swimmer’s itch.
Hillingdon Council has confirmed there are no plans to reintroduce swimming at Ruislip Lido, as the conditions make it too unsafe. It is also unsafe for dogs to swim in the water, but there is a dedicated dog beach for them to play in the sand.
Why it’s still worth a visit
You might not be able to swim at Ruislip lido, but that doesn’t mean you should write off the destination altogether. For starters, it’s a free attraction, and has plenty of alternative activities to enjoy. For families with young children, a splash pad on the beach means kids can still cool off and have fun.
Located right beside the main beach area and the pirate ship play area, it is free to use and features water jets and spray features designed for young children. The Splash Pad is open from April until the end of September, with the water running from 10am into the evening. Toilets are located nearby, and the main beach area means children can move freely between sand play and water fun.
And while visitors may not be able to do any laps of the water itself, the beach is a proper stretch of golden sand where visitors sunbathe, build sandcastles and play beach games on the water’s edge. On a warm day it can feel remarkably like the seaside, without the long drive or the extortionate car park fees.
The Ruislip Lido Railway is another of the site’s popular draws. The adorably tiny 12-inch gauge railway takes passengers around the lake and through Ruislip Woods, running between Woody Bay station beside the beach and Willow Lawn station near the car park, and is great fun for both children and adults.
Two children’s playgrounds sit either side of the lake, including an 18-metre wooden pirate ship complete with nets, climbing frames and slides. There is also an outdoor gym for those who want to keep active.
If you’d prefer a peaceful woodland walk, Ruislip Woods surround the Lido, forming part of a designated nature reserve. The ancient semi-natural woodland includes coppice woods, grassland, ponds, streams and marshland, and there are several walking routes to explore. There is an information point at the Woodland Centre providing information about the site’s history as well as traditional woodland crafts.
The Woodland Centre also contains the Lakeside Cafe, which serves snacks and hot and cold drinks, with a kiosk nearby for ice creams. Alternatively, the nearby Water’s Edge pub and restaurant offers carvery and pizza options for those wanting something more substantial. For those wanting to bring their own food and drink, picnics are welcome throughout the grounds, though barbecues are not permitted.
Getting there
Ruislip Lido is at Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY. If arriving by public transport, Ruislip Tube station is on the Uxbridge branch of the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines, and from there it is roughly a 10-minute taxi ride or a 34 to 42-minute walk. The H13 and 331 bus routes also stop close to the Lido and the woods.
If travelling by car, parking is £8.90 for up to three hours or £16.90 a day from May to August, and £5.80 for up to three hours or £8.30 for a full day during the rest of the year. There are no nearby alternative car parks, and parking restrictions on surrounding roads are strictly enforced, so Hillingdon Council recommends taking public transport where possible.
From May to August the Lido is open from 9am to 9pm. In September it closes at 7pm, in October at 5pm, from November to February at 4pm, in March at 5pm and in April at 6pm.
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