By Claire Harrison, Founder of Swimming Rocks Swim Schools
This year, it seemed like we waited for the sunnier weather for ages with June being one of the wettest on record. Then just like that, on the last Saturday in June we had the hottest June day for 30 years!
And whilst that was may have been a little too hot, I do hope that we continue to see some sunny weather as we head towards the summer school holidays as my two children (aged 3 and 6) absolutely love a day of water play, whether that be a fountain or an outdoor water splash park.
And we are super lucky as London certainly has lots of lidos and pools to enjoy. But we thought it would be a great idea to share with you our favourite places for children to explore, splash and grow in water confidence from an early age.
Here are some of our favourites…
Granary Square Fountains, Kings Cross
Hands down one of the best fountains in London. A spectacularly large area with over 1000 choreographed jets that squirt and spray much to the children’s delight. With an abundance of restaurants and a fab ice cream parlour right next door, it’s a brilliant way to spend a warm afternoon.
Kensington Memorial Park, W10
With a great playground, sandpits and an excellent water splash area that has lots of interactive buckets, tippers and sprinklers for the children to run around and play with. The splash areas are all shallow enough for even the smallest of water baby to enjoy. Seating for parents and carers is located all around the sides so you are never far from the action!
Diana Memorial Fountains, Hyde Park
Located in Hyde Park on the banks of the Serpentine, this fountain was created ‘to express Diana’s spirit and love of children’. We absolutely love the opportunity to take a picnic and spend the day here surrounded by the green space and opportunity to go splash if it gets a bit hot and sticky! Plus it’s not far from the Diana Memorial Playground which, in my book, is one of the best in London (Tip: Arrive early as it always gets super busy)
Merchant Square Water Maze, Paddington
This area of London has gone through a massive regeneration over the last few years and we love the Water Maze, designed by Fountain Workshop, which is firm favourite during the summer months.
Surrounded by grassy green areas with screens, deckchairs and floating bridges and with lots of places to grab some food or watch the summer programme of events, this is becoming a great place to spend a family day out.
This summer, with so much on offer for the family to splash the summer days away, it might also be time to think about booking some swimming lessons to get prepared for your upcoming holiday, to gain some water confidence or to boost progress.
Swimming Rocks have 6 weeks of courses available to book and 5 summer venues to choose from.
Each courses consists of 5 lessons, Monday – Friday and you can choose to do either 30minues or 60minutes per day.
Private (1:1) and Shared (2:1) lessons available.
To Book or check availability:
[email protected] / 07557 051 904
www.swimmingrocks.co.uk
Instagram: @swimmingrockslondon