If I had to pick my favourite thing about living in London, it’s the fact there is always something new and different to be doing. Be that a pop up restaurant, exhibition or just visiting some of the not so well known areas of the city and exploring what’s on there. So, in this vain when I heard about the Kings Cross Pond Club I knew I’d have to pay a visit (& feature it on here because “the first rule of Pond Club..” isn’t that you can’t talk about it..). Essentially, it is the UK’s first ever man-made fresh water public bathing pond. Or in other words, a swimming pool where the water is completely filtered by plants without a chemical in sight. Originally intended to be open for two years only, this part of an experimental art piece called “Of Soil & Water” created by Ooze Architects (Eva Pfannes and Sylvain Hartenberg) and artist Marjetica Potrc.
So, when I had a day off and the weather forcast looked as if it may behave we booked tickets. Only a certain number of swimmers are allowed in per session and per day, so booking ahead of time online is vital. Thankfully, we lucked out and managed to avoid the rain and had almost a full day of sunshine.
Upon arrival, and once you’ve checked in, you’re greeted by beach hut style changing rooms complete with nostalgic red and white stripes. Alongside these there are a selection of lockers for your belongings and chairs and tables to have your lunch on if you wish. There is no food policy at the pool itself so if you have bought food with it needs to be consumed in this area. 
The pool is split into 4 sections, two of which you are allowed to enter. The first being the raised platform for paddling with the barriers making it safe for younger children and the other being the main swimming area. The remaining two parts are for the various plants used to filter the water and keep it fresh and making sure that they aren’t disturbed or damaged by swimmers. Along the side of the pool there are a few sunbeds to relax on in between your times in the water.
The best way I can describe the entire experience is surreal. As the area around this part of Kings Cross is currently undergoing vast amounts of construction and regeneration, it really does feel like an oasis. I could quite happily have spent all day just admiring the gorgeous green surroundings. Although, I’ll admit the water was a little cold at first it did take me a about half an hour with my feet in the paddling part to brave diving in. I mean, the water was on average 4 degrees lower than the air temperature after all.
I’ll definitely be paying another visit to the Kings Cross Pond Club and can’t recommend it highly enough. Although, I might wait until later in the summer when it’s guaranteed to be a bit warmer..
This is such a cool idea and one that seems unlike anything else! Would love to pay a visit x
Blushhx
I completely recommend trying it! 🙂 xx
This looks so cool! (And random!) I can't believe I've been through King's Cross so many times and never heard of this. Might have to try and pay a visit this summer! Great post 🙂
Tara | This Millennial Girl xox
I totally recommend paying a visit, especially with the weather being so good recently! xx
I’m a direct tube away from Kings Cross so this is going on my list 🙂
http://www.overnightbelle.wordpress.com
It’s such a great idea, I would never have known it was there if my mum hadn’t had seen it on the news a while back.
Hope you get some great weather if you make the trip 😀 xx
I’ve never heard of it before! The weather seems to be looking up for now so I’m going to see if I can plan a visit 🙂 x
I'm a direct tube away from Kings Cross so this is going on my list 🙂
http://www.overnightbelle.wordpress.com
It's such a great idea, I would never have known it was there if my mum hadn't had seen it on the news a while back.
Hope you get some great weather if you make the trip 😀 xx
I've never hear of it before! The weather seems to be looking up for now so I'm going to see if I can plan a visit 🙂 x
Wow, what a cool and unusual concept! I've just got back from holiday and the pool at our hotel wasn't heated, so it took me about 10 minutes to summon up the courage to take the plunge! Invigorating to say the least! Angharad x
http://www.welshandwonderful.com
Great photos! Love this idea, thanks for sharing.
Anika | anikamay.co.uk
Great photos! Love this idea, thanks for sharing.
Anika | anikamay.co.uk
Haha this is the best thing ever – who knew that there was a pond club in Kings Cross? I don’t know if I could be as brave as you though… maybe one for peak summer when the weather is scorching…
Laura xx | Loved By Laura
Definitely one for the summer, hopefully this weekends good weather wasn’t the last of it! xx
Haha this is the best thing ever – who knew that there was a pond club in Kings Cross? I don't know if I could be as brave as you though… maybe one for peak summer when the weather is scorching…
Laura xx | Loved By Laura
Definitely one for the summer, hopefully this weekends good weather wasn't the last of it! xx