Lake swimming by yourself is fun, but sometimes it can just feel like you’re going round in circles.
So it’s good to know that you’re in safe hands with the Secret Adventures team, who – aside from organising scenic kayak trips to Crate Brewery and staging secret concerts in candlelit bombed-out churches – are adding to their roster of offbeat, magical experiences with a few summer evenings of wild swimming in one of London’s loveliest outdoor spots.
They’ll be setting up shop on the pontoons of the West Reservoir in Stoke Newington, a surprisingly vast stretch of open water overlooked by trees and a beautiful art deco building. What’s even more surprising is that this open water also comes with proper toilets, hot showers, and hairdryers (and a fleet of lifeguards in kayaks, just in case).
Throughout the evening, you’ll be free to dip in and out as much as you like. And after a splash about as the sun goes down overhead, you’ll be able to retreat to shore and snuggle up around campfires with a hoard of free marshmallows. But if you’re after something a bit more substantial, there’s also a street food stall and a pop up waterside bar fully stocked with beers, wine and cocktails.
It’s the best dive bar in town.
NOTE: Secret Adventures are next running their Lake Swim & Campfire nights on 26th June, 31st July and 21st August 2020. Tickets cost £20 + booking fee, and you can book right HERE.
Lake Swim & Campfires | West Reservoir, Stoke Newington, N4 2HA
Like evening swims in the open air? Take a moonlit dip in Hampton Pool…