What Is Pools on the Park and What Does It Offer?
Pools on the Park is a municipal leisure centre and Grade II listed outdoor lido in Old Deer Park, Richmond, south-west London (TW9 2SF). It is operated by GLL’s Better brand on behalf of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and is the main public swimming facility for the area — combining a year-round indoor pool with one of London’s surviving heated outdoor lidos. The building was designed by architect Leslie Gooday, opened in 1966 (replacing the earlier Richmond Baths at Parkshot, which had operated since 1882), and received a Civic Trust Award in 1967. Its designation as a Grade II listed building in January 1996 recognised the structure’s “ambitious use of glazed curtain walling” and the post-Wolfenden era emphasis on spectator accommodation in public leisure facilities. Historic England describes the building as a significant example of 1960s leisure architecture.
Pools and swimming facilities
The complex centres on two main pools. The 33.3-metre indoor main pool is a full-size competition-length pool used for lane swimming, squad training and lessons. Alongside it is a learner pool (also indoors) for beginners and junior lessons. The signature facility is the outdoor heated pool, a 6-lane outdoor pool set in the 6.5-acre (2.6 hectare) site within Old Deer Park — a short walk from Richmond town centre and Richmond railway and Underground stations. The outdoor pool is heated and operates year-round for early morning swimming outside the summer season, opening all day during the warmer months. The outdoor pool was historically associated with water slides — a “Wild Waters” water slide attraction operated by Waterslides plc ran at the site until October 1989, when the company’s financial difficulties led to its closure; the slides were removed and funding redirected to general facility improvements. Diving boards and springboards that were part of the original 1960s facility are also no longer present.
Additional facilities
Beyond the pools, Pools on the Park offers a gym (cardiovascular machines and free weights), an indoor cycle studio, a class studio for group exercise including yoga, Pilates, aqua fitness and dance, and sauna and steam room facilities. A café is on site, and there is pay-and-display parking on site. An on-site physiotherapy and osteopathy clinic completes the facility offering. The complex is notably accessible by public transport: it sits on Twickenham Road and is a terminus for London Buses route 490 from Heathrow Terminal 5, and is a short walk from Richmond station (served by both South Western Railway mainline services and London Overground, as well as the District Line).
Pools on the Park: Prices, Opening Times and How to Book
The facility operates on a pay-per-session model with discounted rates for Better PAYG (Pay As You Go) members and Richmond Resident Card holders, alongside standard non-member rates. Membership plans offering unlimited swimming access are also available at monthly rates. The pricing structure is straightforward for a public leisure centre, though peak morning slots (early lane swimming) and specific class sessions require advance booking through the Better app or website.
Pay-per-session prices
Current session prices (2026) at Pools on the Park are as follows:
- Adults (18–59): £6.90 per session (non-member); £6.30 (PAYG member or Richmond Resident Card)
- Seniors (60+): £5.70 (non-member); £5.40 (member)
- Teens (13–19): £5.30 (non-member); £4.10 (member)
- Juniors (4–12): £3.20 (non-member); £3.00 (member)
- Students: £2.60 (PAYG member rate only)
- Under-4s: Free
These prices cover access to either the indoor or outdoor pool for a standard session. The Better pricing page is updated seasonally and should be checked for the most current rates, as pricing at London Better facilities has increased incrementally in recent years in line with broader leisure centre cost pressures. A Richmond Resident Card (available to residents of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames) provides the same discount as PAYG membership and is worth obtaining for regular visitors, at no upfront cost beyond providing proof of residency.
Opening hours
The indoor main pool operates on the following schedule (subject to change for classes and events):
- Monday: 06:30–19:45
- Tuesday: 06:30–22:00
- Wednesday–Thursday: 06:30–21:00
- Friday: 06:30–20:30
- Saturday: 08:00–17:45
- Sunday: 07:00–17:45
The outdoor heated pool hours are slightly shorter: Monday 06:30–19:45, Tuesday–Friday 06:30–20:00, and Saturday–Sunday 08:00–16:00 during the standard season. During summer peak season, the outdoor pool extends its hours and is accessible throughout the day. The pool timetable at Pools on the Park is managed via the Richmond Council timetable page and the Better app — specific lane swimming, adult lessons and children’s classes are bookable up to 7 days in advance and popular morning slots fill up quickly, particularly at weekends.
Membership and booking
Better offers monthly membership plans that cover unlimited swimming access at Pools on the Park and other Better London venues. These provide better value for regular swimmers — a monthly adult membership typically covers the cost of unlimited pool access across all Better facilities in the borough. The Better app handles all advance bookings and allows session reservations for lane swimming, fitness classes and the outdoor lido. Walk-in is possible for less popular slots but is not guaranteed for high-demand sessions such as Saturday morning outdoor lane swimming or Tuesday evening long sessions. For families planning a first visit, the Richmond Council page and the Picniq and Day Out With the Kids listings maintain useful up-to-date visitor information including any temporary closures or holiday programme details.
Pools on the Park: What Visitors Say and How It Compares
Pools on the Park has a mixed but generally positive reputation among London swimmers. Its main draws are the year-round outdoor heated pool — one of a small number still operating in London alongside Brockwell Lido and Tooting Bec Lido — and its accessible location within walking distance of Richmond town centre and Richmond Park. The Grade II listed 1960s architecture gives the complex a period character that many visitors appreciate, and the overall size of the facility (indoor pool, outdoor pool, gym, studios) makes it competitive with private health clubs at substantially lower prices for occasional users.
What visitors rate highly
Visitors consistently praise the outdoor lido as the standout reason to visit — particularly for early morning swims before the facility fills up and for weekend use in summer. The heated outdoor pool retains warmth through most of the year, and early morning outdoor swims in autumn and winter attract a dedicated regular community. The indoor 33.3-metre main pool is full-size, with proper depth and multi-lane configuration, making it suitable for serious lane swimmers rather than leisure splash sessions. The location is a consistent positive — access from Richmond station, proximity to Richmond Park, and bus connectivity via route 490 from Heathrow make it an easy day out. The café is appreciated for post-swim convenience, and the physiotherapy and osteopathy clinic on site is a genuine amenity for regular athletes. Value for money at approximately £6.90 for a full session (or around £6.30 with a Richmond Resident Card or PAYG membership) compares favourably to private gym pool access in London.
What to know before you go
A few practical points from visitor reports and the facility’s own timetable:
- Booking is essential for popular sessions — outdoor lane swimming on Saturday and Sunday mornings and Tuesday evening general swim sessions fill quickly via the Better app. Walk-in is likely to work on weekday afternoons.
- The outdoor pool operates year-round but with shorter morning-only windows outside summer. If you’re visiting specifically for the outdoor lido in winter or autumn, check the timetable in advance and expect briefer session windows.
- No diving boards or water slides — these were removed years ago. Visitors expecting slides (based on older listings or word of mouth) should note the facility is lane swimming and leisure session only, no waterpark features.
- Pay-and-display parking is available on site, but Richmond town centre parking is expensive and limited. Public transport (District Line, Overground, South Western Railway, or buses) is strongly recommended for most visitors.
- Swimming lessons are available for children and adults across both pools, bookable via Better. Lessons in the outdoor pool during summer are particularly popular and book out in advance.
How Pools on the Park compares to other London lidos
As one of London’s surviving outdoor swimming pools, Pools on the Park occupies a niche between the large historic lidos (Tooting Bec, 90m; Brockwell) and the smaller heated year-round pools at Hampton Heated Open-Air Pool and Serpentine Lido. Unlike Tooting Bec (unheated, cold-water wild swimming community) or the Serpentine (seasonal warm-weather only), Pools on the Park is heated and year-round, making it accessible for general swimmers rather than cold-water enthusiasts. Compared to Parliament Hill Lido (also heated, north London), Pools on the Park has the advantage of an adjacent full-size indoor pool and gym, making it a complete leisure facility rather than a standalone lido. For families with children, the range of facilities (lessons, learner pool, café, outdoor lido) on a single 6.5-acre site in a residential London park setting is a genuine draw. For serious lane swimmers, the 33.3m indoor pool is the better training venue, with the outdoor lido as a seasonal bonus. For context on the broader landscape of UK outdoor swimming, our guide to outdoor swimming pools near me covers lidos, open-water sites and seasonal facilities across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Pools on the Park?
Pools on the Park is located at Old Deer Park, Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2SF. It is a short walk from Richmond station (District Line, London Overground and South Western Railway). It is also accessible on London Buses route 490, which serves the site directly from Heathrow Terminal 5.
Is the outdoor pool at Pools on the Park open all year?
Yes, the outdoor heated pool operates year-round. Outside summer, it opens for morning-only sessions (typically from 06:30). In summer it is accessible throughout the day. Check the Better app or Richmond Council timetable for current outdoor pool hours before visiting, as they vary by season and can change.
How much does it cost to swim at Pools on the Park?
As of 2026, an adult pay-per-session swim costs £6.90 for non-members or £6.30 with a Richmond Resident Card or Better PAYG membership. Teens (13–19) pay £5.30 (non-member) or £4.10 (member). Children aged 4–12 pay £3.20. Under-4s are free. Monthly membership plans cover unlimited swimming access at all Better facilities in the area.
Does Pools on the Park have a water slide?
No. A water slide attraction called “Wild Waters” operated at the site until October 1989 but has been closed and removed for over 35 years. The current facility offers lane swimming in indoor and outdoor pools, plus gym, sauna/steam room, and fitness classes — no slides or waterpark features.
Can you visit Pools on the Park without a membership?
Yes — pay-per-session access is available without any membership. However, a free Richmond Resident Card (for Richmond Borough residents) or a Better PAYG membership (monthly fee) gives a small discount per session. Popular sessions (weekend outdoor lido, evening swims) require advance booking via the Better app even for non-members.
