Tooting Bec Lido
London · SW16
Amenities
Summary
The largest fresh-water swimming pool in the UK — 91 metres of open-air bathing with 1930s changing block architecture, usable for productions from April to October.
About this location
Tooting Bec Lido is a 91.4 by 30-metre outdoor fresh-water pool in Tooting Bec Common, opened in 1906 and currently operated by South London Swimming Club. The pool is the largest outdoor fresh-water swimming pool in the United Kingdom. The surrounding changing block, built in the 1930s, provides a run of colourful wooden doors in primary colours on the poolside face — an extremely distinctive visual environment that is immediately identifiable as a British open-air lido.
For productions, the lido offers an unusual combination: a large outdoor pool, genuine period changing facilities, a colourful graphic quality from the painted doors, and a setting within a common in South London. It has been used in fashion and music video productions; the pool’s distinctive appearance makes it a recognisable location in its own right. The lido is operational between April and October and is available for pre-opening hire during this period.
The lido is managed by the South London Swimming Club as a charitable organisation, with Wandsworth Council as the landowner. Film hire is managed through the club. Given the seasonal nature of the operation, productions requiring the pool water to be visible should schedule accordingly. The common surrounding the lido provides a green-space buffer and is managed by Wandsworth Council separately.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- London has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
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On the map
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FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Tooting Bec Lido?
- No council permit is usually needed for filming at Tooting Bec Lido itself, but you'll still need the owner's written permission, and any spill-over onto public highway or pavement may require a council permit.
- Is parking available at Tooting Bec Lido?
- On-site parking is available at Tooting Bec Lido. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Tooting Bec Lido?
- Tooting Bec Lido sits in the ££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Tooting Bec Lido?
- Tooting Bec Lido can take a medium-sized crew of up to around 15 — most commercial, music-video, and short-form productions fit comfortably.
- Has anything been filmed at Tooting Bec Lido before?
- Tooting Bec Lido appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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