Christoff.ai

Oasis Sports Centre

gyms and fitness centers•
London
London

Oasis Sports Centre

32 Endell Street, London, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away behind the bustling streets near Covent Garden lies something rather extraordinary - a heated outdoor swimming pool that maintains a comfortable 25.5°C year-round. This hidden gem represents everything I love about London's unexpected discoveries: functional, unpretentious, and absolutely unique in what it offers.

Oasis Sports Centre: Central London's Best-Kept Aquatic Secret

A no-frills 1970s leisure complex hiding the capital's only heated outdoor pool

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The Oasis Sports Centre embodies that distinctly British approach to leisure facilities - it's unabashedly functional with a bustling community hub atmosphere that's refreshingly authentic. This 1970s leisure complex doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: a proper public facility that serves its purpose brilliantly. The energy level sits at a solid 7.5 out of 10, creating a lively environment without being overwhelming. What strikes me most is how this place manages to feel like a hidden oasis (hence the name) despite being in the heart of central London. The sun terrace and outdoor pool area provide an almost surreal escape from the urban chaos just beyond the walls. It's popular with a mix of locals and office workers, creating an interesting social dynamic that feels genuinely London. The sophistication level is deliberately low at 2.5 out of 10 - this isn't a spa experience, and that's precisely the point.

Food & Drink

The basic cafe operates exactly as you'd expect from a leisure centre - it's functional rather than memorable. They serve the standard array of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and ice creams at typical leisure centre rates ranging from £2-5. Don't come expecting culinary excellence; this is fuel-for-your-workout territory. The pricing is reasonable for central London, though the selection is limited to basic offerings. It serves its purpose for post-swim refreshments or a quick bite, but I wouldn't make it a dining destination in its own right.

Service & Experience

The staff are described as helpful, which in my experience with public leisure facilities is more valuable than you might think. This is a no-frills operation where you're expected to bring your own towels and locks - a detail that speaks to the practical, community-focused approach. The changing facilities are functional rather than luxurious, and the wheelchair accessibility ensures the venue serves its diverse local community well. Service here isn't about pampering; it's about efficient, friendly assistance in a busy public facility.

Value for Money

At £7.50 for adult pay-as-you-go swimming (£4.65 for concessions) and gym access from £10, the value proposition is genuinely impressive for central London. The price level sits at 2 out of 4, which represents excellent value given the location and unique offering. When you consider you're getting access to London's only heated outdoor pool in Zone 1, plus indoor facilities including gym, squash courts, sauna, steam room, and various fitness classes, it's remarkable value. The pay-as-you-go option is particularly appealing - no membership pressure, just honest pricing for honest facilities.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Peak times create significant overcrowding with limited changing facilities, so timing is crucial. Weekdays from 6:30am offer the best experience with empty lanes before the office rush begins. Avoid typical lunch hours and early evening when office workers descend. Weekend mornings (from 8am opening) tend to be less hectic than afternoons.

What to Focus On

Focus on the heated outdoor pool - it's the star attraction and genuinely unique for central London. The sauna and steam room provide excellent value additions to your visit. Les Mills classes, yoga, and pilates offer good variety if you're looking beyond swimming. The squash courts are worth considering if you can book ahead.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Bring your own towels and padlock - this isn't a hotel spa and you'll be caught out without themThe outdoor pool maintains 25.5°C year-round, making winter swimming surprisingly pleasantBook fitness classes in advance as they fill up quickly given the central location and competitive pricing

The Final Verdict

Oasis Sports Centre succeeds brilliantly at being exactly what it claims to be - a functional, community-focused leisure facility with one genuinely unique selling point. The heated outdoor pool alone justifies a visit, offering an experience you simply cannot get elsewhere in central London. Yes, it gets crowded, and yes, the facilities are basic, but the combination of location, pricing, and that remarkable outdoor swimming experience creates something special. The 4.2 Google rating reflects what I've found - people appreciate honest value and unique offerings over flashy amenities. This isn't about luxury; it's about accessibility and community, with a dash of the unexpected.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Office workers seeking convenient central London fitnessSwimming enthusiasts wanting unique outdoor pool experienceBudget-conscious fitness fans who prioritize value over luxury

Quick Details

1

Oasis Sports Centre

⭐️ Outdoor heated pool
⭐️ Central london lido
⭐️ Hidden gem
⭐️ Pay as you go
⭐️ Unique experience

Hidden behind buildings near Covent Garden lies London's most unique fitness secret - a heated outdoor swimming pool maintained at 25.5°C year-round. This 1970s leisure complex offers something genuinely special in central London: the ability to swim outdoors in January while snow falls around you. Beyond the famous lido, facilities include indoor pool, gym, squash courts, and Les Mills classes at prices that seem impossible for the location. The no-frills public leisure center experience attracts a diverse mix of locals, office workers, and tourists who've discovered this central London gem. Yes, it gets crowded and the facilities show their age, but where else can you sunbathe and swim outdoors steps from the West End?

What's Great

✓ Only heated outdoor pool in central London at 25.5°C year-round

✓ Pay-as-you-go access from £7.50 with no membership required

Keep in Mind

× Peak times create overcrowding with limited changing facilities

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Spawn at 6:30am weekdays for empty lanes - your XP gains will be maxed before the office rush

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 6:30am-10pm\nSat-Sun: 8am-6pm\nBank Holidays: 8am-6pm"
📍32 Endell Street, London, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7831 1800
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Oasis Sports Centre has been featured in 2 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Where London pros actually train: insider's fitness guide 2025 reference image

Where London pros actually train: insider's fitness guide 2025

gyms and fitness centers in london•
Aug 22, 2025
Where to Find Gym with Sauna and Cold Plunge in London 2025 reference image

Where to Find Gym with Sauna and Cold Plunge in London 2025

gyms and fitness centers in london•
Aug 23, 2025
← More gyms and fitness centers in London← Explore all of London