Croydon’s luxury lido is opening to the public, but it comes with a hefty price tag

A luxury lido has opened in Croydon, aimed at south Londoners looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tucked away in the gardens of the luxurious Birch Hotel, the 25-metre heated outdoor pool is decked out in red parasols and looks like the perfect summer oasis.

Reserved for adults at certain times, Selsdon’s lido boasts an art deco design inspired by 1930s lido culture. Offering a mix of cocktails and nibbles, as well as a poolside DJ, Birch Lido seems aimed at those looking for an after -cool afternoon of aperitifs.

Although the lido is open to Birch Hotel guests and paying members, the problem is that it comes with a hefty price tag. As well as the exclusivity of the new location, those wanting to use the pool will need a monthly membership to the Birch Hotel, which will cost £450 for the first month. This is part of a 12-month subscription.

For over 30s, the monthly subscription costs £150 and also requires a one-off fee of £300. Under-30s can pay £90, as well as a one-off entry fee of £170. Couples must pay £280 per month plus a one-off fee of £500.

Marketed as a place to ‘go slow, go wild and go forward’, the Birch Hotel is spread across 200 acres in Selsdon, south London. It comes with 181 rooms, six event spaces and a community work center. There are also three bars and two restaurants, as well as fitness and wellness facilities.

Encouraged as a full-stop space, Birch (Selsdon) also encourages visitors to put down their phones and appreciate the moment. Writing in its terms and conditions: “Take your photos around Birch (Selsdon), but before you do, think about why you’re taking one. If it is to steal our style, then we are not surprised. If it’s to remember a moment, then pause. Put the phone down. Enjoy the moment. You will create a long-term memory. Not a short-term shot. We do not have a social media ban at our property. However, as a more general note about phones and technology… Life is better lived with your head up.

The birch and its new lido give a rustic yet exclusive feel. The team behind this place will be hosting monthly pool parties and offering a selection of poolside drinks and snacks to the sunbeds. There will also be a DJ on site.

Opening hours are 9:00am to 7:00pm Sunday to Thursday and 9:00am to 9:00pm Friday and Saturday. Children will only be allowed on the lido from 10am to close Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to 3pm Thursday to Saturday.