Chesham Moor
(Formerly ‘Chesham Moor Gym & Swim’) Sports centre with cafe in a beautiful etting, with a historic yet modern open air pool, brand new gym and cafe open spring 2025. Close to Chesham town centre and Met Line, the lido and the facility is popular with locals and visitors from further afield.
‘A treasure’ or ‘a gem’ are just two words frequently used to describe this place. This is especially with regard to its fabulous well-kept open air heated swimming pool. The pool has had a place in the town’s history since Victorian times – there’s an information board showing its history since 1893 in the poolside room.
“Chesham Moor is a real rarity outside London – a heated outdoor pool that is open full time, year round.” – The Lido Guide by Emma Pusill and Janet Wilkinson.
Easily accessible
The friendly Chesham Moor sports centre sits at the foot of Chesham Bois wood. It’s near the big open space of Chesham Moor playing field, with the River Chess alongside.
Approximately 15 minutes’ walk from Chesham town centre and its Metropolitan Line station, it’s easily accessible. You’ll hear the twice-hourly trains trundle by as they journey through the wooded areas near the sports centre. As you approach you’ll see the lovely gardens – all maintained by staff and volunteers, where you can sit and enjoy a picnic. There are vending machines inside for hot and cold drinks, also snacks on sale, and ice cream in summer.
There are plenty of bike racks outside, and a large free car park and a children’s play area to the side of the centre.
Environmentally-friendly well-kept pool
In the 21st century Chesham open air pool been a forerunner in green technology. It’s thought to be currently the only pool in the UK using a NASA-developed ionisation process to keep the pool clean, so it doesn’t rely on chlorine. The water is heated to around 27°C all year round. Solar panels were installed in 2012, with an estimated saving of four tonnes CO2. per year. In early 2023 the pool was extensively refurbished with investment for the long-term from Chesham Town Council, who manage the facility.
Gym, tennis courts and classes
There’s also a gym for the use of 12 years and up – it has a friendly, ‘no egos’ vibe and natural light. The tennis courts are bookable for just £6 per court, or free to monthly/annual members. There are classes too – water aerobics, spinning and outdoor court classes. There’s no joining fee and visitors are welcomed.
Membership for regular or ad hoc visitors
Make sure you sign up in advance for ‘pay-as-you’ go membership if you are an occasional visitor. There is no obligation – you just buy credits, pay for what you need, and they don’t expire. More economically you can become a monthly member for unlimited swim, gym and tennis for just £27 per month. For juniors aged 12-18, and for those aged 65 plus, it’s just £16 per month. Children under 5 swim free, with accompanying paying adult ration 1:1. Advance booking is strongly advised.
Fitness for all
The centre aims to be a welcoming place where all ages and body shapes can feel comfortable to exercise at their level. It’s open all year round, and from 6 o’clock on weekday mornings – for some stunning sunrise swims!
There is disabled access, and disabled swimmers are welcomed. Please call in advance for the times that may work best for you or your friend, and to arrange a pool hoist if required.
Low-cost activities and nearby attractions
For enjoying both low-cost and outdoor activities, you can easily spend a few hours in the Chesham Moor area. Try some of the following within approximately five minutes’ walk of Chesham Moor Gym and Swim:
- Moor sports field – a vast open space for dog-walking, and picnics, and ball games
- Children’s play area play area
- The Pheasant pub – take your own food, or bring a take-away to this community-minded family friendly pub, with a riverside play area
- River Chess and the Chess Valley Walk – find the stepping stones in the wet woodland adjacent to the Moor. Keep going and view the big fishing lakes or keep on walking to Latimer… Chenies … maybe even the full ten miles to Rickmansworth!
- Chesham Bois Wood – on the opposite side to the Moor to the River Chess, head out from the Moor or nearby Bois Moor Road, and uphill into the woods.
So many ways to enjoy the outdoors in this special part of Chesham!
