Tooting Lido
There are plenty of things to do in Balham and one of the things to do is to visit the Tooting Lido, the largest outdoor fresh water pool in the country which is over 90m long. Since its opening in 1906 as a bathing pool it has been used by many Londoners looking for some respite from the rare heat that can sometimes occur during the summer. The facilities it boasts include their famous pantone-coloured changing room, and have a children’s paddling pool as well as a café.
If you love swimming or are a complete novice looking for somewhere to cool off during those tropical summer days in London then Tooting Lido is the place for you. There are no seats or loungers so make sure you bring your own towels and cushions and due to it being a pool in London of course there will be will large queues so if you are planning to attend make sure you get there as early as you can, but it is more than worth it to take a refreshing dip in the ice cold water, and allow yourself to forget you are in the big smoke and relax drifting listlessly on a lilo.
The Exhibit
Another one of the things to do in Balham is to take a visit to the Exhibit, an entertainment hub that offers a state-of-the-art screen, 12 sofas for 2 to cosy in during the film, an American-style diner and a small garden. They screen retro classics that will definitely appeal to all the movie lovers out there. The Exhibit also screens live sporting events over the weekend on their top floor so you can be sure that the atmosphere will be electric during a big game. They have an ever changing programme so there is always something on that might tickle your fancy but you can’t go wrong with dinner and a movie.
Bedford Pub
The Bedford Pub has been open to the people of Balham and visitors since 1931, offering live comedy, cabaret and music. Famed for its live music scene, the Bedford has played host to seminal gigs for big music acts such as Ed Sheeran, The Clash and U2. There are 3 floors that offer something for everyone as the Bedford hosts classes for yoga, dance classes and comedy shows. For a pint after work or a night out watching the next big band perform the Bedford certainly has something for everyone.
Balham High Street
One of the other things to do in Balham is to take a trip to the high street as there is a wide range on offer on Balham High Street ranging from Balham community centre to bakeries and delicatessens. You can go shopping in the charity shops that will have unique items or into other clothing shops that might be of more interest to you. If you need to get your fix of caffeine then there are some lovely, little coffee shops that will suit you and after getting recharged you can get back to browsing the high street. If you fancy a bite then there are some restaurants that might suit your tastes from French to Italian food so there will be something that may interest you into trying something new.
Wandsworth Common
After having a refreshing dip in Tooting Lido you might want to take a stroll in Wandsworth Common, watch the sun set or have a picnic depending on what time you arrive. There are some pond areas with their usual customers i.e. ducks, geese and swans, so you could spend some time feeding the ducks. It is a great area also for sports activities such as cycling or jogging so there is lots to do.
To make space for all those purchases made on Balham High Street, why not use self-storage?