UK’s highest infinity swimming pool has the ‘best views in Europe’ and anyone can use it
ONE of the highest infinity pools in the western Europe is found in a London hotel – with some of the best views in the country.
Located inside the Shard, one of London‘s most well-known landmarks, lies the Shangri-La Hotel.
The five-star hotel sits between floors 34 to 52, and it happens to be home to the London Sky Pool Serenity.
Set on the 52nd floor, the Sky Pool is the highest swimming pool in London and Western Europe.
The pool isn’t just for hotel guests because visitors can book a slot to use the Sky Pool and Sky Sauna.
This includes the use of the infinity pool which has views over the city and the River Thames, although guests do have to book slots before visiting.
It’s heated too, so it’s the best place to warm up in when London is wet and windy.
There are kid-sessions as well, with two hours in the morning and afternon.
To access the infinity pool, guests who aren’t staying at the hotel will need to buy a Skypass, which costs an eye-watering £125 per person.
While the price is a bit of a sting, the cost of a Skypass includes £50 credit to use at the hotel restaurant.
The hefty price tag is probably worth it for the view, as it’s been praised by most visitors on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “We managed to have 2 swims in the highest pool in England. Where else can you swim in the clouds.”
Another person added: “The view from the pool and sauna is unmatched!”
As guests swim they’ll be able to take in views across London like Battersea, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge and Canary Wharf.
One visitor described the pool as an “unbeatable way to get a bird’s-eye look over London”.
There are other facilities inside the Shangri-La, including the Ting Restaurant, which serves British grub with an Asian influence.
Meanwhile, there’s also GŎNG – the highest hotel bar in London.
The hotel is also home to a range of rooms and suites, with Sun Online Travel finding overnight stays from £570.
Brits who understandably can’t fork out hundreds to stay overnight at the Shangri-la Hotel can still visit the Shard of a fraction of the price.
The Shard is the tallest building in the UK and is visible from 50 miles away.
Standing over London Bridge, tourists can book to visit the viewing platform on the 72nd floor.
The observation area opened over a decade ago on February 2013,
The observation deck on the 72nd floor opened to the public in February 2013, welcoming 900,000 visitors in its first year alone.
Tickets to the Shard viewing platform start from £32 per person and should be booked in advance online.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
And the Shard might not be the tallest for long though, with a new London skyscraper set to be just as tall.
Meanwhile, the Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire thinks she’s found the most child-friendly pub in London, with a bowling alley and a huge slide.