The hidden Grecian swimming pool that’s one of the grandest in the UK
UNDERWATER
Plus, a pool in the UK that's in the chapel of a former hospital
A HUGE indoor swimming pool that looks like it belongs on a Greek island is actually in the UK.
The 28-metre pool is in one of the most well-known streets in the capital, but not many people know it's tucked away inside.
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Found on Pall Mall, opposite St James' Park, and just a 10-minute walk away from Buckingham Palace is a private members club.
The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and was originally in Whitehall Court.
Initially, the club was a place for motor enthusiasts to get together, and it still holds events and activities.
On the rotunda in the Pall Mall entrance way are cars, from vintage Bugattis and Jaguars, to racing cars.
Years later in 1902, it opened at 119 Piccadilly, and underneath the sprawling building is a huge Grecian-style pool with tiled pillars.
The famous pool was restored in 2015 but retained its original Grecian-inspired features from the mosaics to marble columns.
It's heated to 28 degrees, and its depth ranges from 1.0 to 2.3 metres.
One visitor remarked how they were "amazed" to see a "magnificent pool in central London".
Another said: "The pool is massive and a great bonus in Central London."
A third wrote on Tripadvisor: "Whether the indoor-pool, the fabulous main dinning room, what have you, the RAC is an outstanding venue in the heart of London."
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There is not just a pool inside either. It also has 108 bedrooms, restaurants, lounges, bars as well as private dining and meeting rooms.
There's a modern gym, Turkish baths, squash courts and treatment rooms too where you can get massages.
Inside there are on-site beauty therapists ready to assist with facials, treatments and manicures.
For 2025, Royal Automobile Club Pall Mall membership fees vary based on age and location.
But subscription fees range from £694 up to £1,763 per year and additional entrance fees from £1,733 to £4,043.
Guests of members can use the swimming pool, but a fee from £18 still applies.
Swimming lessons cost £38.75 for 30 minutes and £77.50 for an hour.
There's also a waiting list from twelve to fifteen months for anyone wanting to sign up.
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You'd never even know this pool was there...
The hospital operated between 1893 and 1997 when it closed due to a dwindling number of patients after the introduction of the NHS.
After that, the estate, called Repton Park, was converted into an estate of luxury flats, parks and of course, a health club.
Virgin Active own the gym on the red brick estate and inside, you'll find a huge pool in what used to be the on-site chapel.
Inside is a 24-metre pool as well as showers, hot tub and steam room. What used to be the old confessional box has even been converted into a sauna.
Apart from the fact it's been filled with water, the church remains the same with huge archways, stained glass windows and vaulted ceiling.
One visitor wrote on Yelp: "When I first entered the pool I was really taken aback and quite mesmerised - it felt a little sacrilegious, but at the same time I very much enjoyed swimming."
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