The London Aquatics Centre sits at the southern gateway of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, immediately recognizable by its sweeping wave-like roof — one of the most celebrated pieces of contemporary architecture in the UK. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the roof spans 160 meters with a width of 80 meters, rising dramatically at both ends in a form inspired by the fluid motion of water. The centre opened to the public in 2014 and has operated as a public leisure facility since.
Swimming and Diving
The centre is fully open for public swimming on both a pay-as-you-go and membership basis. The main competition hall contains a 50-meter Olympic-length pool and a 25-meter diving pool, both available for public lane sessions during scheduled hours. A separate 25-meter training pool is also on site. Booking in advance online is recommended during peak times, though walk-in access is usually available off-peak.
The diving facilities include 10-meter, 7.5-meter, 5-meter, and 3-meter platforms and springboards. British Diving national squads train here regularly. The centre hosts learn-to-swim classes, fitness swimming programs, and competitive club sessions throughout the week.
Architecture
The wave-form roof is the defining visual feature. At its peak the structure rises approximately 30 meters above pool level, and the undulating underside creates a striking interior volume that frames the pools below. The temporary spectator wings built for the 2012 Games were removed afterward, restoring Hadid’s original vision of a slender sculptural form viewed from the park. The building has won numerous architectural awards and is widely cited as one of Hadid’s most successful public buildings.
Practical Information
The centre is managed by GLL (Better Leisure). Facilities include changing rooms with lockers, a poolside café, and cycle parking. The centre is a five-minute walk from Stratford station, served by the Elizabeth line, Jubilee line, DLR, Overground, and National Rail — making it one of the most accessible major aquatics facilities in Europe. The London Stadium, Lee Valley VeloPark, and ArcelorMittal Orbit are all within easy walking distance in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.