Forgive me for stating the obvious but it's hot. Very hot.

This weekend it's set to reach 27 degrees with wall to wall sunshine again.

Please do not confuse this blog with complaining - far from it. It's such a welcome change from all those months of grey, damp & soggy weather we've endured.

But the bottom line is that when it's this hot, we need to find some way to cool down. I can think of nothing better than a dip in a refreshing pool.

Unfortunately, there are only a few options when it comes to outdoor swimming pools or venues in Croydon - in fact, we haven't had an outdoor lido open in central Croydon since the late 1970s.

So we need to be prepared to go a little further afield. Pack up the picnic, the swimmers & towels and make a day of it - you won't be disappointed.

The best options for outdoor swimming are really only 5-6 miles away but head out early and you can reserve your spot & enjoy a refreshing dip in the warm weather.

Brockwell Lido in Lambeth, only 6 miles from Croydon, is one of London's few remaining lidos and is endearingly known as Brixton’s Beach. A much-loved local landmark since 1937, Brockwell Lido is nestled in the corner of Brockwell Park, surrounded by a superb Grade II listed art deco building boasts a heated Olympic size 50 metre pool.

Tooting Bec Lido is also only just up the road and is the largest swimming pool by surface area in the country, being 100 yards long and 33 yards wide. 

With so much to choose from - the toddler paddling pool, main pool, sunbathing area, on site cafe and picnic area - you couldn't ask for more for a great summer day out.

Even when those clouds make a return (it's bound to happen eventually!), there are still some fantastic indoor options available to help keep the children active and entertained.

Pavilion Leisure Centre in Bromley is a great idea for kids day out in Kent. It offers a swimming pool with slides, waterfall, wave machine and beach area. 

West Wickham Leisure Centre offers a varied swimming programme including Kids' Splash, aquafit and Swim Zone. There are also diving facilities with a 1m springboard! 

Tandridge Leisure Centre also has plenty to keep the youngsters occupied. The 25m fitness pool is just the start - enjoy a lagoon pool with wave rides, water cannons and pirate mast. The pool inflatable is called The Ghost Ship.

Before heading out, just make sure you check with the venue directly to make sure that everything is open.

So if a paddling pool of tepid, grass filled water or sitting in the garden with the sprinkler on isn't quite cutting it for your children in this heatwave, then head out for the day to one of the above options - we're sure you'll have a happier and tired out bunch at the end of it!