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Dogs take over Streatham Common pool for disco and Oktoberfest splash days
The Disco Edition on 27 September brings dog-friendly DJs, the Oktoberfest Edition on 3 October brings German beer, and the money keeps the pool open.
Key facts
- Disco Edition with dog-friendly DJs on Sunday 27 September
- Oktoberfest Edition with German beer and live music on Saturday 3 October
- Four overlapping sessions each day, every one lasting two and a quarter hours
- Proceeds go to Friends of Streatham Common to keep the pool open for summer 2027
Two more Doggy Splash Days are coming up at the open air pool on the upper side of Streatham Common, on Sunday 27 September and Saturday 3 October. The water is given over to dogs for the day, and there are stalls for the humans.
The September date is billed as the Disco Edition. Dog-friendly DJs play through the day, and shiny disco accessories are encouraged for owners as much as for dogs. Bavarian Boy will be on site with German sausages and beer. On 3 October it is the Oktoberfest Edition, with German beer again and live music to match.
How the Streatham Common dog splash sessions work
Each day runs as four overlapping sessions. A session lasts two and a quarter hours, which organisers say leaves plenty of time for a proper splash. They also reserve the right to shut the gate to new arrivals for a short while if the pool gets too crowded.
The pool is about 30 metres across, some 700 sq m of water inside a fenced area of grass and trees. It suits a dog that wants a paddle in the shallows as much as one that would rather charge through the middle. Organisers put out tennis balls for fetching, and there are bubbles going and a ball pit to dig through. Treats and puppuccinos come from Bailey’s Canine Kitchen and The Mud Room.
Getting to the Rookery paddling pool
Google Maps lists the site as the Rookery Paddling Pool, which is the same place. The 249 stops on Streatham Common North, right by the water. Several other major bus routes serve the A23 at the far end of the common, about five minutes on foot. The nearest train station is Streatham. Streatham Common and Norbury stations are walkable as well. There is free parking around the common, and organisers suggest heading for SW16 3BZ rather than the postcode Google Maps offers.
All proceeds go to Friends of Streatham Common, a registered charity, so the vintage pool can keep running through the summer of 2027 and after that. It was paid for by community donations, grants and local businesses.
Key questions
When are the next Doggy Splash Days at Streatham Common?
Sunday 27 September, the Disco Edition, and Saturday 3 October, the Oktoberfest Edition.
Where is the pool?
On the upper side of Streatham Common. Google Maps calls it the Rookery Paddling Pool; organisers suggest aiming for SW16 3BZ.
How do I get there?
The 249 stops on Streatham Common North by the water. Other major bus routes serve the A23 about five minutes on foot. The nearest station is Streatham, and there is free parking around the common.
How long does a session last?
Two and a quarter hours. Four overlapping sessions run through the day, and the gate may shut briefly if the pool gets too crowded.
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