If you're ever fortunate enough to visit the exciting city of Madrid during the hot summer months, you might welcome a bit of respite from museums, galleries and shopping. A great way to sample a slice of local life and cool off is to visit the Instalación Deportiva Municipal swimming complex in the endless Casa de Campo. For 3.8 euros or 2.15 euros for under 16s, you'll have the use of an Olympic sized pool, a smaller pool and a childs pool. There are plenty of shady areas for relaxing and a cafeteria on site and you won't hear an English word spoken! The El Lago Metro station stops right outside the entrance. Having worked up an appetite, you will find a great choice of restaurants just outside the complex under shady trees overlooking Lago lake.

Numancia, 128039Tel: 34 91 459 9871

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Two huge pools and a kids' pool, in a fantastic location. Get there when it opens - 11am. Leave before the gangs of dive-bombing boys turn up - 1pm. Closed after the first weekend of September.

Next to Lago metro station

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