The weather here in London can be admittedly gloomy. But during summer, you can enjoy the outdoors wearing only your trunks or a bathing suit without heading to a beach.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of outdoor swimming pools in London, as well as ponds and historic lidos – many of which are free of charge.
So, when you fancy escaping the indoors and having a splash under the sun, check out our favourite outdoor swimming pools in London (please don’t swim in the River Thames, no matter how enticing it may be).
What are London’s best outdoor swimming pools to beat the heat? Our picks:
- Hampstead Mixed Pond
- Kenwood Ladies Pond, Hampstead Heath
- Charlton Lido, Southeast London
- Tooting Bec Lido, South London
- Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill
- London Fields Lido, Hackney
- Parliament Hill Lido, Hampstead Heath
- Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
- Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake
- Oasis Sports Centre, Covent Garden
- Hillingdon Lido, West London
Hampstead Mixed Pond
Take a gander at Hampstead Mixed Pond, and you won’t believe you’re only four miles away from the mayhem of Oxford Street. Surrounded by greenery and wildlife, this outdoor swimming area provides a welcome escape from the urban metropolis.
On some days, you might find you’re the only person swimming in the golden-brown water of Hampstead Mixed Pond. You will, however, probably swim alongside a coot or two. This is definitely one of the best places to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of London!
Kenwood Ladies Pond, Hampstead Heath
Further north on Hampstead Heath, you’ll find Kenwood Ladies Pond, which is even more secluded and serene than Hampstead Mixed Pond. As you’ve probably guessed, this swimming area is for ladies only. If you want to have a dip in a place where style is irrelevant, this is the place to go.
Kenwood Ladies Pond has welcomed lady swimmers since the 1920s. Just over a decade ago, the City of London proposed to close the pond. The plans were met with strong opposition. As a result, this outdoor swimming area is safe for the foreseeable future.
Men – don’t get angry that this beautiful pond is off limits to you. Highgate Men’s Bathing Pond is just a few hundred yards away.
Charlton Lido, Southeast London
So far, we’ve talked about some of the City’s best bathing ponds. But if you’re an avid swimmer, you might prefer doing a few lengths rather than simply bobbing about. Charlton Lido is a heated swimming pool divided into lanes so that you can perfect your front crawl (and give your health a boost). Looking for an all-season outdoor swimming facility in the Capital? This is it.
Tooting Bec Lido, South London
Despite being over a century old, Tooting Bec Lido is the largest of its kind in Europe, with a length of 90 metres. During winter, this swimming facility can be admittedly cold. Over the summer, however, it attracts swimmers and sunbathers in their masses. Thanks to the lido’s immense size, you’ll have enough space to swim without any jostling, regardless of the season or time. Outdoor swimming experiences don’t get much better than this.
More outdoor swimming pools and lidos in London
- Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill: Nestled in Brockwell Park, this 50-metre unheated pool has been a favourite in South London since 1937. It’s ideal for serious swimmers and sun-seekers alike, with a café and gym on site.
- London Fields Lido, Hackney: One of East London’s trendiest swim spots, London Fields Lido is a 50-metre heated pool that’s open all year round. With lane swimming and a relaxed vibe, it’s great for fitness fanatics and casual swimmers alike. Booking is recommended during the summer months.
- Parliament Hill Lido, Hampstead Heath: Located at the southern edge of Hampstead Heath, this massive unheated pool features stainless steel lining, giving the water a unique reflective quality. It’s a hit with cold-water swimmers and locals alike. Bonus: there’s a paddling pool and café on-site!
- Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park: For a truly central swim, head to the Serpentine in Hyde Park. The lido is open during the summer and features a cordoned-off section of the lake for public swimming, as well as a kids’ paddling pool and a sunbathing area. It’s also home to the hardy swimmers of the Serpentine Swimming Club, who dive in all year round.
- Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake: A wild swimming experience within a sprawling historic park, this natural lake opened in 2019 and is perfect for open-water fans. It’s beautifully landscaped, has lifeguards during open sessions, and is part of a larger regeneration of Beckenham Place Park.
- Oasis Sports Centre, Covent Garden: Who says outdoor swimming is only for the suburbs? Oasis boasts one of the few heated outdoor pools in Central London. It’s tucked away behind tall buildings, so you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden urban retreat. Open all year, great for a lunch-break swim.
- Hillingdon Lido, West London: A hidden gem near Uxbridge, this 50-metre Grade II-listed lido offers a classic 1930s vibe. Recently refurbished, Hillingdon Lido is open during the summer and features a splash pool for kids and lots of lawn space to stretch out in the sun.
For more great days out in London, take a look at our half-day tours. From gin distilleries to rock-and-roll-themed tours, you’ll find everything the city has to offer.
