Whether you want a refreshing seasonal dip or a year‑round fitness routine, London offers a wide range of outdoor and indoor places to take the plunge. From historic lidos and picturesque ponds to sleek pools with modern facilities, a day out by the water doesn’t mean leaving the city. Here are ten of the best spots to swim in the capital, perfect for savouring the last warm days of the summer.
Serpentine Lido
Tucked away in Hyde Park, this iconic location has been welcoming visitors since the 19th century. Open from May to September, the serene stretch of the Serpentine feels like a holiday escape in the heart of Zone 1. A spacious designated swimming area, complete with sunbathing terraces and a café, makes it the perfect place to relax after a dip. It’s especially popular on warm weekends, so go early to secure a spot.
Hyde Park, W2
@theroyalparks
Royal Docks
For adventure lovers, the Royal Docks provide a rare chance to take to the water in one of the capital’s most dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by warehouses and soaring cranes, the docks offer an industrial setting unlike anywhere else. Lifeguard‑supervised, this venue is perfect for training sessions or simply enjoying the novelty of swimming with views of the O2 and Canary Wharf.
Dock Road, E16
@loveopenwater
Tooting Bec Lido
One of the largest open-air lidos in Europe, spanning 90 metres, this community hotspot has drawn locals and tourists alike for over a century. Bordered by changing huts painted in vibrant colours, it has been a south London institution since 1906. Popular with families, casual visitors and serious cold‑water enthusiasts, this social hub becomes especially lively in summertime.
Tooting Bec Road, SW16
@tootingbec_lido
Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake
The capital’s first purpose-built swimming lake has become a firm favourite for outdoor lovers. Naturally filtered by reeds, its clear waters provide a rustic alternative to the city’s chlorinated facilities. Nestled in meadows and woodland, the lake caters to all ages and more daring bathers wanting to reconnect with nature and enjoy some scenic wildlife spotting.
Beckenham Hill Road, BR3
@beckenhamplacepark
Image above: Brockwell Lido |
Image above: Charlton Lido |
Brockwell Lido
Another south London classic, Brockwell Lido combines heritage charm with contemporary amenities. The 50‑metre outdoor pool is framed by Grade II Listed Art Deco buildings, which house a café and gym, offering a packed programme of exercise classes. Whether you’re enjoying a crisp winter dip or lounging under the September sun, Brockwell has year‑round appeal and a committed local following.
Brockwell Park, SE24
@brockwell_lido
Charlton Lido
This 50‑metre heated lido has been recently refurbished and attracts both serious lane swimmers and families looking for a relaxed splash in tranquil surroundings. Open in all seasons, it forms part of a lifestyle club, complete with a gym, fitness studios and a café. Its clean design, generous terrace area and state-of-the-art facilities give it a polished feel, creating a convenient hub for exercise and leisure.
Hornfair Park, SE18
@charltonlidolifestyle
Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds
For generations of Londoners, the Hampstead Heath Ponds have been a place of escape, exercise and community. With three separate Ladies’, Men’s and Mixed Ponds, these natural bathing areas are open all year, taking you from wintry plunges to lazy summer afternoons. Fringed with lush greenery, the water feels worlds away from city life, while the Heath itself presents the perfect destination for a post‑swim picnic or walk.
Hampstead Heath, NW5
@hampsteadponds
Parliament Hill Lido
Established in 1938, this famous lido is one of the capital’s great swimming landmarks. Known for its impressive scale, the 60‑metre outdoor pool features a striking stainless steel lining and attracts fitness fanatics as well as bathers taking a leisurely dip. There’s also a shallow paddling area for children, making it a family‑friendly option right on the edge of Parliament Hill Fields.
Heath Lodge, NW5
@parliament_hill_lido
West Reservoir Centre
Open‑water enthusiasts will find their match at this historic reservoir in Stoke Newington. Once part of the city’s Victorian waterworks, the atmospheric site now offers supervised wild swimming, while the former filter house is now a visitor centre with a café. A haven for wildlife, it provides a peaceful setting for a plunge and opportunities for a variety of watersports, from sailing and kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding.
Green Lanes, N4
@westreservoir_n4
White City House Rooftop Pool
For those seeking a splash with style, the rooftop venue at White City House is one of the most exclusive places to take a dip in the capital. Part of the Soho House members’ club, it features panoramic views over west London, sun loungers and a resort-like vibe. Heated throughout the year, the water remains inviting in the autumn and winter months, while the adjoining terrace serves food and cocktails for the ultimate post‑swim indulgence.
Wood Lane, W12
@sohohouse
