Cool Off In London’s Very Best Outdoor Swim Spots
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3 days ago
It's time for an al fresco dip
While the UK’s current heatwave is, frankly put, worrying, it does give us an excuse to make the most of London’s lovely array of outdoor swimming spots. From fresh water, wild swimming spots to rooftop pools and classic lidos, here is our guide to the best outdoor pools in London in 2026.
Avoid the duds and don your finest swimwear – here they are.
Sea Lanes, Canary Wharf
London’s brand spanking new freshwater swimming spot has opened just in time for the heatwave. Olympic sized and tucked away in Eden Dock, Canary Wharf, it was built specifically to meet city dwellers’ increased demand for outdoor swimming. Don’t be put off by the idea of freshwater: the Sea Lanes pool is filled with filtered dock water – which is continually tested to meet ‘Excellent’ EU Bathing Standards – rather than water fresh from the River Thames itself. There’s also on on-site cafe and (when temperatures ease) a wood-fired sauna.
- Address: 15 Newfoundland Place, Canary Wharf Estate, London E14 4HD
- Find Out More: sealanescanarywharf.co.uk
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
The UK’s oldest open water swimming location is Serpentine Lido on Hyde Park. There’s the Lido Cafe Bar for post swim refreshments by the water – ideal for a snack, a meal, or even a glass of wine. And, of course, Hyde Park is right there for a cool-down stroll.
- Address: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
- Find Out More: royalparks.org.uk
Oasis Sports Centre (Matt Brown, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Oasis Sports Centre, Holborn
Hidden in the West End, Londoners have enjoyed a refreshing pool on the same site as Oasis Sports Centre since 1728. Today, this outdoor swimming pool is London’s most central heated open air pool, and it’s open to the public. Part of a leisure centre, there’s also a gym, fitness studios and an indoor pool here, but outside you’ll find a huge pool to plunge into, measuring in at 27.5 metres long (or 30 yards, betraying the pool’s age) and 3.5 metres deep. Though it is heated to 26°C, entering the pool will still feel refreshing considering the human body runs at about 37°C – but being heated means swimming is possible all year round. In the winter, you’ll find a smattering of swimming devotees paddling here, but the crowds hot up in the summer months; book ahead to avoid disappointment.
- Address: 32 Endell St, London WC2H 9AG
- Find Out More: better.org.uk
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds, Hampstead
Probably one of the most picturesque outdoor swimming spots in London, if not the UK. Set amongst 800 acres of Hampstead Heath parkland, there are three ponds – women’s, men’s and mixed – open everyday from 7am (closing times vary according to the seasons). Tickets for the following week are sold in slots and released at midday every Monday; they sell out quickly, so make sure your finger’s on the buzzer.
- Address: Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR
- Find Out More: hampsteadheath.net
West Reservoir Centre, Woodberry Down
For open water swimming with fewer crowds, head East to the expansive West Reservoir. You can come for a leisurely swim here, and that’s definitely the vibe during a heatwave, but outside of the hottest seasons this is a place for serious, confident swimmers. (So serious, in fact, that all swimmers are required to use a tow float and wear a bright red, orange or pink swim hat.) There’s a 100 metre warm up zone and a full, one-direction 300 metre loop, and though a safety team is on hand, newcomers to open water are advised to review Swim England’s open water safety advice.
- Address: West Reservoir Water Sports Centre, Green Lanes, Woodberry Down, London N4 2HA
- Find Out More: better.org.uk
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Parliament Hill Fields Lido, Gospel Oak
Built in 1938, this Grade II-listed Parliament Hill Lido is one of the biggest and best lidos in London at 60 metres by 28 metres. Unheated, you might want to consider a wetsuit on cooler days. And like all public outdoor pools in London you’ll have to arrive early during a heatwave. This pool’s USP is its stainless steel pool liner (the only in the UK), but if this doesn’t impress the kids, the under-five’s paddling pool and onsite café should please them.
- Address: Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Rd, London NW5 1LT
- Find Out More: parliamenthilllido.org
Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting
At 90 metres long, Tooting Bec Lido is the largest outdoor pool in London, the second-largest outdoor freshwater pool in Europe, and the UK’s biggest. It reopened recently following a big revamp, and with its iconic changing huts lining the sides, it’s a picturesque spot for an energetic morning swim, or a poolside bathe. Despite its 14-hour opening hours, you’ll struggle to find a quiet time on a hot summer’s day.
- Address: Tooting Bec Rd, London SW16 1RU
- Find Out More: placesleisure.org
Beckenham Place Park, image courtesy of PTPCoaching at Beckenham Place Park
Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake, Beckenham
If you’re slumped at your desk and after some time out, why not try a bracing start to the day to blow away the corporate cobwebs and meet the sunrise en plein air. Perfect for icy outdoor swimming fanatics and those just wanting to try something a little bit different. It’s a purpose-built lake for swimming that’s open generally from 7am to 3pm, but check the website for timing specifics.
- Address: Beckenham Hill Rd, London BR3 1SY
- Find Out More: lewisham.gov.uk
Hampton Pool, Hampton
Fancy a moonlight swim? A 28°C swim? A classic swimming lido built in the early 20th century? Hampton Pool has it all. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. If you really love it, you can even purchase a branded towel or tote bag – all proceeds go to keeping the pool open year round at a low cost.
- Address: High St, Hampton TW12 2ST
- Find Out More: hamptonpool.co.uk
London Fields Lido, Hackney
Soak up some of the East London cool at London Fields Lido, and grab a bite from one of the many stalls, cafes and restaurants at the nearby Broadway Market after. There’s a sundeck, space for sunbathing and a cafe, and swimming is available all day, all year round – make sure you book ahead to secure your slot.
- Address: London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU
- Find Out More: better.org.uk
kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill
Not only is this lush 50-metre pool surrounded by easy-on-the-eye Grade II-listed art deco buildings, giving you something nice to look at while you swim, said buildings house the excellent Lido Café, so you can grab a well-earned pizza after your lengths. It’s a real community affair, with a Brockwell Lido Users’ Group ensuring the buildings and site are used for a range of activities locals can enjoy. Oh, and over 60s swim free weekdays before 10am.
- Address: Brockwell Park, Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA
- Find Out More: brockwelllido.com
Finchley Lido Leisure Centre, Finchley
Officially open everyday until further notice (it’s usually temperature dependent…), Finchley Lido in Barnet is a petite pool with a grassy terrace to dry off on after a dip. Located in a leisure park, you could even go for a game of bowling afterwards if you fancied it. Make sure you book ahead.
Address: Great North Leisure Park, High Rd, London N12 0GL
Find Out More: better.org.uk
Charlton Lido, Greenwich
If you’re not convinced by outdoor swimming in the UK, this heated, Olympic-sized pool in Greenwich might convert you. Soak up the sun on the terrace, sipping on a drink from the Coffee Corner, before taking a dip in the water without having to brace yourself for the cold. Lush.
- Address: Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Rd, London SE18 4LX
- Find Out More: better.org.uk
