Explore the city, London experiences,
September 29 2024
They may call it a concrete jungle, but London is also home to some of the best open-air swimming in the country. There’s nothing better to do than enjoy a few swimming sessions throughout the summer months. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top five best outdoor pool London spots for all the family.
The key difference between a swimming pool and a lido is that a pool can be indoors or outdoors, whereas a lido is always outdoors. In many cases, a lido is located next to an outdoor body of water like a beach, and it will have additional facilities like saunas and sunbathing areas.
There are plenty of places for swimmers in London, from open-air pools to lakes and rivers, plus specialist leisure spaces such as the Brockwell Lido and Charlton Lido. We’ve gathered the best swimming spots in London, whether you’re paddling in a heatwave or keeping fit.
One of the best-known outdoor pools East London has to offer, this Hackney-based leisure centre has a year round heated swimming pool. Enjoy a full 50m Olympic size pool, complete with adult swimming lessons and family sessions. You’ll also find fitness classes, an on-site café and a large sunbathing area.
You don’t have to book your session at London Fields Lido London, but it can fill up quickly. In particular, the London Fields Lido sunbathing area gets very popular, so it’s best to book online. A limited number of tickets are available on the door, but you can also book through the Better app.
The London Fields Lido is heated all year round to 24°C. This may feel slightly chillier in the winter months, but you’ll still be toasty, even in the Hackney weather.
There are showers at London Fields Lido, with both indoor and outdoor changing rooms. These include gender-neutral showers, as well as accessible facilities.
You’ll find this North London outdoor pool in Hampstead Heath. It’s open 365 days a year, though it’s not for the faint-hearted if you’re visiting in winter. Though it’s unheated, you will find a sauna open during this season. If you’re not sure about the cooler weather, you can bring a wetsuit or read the winter swimming guidelines online.
Offering a vast 60m swimming area, Parliament Hill Lido is open until 8pm in the summer. Be mindful that it can get busy in the warmer months, so entry will be monitored at peak times. You can book individual sessions online up to seven days in advance.
Once you’re done swimming, be sure to have a stroll and take in the views of the stunning Hampstead Heath.
This iconic open water swims London location is close to our Kensington Gardens, Park Lane and Marble Arch hotels. You’ll find it amongst the greenery of Hyde Park, close to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
Swim across this stunning 100m cold water lake throughout the summer months. It opens on weekends in May, and every day between June and September. Here you’ll likely catch a glimpse of the Serpentine Swimming Club, the oldest swimming club in London – who even get together on Christmas Day!
When you’re done bathing, enjoy a post-swim refuel at the lido café bar adjacent. You’ll get all this at this idyllic lido swimming London spot, with entry prices from just £5.95.
You’ll find this outdoor swimming West London hotspot in Richmond Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. Pools on the Park has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, as well as a teaching pool for young children. The good news is that they’re all heated, at 24°C, 28°C and 31°C respectively.
Book sessions from as early as 6:30am to as late as 9pm between Mondays and Fridays, or up to 6pm on weekends. There are dedicated lane swimming slots for children aged eight and up, and competent swimmers. You can turn up on the day, but sessions will fill up, so it’s best to schedule your dip with any other activities, such as the on-site gym.
There will be plenty to do once you’re finished, including a stroll through the Royal Park. Central London is just 30 minutes away by tube on the District Line, too.
When it comes to open air swimming in London, The Oasis Sports Centre is something of a hidden gem. Nestled away in Covent Garden, it boasts a 27.5m heated outdoor pool, an indoor pool, and a sun terrace. You can find it close to Tottenham Court Road near our Holborn branch.
Prices for non-members start from £7.70, or you can explore a range of packages. The leisure centre also features a fitness studio and squash courts, so you can truly make a day of it. Despite being regarded as one of the city’s best-kept secrets, this London outdoor heated pool can fill up – so book your session on the Better app.
With a fusion of open water swimming, poolside lounging and even wild swimming, there are plenty of opportunities for an al fresco splash in London. Wherever you choose to take the plunge, we’ve got locations from Marble Arch to Trafalgar Square. After a hard day’s exercising, put your feet up at a Thistle hotel.
