From elegant art deco lidos and historic bathing ponds to the capital’s first official Thames swimming spot, these are the best places to take a dip in London this summer.
As temperatures climb and Londoners search for ways to stay cool, outdoor swimming has become one of our favourite summer rituals.
More people than ever are swapping stuffy gyms and crowded parks for time spent in the water — everything from early-morning laps in historic lidos to spontaneous dips in open-water swimming spots
It’s easy to see the appeal — a refreshing swim offers respite from the heat, a chance to slow down and, in many cases, a slice of holiday-like escapism without ever leaving the capital.
Whether you’re after a sun-soaked afternoon beside a pool or you’re bracing yourself for a wild swim, these are the best places in London to dive into this summer.
Read more: 8 best period swimsuits that don’t compromise on style
Best outdoor swimming pools in London
Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill
One of south London’s most beloved swimming institutions, Brockwell Lido combines classic lido culture with the leafy charm of Brockwell Park.
The 50-metre outdoor pool remains open throughout the year, drawing everyone from serious lane swimmers to sun-seekers stretched out on the surrounding terraces during summer.
After a morning swim, linger over wood-fired pizza from 400 Rabbits, the much-loved cafe overlooking the water, before wandering through the park’s rolling lawns, formal gardens and panoramic viewpoints.
Plan your visit
- Nearest stations: Herne Hill and Brixton Underground
- Price: Adults £9.50; children £6
- Facilities: 50-metre pool, cafe, sun terraces, changing facilities
For more information or to book, visit Fusion.
Summer Splash Lido, Royal Victoria Dock
Set against the backdrop of Royal Victoria Dock and London’s skyline, the Summer Splash Lido offers a unique open-air swimming experience in east London.
Returning for a limited summer season, the free-to-use unheated pool provides a refreshing place to cool off, while a programme of family-friendly activities and watersports adds to the festival atmosphere.
Alongside the swimming area, visitors can enjoy sandpits, a shallow paddling zone for children, deck chairs, a sauna and evening events.
For those looking for something more active, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and open-water swimming sessions are also available.
Plan your visit
- Nearest station: Royal Victoria
- Price: Free
- Facilities: Unheated outdoor swimming area, children’s paddling zone, sandpits, deckchairs, sauna, watersports, nearby cafes
For more information or to book, visit Royal Docks.
Read more: These are the 5 best outdoor cinemas in London for atmospheric summer film viewings
London Fields, Hackney
In the heart of vibrant east London, London Fields Lido has become a local institution. The heated 50-metre pool is open throughout the year, making it one of the city’s most reliable outdoor swimming destinations regardless of season.
Summer brings a distinctly European atmosphere, with swimmers spilling onto sunloungers and grassy areas between dips.
Plan your visit
- Nearest stations: London Fields and Hackney Downs
- Price: Adults from £4.55; children from £1.70
- Facilities: Heated 50-metre pool, sunbathing areas, changing facilities
For more information or to book, visit Better.
Parliament Hill Lido, Hampstead
Parliament Hill Lido was built in 1938 and is now Grade II listed; the 60-metre pool remains one of London’s most distinctive swimming spots.
Its striking architecture and stainless-steel-lined basin give the water an almost metallic shimmer, while the unheated temperature attracts dedicated cold-water swimmers throughout the year.
Nearby, a small vegan cafe serves pastries, sandwiches and salads for a post-swim refuel.
Plan your visit
- Nearest stations: Gospel Oak and Tufnell Park
- Price: Adults from £5
- Facilities: 60-metre pool, cafe, paddling pool and changing facilities
For more information or to book, visit City of London.
Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec
At more than 90 metres long, Tooting Bec Lido is the largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool in the UK. Its colourful changing huts and Edwardian heritage have made it one of south London’s most cherished summer landmarks.
Opened as a bathing lake in 1906, it continues to attract a loyal community of swimmers throughout the year.
Plan your visit
- Nearest station: Streatham
- Price: Adults from £10; children £6.50
- Facilities: Cafe, paddling pool, lockers, changing huts
For more information or to book, visit Places Leisure.
Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club, Greenwich
Following a £2 million refurbishment, Charlton Lido has become one of southeast London’s premier swimming destinations.
The heated Olympic-sized pool is complemented by spacious sun terraces, while the wider complex includes fitness facilities and an indoor pool.
Its Greenwich location makes it an easy addition to a day exploring one of London’s most historic corners.
Plan your visit
- Nearest station: Charlton
- Price: Adults from £11.50; children £5.50
- Facilities: Heated outdoor pool, indoor pool, cafe, gym, fitness studio, sun terraces
For more information or to book, visit Better.
Oasis Sports Centre, Covent Garden
Tucked away in Covent Garden, Oasis Sports Centre feels like a hidden oasis amid central London’s bustle.
The heated outdoor pool offers a rare opportunity to swim beneath open skies in Zone 1, while the adjoining sun terrace becomes particularly popular during heatwaves.
Plan your visit
- Nearest station: Covent Garden
- Price: Adults £8.10; children £2.70; children under four swim free
- Facilities: Heated outdoor pool, indoor pool, sun terrace
For more information or to book, visit Better.
Best wild swimming in London
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
Swimming in the Serpentine is one of London’s great summer traditions. Located in the heart of Hyde Park, this historic bathing spot has welcomed swimmers since Victorian times and remains among the capital’s most atmospheric open-water experiences.
After your swim, settle onto the terrace of the nearby Lido Cafe and watch life unfold across the lake.
Plan your visit
- Nearest station: Knightsbridge
- Price: Adults from £4.70; children from £1.70
- Facilities: Open-water swimming area, cafe, changing facilities
For more information or to book, visit Sports & Leisure at Royal Parks.
Hampstead Heath Ponds, Hampstead
Wild swimming doesn’t come much more quintessentially London than the Hampstead Heath ponds.
Hidden among woodland and meadows, the men’s, ladies’ and mixed ponds offer a refreshing escape from the city and a chance to reconnect with nature.
Expect cool water, visiting ducks and some of London’s most dedicated swimming communities.
Plan your visit
- Nearest station: Hampstead Heath
- Price: Adults £5; children £3
- Facilities: Swimming ponds, changing areas, pontoons
For more information or to book, visit City of London.
Thames at Ham, Ham
For decades, Londoners have dreamed of swimming safely in the Thames. Now, at Ham near Teddington, that dream has become a reality. Officially recognised as London’s first designated river bathing site, the location marks a significant milestone in the capital’s relationship with its famous river.
Water quality is monitored regularly throughout the summer season, allowing swimmers to check conditions before taking the plunge.
Plan your visit
- Nearest station: Hampton Wick
- Price: Free
- Facilities: Designated river bathing area
For more information, visit City of London.
Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake, Beckenham
Set within the rolling parkland of Bromley, Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake offers one of London’s most picturesque outdoor swimming experiences.
Opened in 2019 as London’s first purpose-built swimming lake, the restored Georgian waterway sits within 237 acres of ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and landscaped grounds surrounding the historic Beckenham Place Mansion.
The lake’s natural setting feels a world away from central London, making it a popular choice for city dwellers craving a countryside-style escape without leaving the capital. Alongside open-water swimming, visitors can try paddleboarding and SUP yoga, or simply spend an afternoon exploring the woodland trails and parkland paths.
After a swim, head to the much-loved Homestead cafe at the mansion, where you’ll find excellent coffee, seasonal dishes and plenty of outdoor seating.
Plan your visit
- Nearest station: Ravensbourne
- Price: Adults from £6.80; children from £4.50
- Facilities: Swimming lake, paddleboarding, SUP yoga, changing facilities
For more information , visit PTP Coaching.
Feature image: Canva
