From historic lidos born of 1930s social reform to wild-feeling open water swims tucked into parks and docklands, London offers some of the most characterful outdoor swimming spots in the UK. Whether you’re chasing heritage, community spirit or a bracing dip in nature, these are the capital’s best places to swim outdoors.
London’s lidos are more than just outdoor pools – they’re living relics of social history and community grit. Emerging from a 1930s vision to bring the seaside to the city, Herbert Morrison’s ambitious plan to make London “a city of lidos” saw thirteen pools built between the wars.
Serpentine Lido, the first pool in the UK to earn the title, opened in 1930, taking its name from the Lido of Venice, a spit of land known for its beaches and upmarket hotels. Parliament Hill Fields Lido, the most ambitious and expensive of the interwar lidos, opened in 1938. Its 200ft long unheated pool is still open to the public 365 days a year. Brockwell Lido, one of London’s first outdoor swimming spots, re-opened as a lido a year earlier, but faced closure in the 1990s. Squatters and artists kept its spirit alive until the Friends of the Lido group, formed by three determined local women, helped to revive it. Now Grade II-listed, it's a buzzing hub of health and heritage.
Hampton Pool, opened by the local authority in 1922, is another living monument to community spirit – after its closure in 1980, locals launched the “Sink or Swim” campaign, transforming it from a derelict site to a thriving 36-metre heated pool.
Charlton Lido, which closed in 1989 and became derelict during the ‘00s, re-opened in 2013 after an extensive £2 million refurbishment. It now offers a heated, Olympic sized outdoor pool, two sun terraces and a Group Cycle Studio with a view over the action.
For nature lovers, Tooting Bec Lido holds the crown as the UK’s largest freshwater pool. Founde in 1906, the South London Swimming Club still holds its races in its vast, tree-framed waters, welcoming all would-be swimmers from birth to 90.
Open water swimming
From freshwater ponds to dockland dips, London’s open water swimming scene has something for everyone.
Why? London’s most iconic open water swimming location, Serpentine Lido is home to the Serpentine Swimming Club, the oldest swimming club in Britain. They swim every day between 5.30am and 9.30am and during the famous race on Christmas day. The Lido has a sun terrace, changing rooms and waterside cafe-bar – the perfect place to enjoy a snack, meal or a glass of wine. The Lido will reopen to the public on 17th-18th May 2026, then fully from 24th May. When? 10am-6pm, mid-May to mid-September
How much? From £1.75 for kids, £4.30 for adults
Where? Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
Why? Featured in the feature-length documentary ‘The Ponds,’ the Mixed Pond, Kenwood Ladies’ Pond and Highgate Men’s Pond on Hampstead Heath are said to be some of the best natural swimming spots in London. Yes, it’s chilly, yes, it’s muddy, and yes, there are ducks. And it’s glorious, say regulars. The water is deep and opaque and suitable for competent swimmers only.
When? Kenwood Ladies’ Pond and Highgate Men’s Pond are open all year round from 7am. Last entry is 2.30pm until 15th February 2026 and 2pm thereafter. Hampstead Mixed Pond is open from mid-April to October.
How much? From £1.40 for kids, £4.80 for adults
Where? Hampstead Heath, NW3 1BP
Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake
Why? London’s first purpose-built swimming lake, Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake reaches depths of 3.5 metres. PTP Coaching offers open water swimming, paddle sports, SUP yoga and lifeguard training courses on the lake. It’s also a great location for birthday parties. On selected dates, you can even book a sauna to enjoy alongside your cold water swim. Just the thing during the winter season.
When? 6.30am-8.20pm daily (summer), 10.20am & 3pm Sat & Sun (winter)
How much? From £4.50
Where? Beckenham Place Park, BR3 1SY
Why? One of the most scenic open water venues in the world, the Royal Docks offers casual swimming and beginners courses. Free tea, coffee and hot chocolate is available during the winter season (bring your own mug). There’s a bag drop, cold water shower and wetsuit hire on site. All swimmers should wear a brightly coloured hat and use a tow float, available to purchase on site.
When? 7am-9.30am Tue, 9am-11.30am Sat & Sun (winter season)
How much? £10.00
Where? Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1AH
Why? West Reservoir Centre is located on 23 acres of water on a 30 acre site in a hidden part of Hackney. The centre offers open water swimming as well as kayaking and sailing courses certified by British Canoeing and the Royal Yachting Association. The Centre also runs a Youth Club for 8-17 year-olds, offers regular outdoor yoga sessions and has a waterside cafe. Events continue throughout the winter season.
When? 7am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat & Sun (winter season)
How much? £13.15 (non-members), £8.90 (PAYG members)
Where? Green Lanes, Hackney, N4 2HA
