Herne Hill

London’s hardiest swimmers may take to the waters all year round but, for more fair-weather outdoor swimming, there are decently-priced places for refreshing dips all over the city. From heated lidos to rooftop pools and wild(ish) swimming, here are eight of London’s best outdoor swimming pools. Cheapo top tip: Most of the pools listed can be booked via the Better UK app and slots book up fast, especially when the temperatures get above 20°C. 1. London Fields Lido, Hackney Outdoor swimming can be a chilly affair, but London Fields Lido's 50 metre Olympic-sized pool hits the jackpot by being heated to a very clement 25°C all year round. Normal opening hours are 6:30am to 9pm, and it’s floodlit for late sessions. It’s also one of London’s best known and busiest outdoor pools and slots fill up quickly, so don't dally. (non-members) Website 2. Tooting Bec Lido One of the other major lidos in London is Tooting Bec Lido, which is a whopping 91 metres long. It’s actually the largest fresh water swimming pool in the UK; fresh being the operative word as yep, you guessed it, it’s unheated. Last year the lido was closed for a £4 million refurbishment and now has new landscaping, a new pumphouse and a modern UV filtration system to keep the water clean and safe. Unlike some of the other lidos listed it’s only open to the public until 30th September, although winter swimming is available to members. Cheapo Top Tip: if you're a Wandsworth resident on means-tested benefits, you can nab one of over 200 free tickets available each day under the Access for All scheme. (non-members) Website 3. Oasis Swimming Pool, Covent Garden Heated rooftop pools in London are usually limited to members' clubs, bougie hotels and expensive private residences but there is one public rooftop pool in London, just a stone’s throw from Theatreland and close to Covent Garden, Holborn, and Tottenham Court Road Stations. Water temperature is a very agreeable 27°C and there is even a small sun terrace. (non-members) Website 4. Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake London’s first purpose-built swimming lake opened in 2021, although there had been a lake on the site centuries ago before it was filled in. It’s now been restored for the benefit of Lewisham's swimming enthusiasts. The park is also the borough’s largest green space, perfect for a post-swim stroll or a picnic. However, the lake is not somewhere to go for a spontaneous swim as you have to book a 1hr slot online in advance. Website 5. Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill This south London swimming spot has a 50 metre outdoor pool. It’s unheated, but popular with wetsuit-clad winter swimmers. Temperature aside it’s a rather lovely spot for a swim, with art deco architecture, a cute café and nearby Brockwell Park. It’s lane swimming only, so a better option for serious swimming sessions rather than a relaxed dip. (non-members) Website 6. Charlton Lido A little further afield than some the better-known south London pools, Charlton Lido is an Olympic-sized (50 m) fully-heated swimming pool with two sun terraces and a café. You’ll also find pretty decent gym facilities as well as open-air group cycle classes on the site. (non-members) Website 7. Bathing Ponds, Hampstead Heath For those who want to dip a cautious toe into wild swimming, Hampstead Heath's three swimming ponds are a great place to start. The surroundings are stunning, and you’ll see fantastic birdlife as you swim. It’s also got changing facilities and lifeguards as well as life buoys, but you do need to be a competent swimmer to go. The waters are bracing but incredibly refreshing, and the ponds are separated for women, men, or mixed. The ponds are usually open year-round, making it another popular spot for those brave enough to take to the waters in winter. Some sessions will need to be pre-booked; check websites for each pond for details. Cheapo top tip: Under 16s and over 60s swim free of charge before 9:30am on production of valid proof of age. (non-members) Website 8. London Royal Docks For open-water swimming with city views, head to the London Royal Docks near Canning Town. Run by Love Open Water, it’s suitable for serious swim training or more leisurely swims. There are lane markers for anyone wanting to use the docks for competitive training: 400 metres,the distance used in the Super Sprint triathlons; 750 metres, set for Sprint distance triathlons; and 1500 metres, which is used for Olympic Triathlons. Casual swimmers of all levels are also welcome. If you’re new to open-water swimming there is a separate area plus safety tagging for each swimmer and lessons available for anyone wanting to build up their confidence. Swims have to be booked in advance in 55 minute time slots and during the winter swimmers have to complete a cold water induction before taking to the very cold water. Although it’s ultra-modern and organised, be advised that there are limited changing and bag storage facilities on site (as per swimming at the Hampstead Ponds or other open-water swimming sites). Website For cool-down options beyond London swimming pools, check out our guide to easy seaside day trips. This article was first published on June 23rd 2023; last updated by Amanda David in July 2025.

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