When London temperatures rise, the city’s outdoor pools and swimming ponds quickly become some of the best places to cool off. Whether you want serious lane swimming, a relaxing weekend swim, or wild swimming surrounded by nature, London has an impressive range of lidos and open-water spots worth visiting.
Jump to the Best London Lidos
Parliament Hill Lido
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One of London’s most iconic outdoor swimming pools, Parliament Hill Lido sits beside Hampstead Heath and has been attracting swimmers since 1938.
Why visit?
- 60-metre unheated outdoor pool
- Historic art deco design
- Open year-round
Good to know
- Location: Gospel Oak
- Closest station: Gospel Oak Overground
- Price range: £5 to £9
- Best for: Year-round lane swimming
Website: https://parliamenthilllido.org/
Residents living at Vantage Point, Islington, are within easy reach of North London’s outdoor swimming spots and green spaces.
London Fields Lido
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London Fields Lido remains one of East London’s most popular swimming spots thanks to its heated pool and lively atmosphere.
Why visit?
- Heated 50-metre pool
- Open all year
- Great café nearby
Good to know
- Location: Hackney
- Closest station: London Fields Overground
- Price range: £5 to £8
- Best for: Casual weekend swimming
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/london-fields-lido
Living at Dressage Court, Bethnal Green places you close to some of East London’s best outdoor fitness and leisure spots.
Brockwell Lido
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Located inside Brockwell Park, Brockwell Lido combines outdoor swimming with one of London’s best lido cafés.
Why visit?
- Large outdoor pool
- Popular brunch and coffee spot
- Art deco architecture
Good to know
- Location: Herne Hill
- Closest station: Herne Hill National Rail
- Price range: £6 to £9
- Best for: Social summer swims
Website: https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/brockwell-lido/
Tooting Bec Lido
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Tooting Bec Lido is one of the UK’s largest freshwater outdoor pools and a South London summer favourite.
Why visit?
- 91-metre freshwater pool
- Historic changing huts
- Great for long-distance swimming
Good to know
- Location: Tooting
- Closest station: Tooting Bec Underground
- Price range: £5 to £8
- Best for: Dedicated swimmers
Website: https://www.placesleisure.org/centres/tooting-bec-lido/
Hampstead Heath Mixed Pond
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For a more natural swimming experience, Hampstead Heath Mixed Pond offers one of London’s most famous wild swimming locations.
Why visit?
- Open-water swimming in natural ponds
- Scenic heathland setting
- Unique alternative to traditional lidos
Good to know
- Location: Hampstead Heath
- Closest station: Hampstead Heath Overground
- Price range: Around £4 to £6
- Best for: Wild swimming
Website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/swimming
Hampton Pool
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Located in South West London, Hampton Pool is well known for its heated outdoor pools and summer events programme.
Why visit?
- Heated pools
- Open-air cinema screenings
- Family-friendly facilities
Good to know
- Location: Hampton
- Closest station: Hampton National Rail
- Price range: £7 to £12
- Best for: Family swimming
Website: https://hamptonpool.co.uk/
Oasis Sports Centre
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Hidden behind Covent Garden, Oasis Sports Centre has one of the few public outdoor pools in Central London.
Why visit?
- Convenient Central London location
- Outdoor swimming year-round
- Ideal for commuters
Good to know
- Location: Covent Garden
- Closest station: Tottenham Court Road Underground
- Price range: £6 to £10
- Best for: After-work swims
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/camden/oasis-sports-centre
Serpentine Lido
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Set inside Hyde Park, the Serpentine Lido offers open-water swimming in one of London’s most scenic locations.
Why visit?
- Open-water lake swimming
- Central London setting
- Great summer atmosphere
Good to know
- Location: Hyde Park
- Closest station: Lancaster Gate Underground
- Price range: £5 to £7
- Best for: Open-water swimming beginners
Website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park/serpentine-lido
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
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Opening in June 2026, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is set to become one of London’s most exciting new outdoor swimming destinations. Located in Canary Wharf’s North Dock, the floating lido will bring open-water swimming, saunas and wellness spaces to East London.
Why visit?
- Floating outdoor swimming pool in Canary Wharf
- Dockside sauna and wellness facilities
- Unique skyline swimming experience
Good to know
- Location: Canary Wharf
- Closest station: Canary Wharf Underground & Elizabeth line
- Opening: June 2026
- Best for: Outdoor dock swimming and wellness sessions
Website: https://sealanescanarywharf.co.uk/swimming/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sealanescw/
Residents at Union Wharf, Greenwich, are ideally positioned for easy access to Canary Wharf’s growing outdoor wellness and fitness scene.
Tips for Visiting London Lidos
Book ahead in summer
Many London lidos now require advance booking during heatwaves and weekends.
Bring layers
Outdoor pools can feel cool after swimming, even during warm weather.
Visit early for quieter swims
Morning sessions are often calmer and better for lane swimming.
Best Areas in London for Outdoor Swimming
North London
- Parliament Hill Lido
- Hampstead Heath Mixed Pond
East London
- London Fields Lido
- Canary Wharf open-water swimming
South London
- Brockwell Lido
- Tooting Bec Lido
Central London
- Oasis Sports Centre
- Serpentine Lido
If you’re looking for apartments close to London’s parks, fitness spaces and outdoor lifestyle amenities, browse available homes at Essential Living:
https://www.essentialliving.co.uk/search/
For more London area guides and neighbourhood insights, visit HomeQuarters: https://homequarters.co.uk/
FAQs About London Lidos
Which is the best lido in London?
London Fields Lido is one of the most popular thanks to its heated pool and year-round opening.
Are London lidos open all year?
Some are. Parliament Hill Lido and London Fields Lido both operate throughout the year.
Which London lidos are heated?
London Fields Lido and Hampton Pool are among London’s best-known heated outdoor pools.
Where can you go wild swimming in London?
Hampstead Heath Mixed Pond and the Serpentine are two of the city’s best-known outdoor wild swimming spots.
What is the biggest lido in London?
Tooting Bec Lido is one of the UK’s largest freshwater outdoor swimming pools at 91 metres long.
