This summer's (somewhat unexpected) heatwave means that everyone is desperate to take a dip. Once you've packed a towel and a Penguin classic, it's probably time to start thinking about where you're going to show off your front crawl. London is overflowing with lidos to dip all 10 toes into – whether you're looking for a kid-friendly watering hole, or somewhere to hang all day with friends, this city is a treasure trove of outdoor swimming options. From art deco beauties to 1970s restored gems via Bloomsbury-era natural ponds, there's a pool for everyone. In no particular order, here are some of London's most charming outdoor pools. Dive in!
After a long, hard day of sunbathing on Hampstead Heath, nothing could be more welcome than a dip in Parliament Hill Lido. Right on the edge of the park, this 61m lido has plenty of room for everyone, as well as a fantastic café to wind down in afterwards. Word is definitely out, though, so expect long queues for entry on hot days. If you can handle a dip in colder weather, the on-site sauna does a lovely job of heating you up afterwards. Remember, swimming is for life, not just for summer.
Parliament Hill Mansions, Hampstead Heath, Lissenden Gardens, Highgate, London NW5 1NA
Located in Brixton’s Brockwell Park, this 50-metre pool is a 1930s art deco classic that was almost lost to London. In 1990, the swimming pool was closed but pressure from a campaign group led to its reopening four years later. The lido is now Grade II-listed and includes an award-winning café and a health and fitness centre.
Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA
@BrockwellLido
They don't come better than this: a swimming pool carved out of the main pond in Hyde Park. As with the ponds in Hampstead, you share the unheated, unchlorinated waters of the Serpentine Lido with plenty of wildlife – and dedicated fans of wild swimming! The most committed swimmers come here all year round, including on Christmas Day to participate in the annual ‘Peter Pan Cup’ race, but otherwise public access is generally restricted to the summer months. When you do visit, a nearby playground, paddling pool and deckchairs all extend an invitation to linger. It’s a unique slice of London life.
Hyde Park, S Carriage Dr, London W2 2UH
@letsgosocWay out west, on the edge of Bushy Park and near Hampton Court, is Hampton pool. Their main pool is heated to a balmy 28 degrees, to guarantee you a great swim whatever the weather or time of day (there are nighttime sessions for anyone who fancies swimming under the stars). With an even warmer paddling pool, water slides and a large grassy area, it’s massively popular with families. And it’s more than just a pool: it’s made a name for itself as a concert venue, hosting gigs and theatre productions.
High St, Hampton TW12 2ST
My personal favourite. There are three ponds set aside for swimmers on the Heath – two (the Men’s and Ladies’ Ponds) are on the Highgate side, the other (Mixed Pond) is closer to Hampstead/Belsize Park. Beautiful settings and a quirky, dedicated troupe of regulars, including the ducks and swans, all set these apart.
Hampstead Heath, London NW3 1BP
@sandymakessense
Reopened to the public in 2013 following a £2 million refurbishment, this 50-metre outdoor pool in southeast London is a local favourite. Perfect for anyone craving an after-work dip, this pool is open until 8pm on weekdays. Charlton Lido is a popular spot in all weathers, however, as the water is heated.
Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Rd, London SE18 4LX
@edwardwyhThis old-school lido has been in use since 1906 and the architecture alone is worth the visit to south London. Marked by distinctively coloured cubicle doors, it's prime Pantone fodder for Instagrammers. The pool, measuring 90m x 30m, is the largest freshwater open-air swimming pool in the UK and there’s a lovely café, too, for those looking to keep dry.
Tooting Bec Rd, Tooting, London SW16 1RU
One of the most popular pools in east London, London Fields Lido has been closed since April for serious repair work. It is due to reopen, fully refurbished, in late summer 2017. As this lido was only kept open thanks to the efforts of a dogged pressure group, it's sure to be packed with locals as soon as its doors open again. If it's too packed, there’s a nice sun terrace on the site, and a café.
London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU
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