The Best Outdoor Swimming Spots in London

1. London Fields Lido

Get your flip-flops ready! This much-loved Lido comes alive during the summer months, with its impressive 50 metre long outdoor pool attracting avid swimmers from far and wide. Set amongst an art deco backdrop, the venue was refurbished in 2017 and now boasts some seriously swanky floodlights - meaning you can take a dip all year round, anytime, come rain or shine.

Location: London Fields West Side, Hackney, London, E8 3EU

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2. Serpentine Lido

For the nature enthusiasts! Located in the centre of Hyde Park, the Serpentine Lido has become a one-stop summer destination for London’s locals - unless you’re brave enough to join the Serpentine Swimming Club in the winter months - shivers. This charming and characterful outdoor water venue is open seven days a week from June to September, perfect for a refreshing, but cool, swim with the lake’s wildlife (note, the birds) and luscious park scenes. 

Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

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3. Park Road Lido

Set against a luscious grassy landscape, Park Road Lido has made its mark in London’s outdoor swimming scene since opening to the public in 1926. The 50 metre long pool has since been refurbished and heated, and spares no shortage of diving areas for the thrill-seekers out there. Oh and about that scenery? The venue is also perfect for sunbathers and picnic goers looking to escape the London hustle and bustle! Make sure to arrive ‘beach ready’ - there’s no changing rooms here. 

Location: Park Rd, London N8 8JN

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4. Parliament Hill Lido

Since opening in 1938, the Grade II-listed Parliament Hill Lido has invited swimmers to enjoy its spacious 61 metre long pool, with an impressive stainless steel liner. But what truly makes this unheated venue unique is the incredible location. After you’ve perfected your backstroke - and enjoyed a cup of tea at the onsite Lido cafe - stroll up Parliament Hill to see one of the best views of the London skyline. Oh, and it's open all year round.  

Location: Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Rd, London NW5 1LT

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‍5. Pools on the Park

Situated in the heart of Kensington, Pools on the Park is a Grade II listed, 33 metre white-tiled beauty on the edge of - you guessed it - a deer park. Sharing the same green space as Kew Gardens, the scenery here is breathtaking (if you’re not already breathless from the swim). And here’s an added sweetener, the water is heated to a lovely 24 degrees all year round, perfect for those who’d prefer to steer clear of the cold.

FYI: The outdoor pool is still open for bookings, but the park grounds are reopening on the 21st July 2023 - as the saying goes ‘good things come to those who wait’. 

Location: Old Deer Park, Twickenham Rd, Richmond TW9 2SF

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6. Brockwell Lido

Surrounded by a art deco Grade II-listed building, Brockwell’s Olympic-sized pool has captured avid swimmers since opening in 1937. The South London Lido is also home to a sauna and spa, and if you don’t fancy taking a dip in the unheated water, you can check out the spacious studios offering year-round fitness classes and a lovely cafe terrace, too.

‍Location: Brockwell Park, Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA

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7. Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

Technically not a Lido, but we can’t mention outdoor paddling without mentioning Hampstead Heath now, can we? This infamous spot has become a key staple for swimmers all year round - boasting three natural and scenic ponds, with one for ladies, men and mixed groups. The water temperature isn't for the faint hearted, but luckily the nearby park is the perfect place to sunbathe, hang out with friends, and enjoy a summer picnic.

FYI: For a winter swim, you can become a member of the Hampstead Heath Swimming Club for exclusive access to the mixed pond. 

Location: Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR

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Scouting for more sun-soaked swims this summer? Download the free Bindy Street app for plenty more outdoor recommendations with our London Lidos guide. 

‍Just keep swimming….or dust off your hiking boots and embark on the best Hiking Hotspots Near London for even more fitness fun.