A beach ball floating in a swimming pool A beach ball floating in a swimming pool

The best swimming pools in London

When the summer heatwaves hit the capital, nothing beats taking a refreshing dip on a sweltering day. And if you're serious about plunging in regardless of the season, there are plenty of year-round swimming pools in London to choose from as well. From the locals' favourite Brockwell Lido to the iconic Hampstead ponds, here’s our guide on where to go if you fancy doing a few laps in the city.

In this guide
  1. The best swimming pools in London
    1. Serpentine Lido – In the heart of Hyde Park
    2. The London Aquatics Centre – 2012 swimming Olympics
    3. Hampstead Heath Ponds – Female, male and mixed outdoor ponds
    4. London Fields Lido – Swimming in the heart of Hackney
    5. Parliament Hill Lido – An original 1930s pool
    6. Balham Leisure Centre – Sun-soaked strokes
    7. Brockwell Lido – Sunbathe and soak
    8. Charlton Lido – Swim at Charlton Lido in Greenwich
    9. Richmond Pools on the Park – A Grade II listed swimming pool
    10. Hampton Pool – 365 days of 28-degree water
    11. Camberwell Leisure Centre – Swim in an old Victorian building
    12. Tooting Bec Lido – The biggest freshwater pool in the UK
    13. West Reservoir Centre – A hidden Hackney gem
    14. Love Open Water – Open-water swimming in unique settings
    15. Repton Park – A converted hospital
    16. Marshall Street Leisure Centre and Spa – A 30m aesthetically-pleasing pool

The best swimming pools in London

Serpentine Lido

In the heart of Hyde Park

For a peaceful central London swim, hit up Serpentine Lido. This swimming spot is located smack bang in the middle of Hyde Park, amongst lush foliage and wildlife. There's also a café for pre- or post-swim snacks and drinks. It's worth noting that the the facility is open between May and September each year.

The London Aquatics Centre

2012 swimming Olympics

Take a step back in time at London Aquatics Centre in the heart of Stratford's bustling Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the very pool where the 2012 swimming Olympics took place. The architecture of the building is also pretty cool and is inspired by the geometries of water when it's in motion.

Hampstead Heath Ponds

Female, male and mixed outdoor ponds

Hampstead Heath is home to some of the best outdoor swimming spots in the whole of London. Although not technically a swimming pool, these open-air ponds have been around for many years and some of them have remained a constant on the London swimming scene since the 1800s.

London Fields Lido

Swimming in the heart of Hackney

This Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool in the heart of Hackney is open all year round for lane swimming and lessons. There's also a café as well as a sundeck and sunbathing area. You're welcome to swim for leisure but swimming lessons for kids and adults, as well as one-to-one coaching and advice, are available too.

Parliament Hill Lido

An original 1930s pool

If you prefer to steer clear of the wild swimming at Hampstead Ponds, then try Parliament Hill Lido instead. This pool has been around since the 1930s and is open all year-round for morning, afternoon and evening swims.

Balham Leisure Centre

Sun-soaked strokes

Balham Leisure Centre is the ideal spot for those who prefer to be indoors but still with plenty of natural light. The pool is set inside a grand buidling with incredible high ceilings further complemented by ample natural light filtering through.

Brockwell Lido

Sunbathe and soak

This beautiful pool is set in lush Brockwell Park in Herne Hill and is surrounded by stunning art deco buildings. People flock here for a swim on a hot summer's day (or any day, really) as well as using it as a space to sunbathe throughout the hotter months.

Charlton Lido

Swim at Charlton Lido in Greenwich

Head along to Greenwich and plonk yourself into the 25-degree Charlton Lido for a quick dip. This 50-metre outdoor pool is open all year round and is the ideal place to brush up on your swimming skills or get a few lengths under your belt.

Richmond Pools on the Park

A Grade II listed swimming pool

Whether you want to brush up on your breaststroke or enjoy an aqua-fit pool class, you can do all of this and more at Richmond Pools on the Park, a Grade II listed swimming pool and leisure centre set in Old Deer Park in the charming borough of Richmond.

Hampton Pool

365 days of 28-degree water

Hampton open-air swimming pool in Richmond is set in two acres of woodland right next to Royal Bushy Park. You can swim surrounded by nature here in water heated to 28 degrees 365 days a year. There's also a dedicated pool for learners that both children and adults are welcome to use.

Camberwell Leisure Centre

Swim in an old Victorian building

Camberwell Leisure Centre is set in a beautiful Victorian building with original ironwork still intact. There's also plenty of natural sunlight filtering through from the huge skylights that cover the entire space. As well as having two different swimming pools to choose from, the venue is home to a large gym and fitness centre.

Tooting Bec Lido

The biggest freshwater pool in the UK

This swimming pool in the heart of Tooting Bec is well-known for its vibrant, multicoloured changing rooms. It's also the largest freshwater pool in the entire UK, as well as being the oldest having opened back in 1906. Swim here from spring all the way up until September.

West Reservoir Centre

A hidden Hackney gem

Whether you want to enjoy the range of watersports activities on offer here or simply go for a cold open-water dip, West Reservoir N4 is the place to go. This reservoir in the heart of Hackney is relatively new compared to other London swimming spots and has a lovely café overlooking the water for some post-swim snacks.

Love Open Water Canary Wharf Love Open Water Royal Docks
Love Open Water Canary Wharf
loveopenwater.co.uk/canary-wharf
Love Open Water Royal Docks
loveopenwater.co.uk/swimming-london-royal-docks
Love Open Water Canary Wharf Love Open Water Royal Docks

Open-water swimming in unique settings

You can experience the unique feeling of swimming in an urban environment thanks to Love Open Water, a project that establishes open-water swimming venues with regularly tested water and safety staff. You can find them in Canary Wharf under the MacKenzie Walk bridge, as well as on the Royal Docks.

  • Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets Dock Rd, Newham
    Love Open Water Canary Wharf
    Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets
    Love Open Water Royal Docks
    Dock Rd, Newham
  • Love Open Water Canary Wharf
    loveopenwater.co.uk/canary-wharf
    Love Open Water Royal Docks
    loveopenwater.co.uk/swimming-london-royal-docks
  • Love Open Water Canary Wharf Love Open Water Royal Docks

Repton Park

A converted hospital

Repton Park, once a psychiatric hospital established in 1892, now offers a peaceful well-being centre complete with a 24m pool. The stunning vaulted chapel provides a perfect sanctuary in which to indulge in R&R, evoking a Hogwarts-like ambience with its gothic arches and stained-glass windows. In addition, the site boasts a fully-equipped health club featuring steam rooms, jacuzzis, a sauna, and a gym.

Marshall Street Leisure Centre and Spa

A 30m aesthetically-pleasing pool

Marshall Street Leisure Centre, renowned for its unique 1930s design, comes equipped with cutting-edge facilities and a well-equipped gym that boasts state-of-the-art equipment. Take advantage of their fitness classes, which include restorative hot yoga sessions. There's also a huge 30m pool, featuring its original marble floor, which provides the perfect setting for getting in your laps. 

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