The sun has got his hat on and we are sweltering. If you’re desperate to take a refreshing dip in a pool during the heatwave, here’s a roundup of the best outdoor pools, ponds and lakes in London.
Outdoor swimming pools are the ultimate haven for those attempting to escape the city heat. Whether you’re north, south, east or west, London has plenty of cooling outdoor spaces to offer.
Ready to dive in? Let’s take a look at outdoor pools open in London this summer…
London’s best outdoor pools
Brockwell Lido
For south Londoners, Brockwell Lido is a bit of a local icon. The 50-metre outdoor swimming pool is nestled in the corner of Brixton’s Brockwell Park. It’s also the star of Libby Page’s hit book, The Lido.
Brockwell Lido is now open – find the pool timetable and book a slot online. An adult lane swim for non-members is £8 (all the details are on the website).
London Fields Lido
East Londoners can take respite in the 50-metre heated outdoor pool at London Fields Lido. There’s also a cafe on site that does a really decent falafel wrap. Broadway Market, London Fields and Victoria Park are very close by for a post-swim hangout, and the nearest Overground station is London Fields.
London Fields Lido is now open – an adult lane swim for non-members is £5.25 and you find the pool timetable and book a slot on the website.
Oasis Sports Centre, Holborn
Oasis Sports Centre offers central London’s 25-metre heated outdoor swimming pool. There’s also an indoor one, in case it gets busy. The nearest Underground is Covent Garden.
Oasis Sports Centre is now reopen – non-members of Better gyms can book a swim session online for £4.45, and you can find more information on the website.
Shoreditch House
Shoreditch House members are are lucky enough to have access to the incredible rooftop pool. If you know a member, they are allowed to bring one guest at a time to the pool. Make sure that guest is you. The nearest Overground station is Shoreditch High Street.
Shoreditch House has just reopened after being refurbished. Find out more information on bookings here.
Tooting Bec Lido
South London is home to the biggest outdoor freshwater pool in the UK (and the second largest in Europe). Tooting Bec’s 90-metre pool will give you a serious workout, or you can sit back and admire the colourful huts that line the pool – making it a perfect Instagram shot. The nearest Underground station is Tooting Bec.
Tooting Bec Lido is reopen – non-members of Places Leisure can usually buy tickets online for £8, and you can find more information on the website.
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
Go wild by jumping into one of the ponds at Hampstead Heath. You can relax in the peace of the Ladies Pond or join the vibrancy of the Mixed Pond. Swimming in the open water, which is lined by towering trees and the surrounding hills, really is an exhilarating London experience. The nearest Overground station is Hampstead Heath.
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds have now reopened – you need to book a slot online. Entry is between £2-4 per person.
Beckenham Place Park Lake
Not technically a pool, but swimming in a lake sounds even better – right? Beckenham Place Park is home to a 285m-long wild swimming lake, which reaches 3.5m deep in some parts. There’s been a lake on the site as far back as the 1700s.
The lake is now reopen –Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7am–3pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am–3pm. Each session costs £5 (£6 for non Lewisham residents) and you can book tickets on the website.
Images: Getty and Shoreditch house
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