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Top 5 Open Air Swim Spots in London

Submerge yourself in our pick of London's finest places for open air swimming…

A large outdoor swimming pool with clear blue water is surrounded by a brick building. A lifeguard chair sits poolside, and a person in red attire is seated at the edge of the pool. Lush green hills and trees form the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Image © Facebook via @BrockwellLidoUK

There's something about diving into an open air pool that makes you feel so alive. It’s one of the finest summer activities, and the feel of wind on your face and (relatively) fresh water on your skin is as close as you can get to the wild in our concrete jungle. Without further ado, here are our favourite open-air swimming spots in London… 

Brockwell Lido

A large outdoor swimming pool with clear blue water surrounded by a paved deck. The background features a red-brick building with multiple doors and windows, and leafless trees. The sky is clear with a soft gradient from pink to blue, suggesting early morning or evening.
Image © Facebook via @BrockwellLidoUK

Brockwell Park, SE24 0PA 

Taking iconic status in South London, Brockwell Lido is not only a spacious 50 metre pool, but easy on the eye too, surrounded by beautiful, grade II listed art deco buildings. The atmosphere is lively and the cafe is a tasty destination in its own right- we wholeheartedly recommend the veggie breakfast. Tucked away on the corner of Brockwell Park, this Lido is a charming local favourite.  

Tickets start from £5 per child and £8 per adult. Purchases can be made here.  

Serpentine Lido

A calm lake reflecting the morning sun, surrounded by trees and a partially cloudy sky. The lakefront path on the left curves along the water's edge, with a few ducks near the shore. The scenery is serene and captures the early light of dawn.
Image © Facebook via Hyde Park UK

Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH 

Bang smack in the centre of London sits the Serpentine Lido. Situated next to the Princess Diana memorial in Hyde Park, the lido plays host to the oldest swimming club in London- The Serpentine Swimming Club. In the winter months the lido is reserved specifically for the swimming club (not a problem with us considering how chilly it can get over winter). However, from May onwards during the summer season, members of the public can enjoy a fresh water dip, alongside a tasty snack from the newly refurbished Serpentine Lido Cafe. It’s the kind of activity that not only refreshes your body, but also your appreciation for our fair city.  

Open 10am- 6pm every day in summer season.  

Tickets start at £4.80. 

Hampstead Heath

A serene lake surrounded by trees on a clear day. The calm water reflects the blue sky and greenery. A small wooden pier extends into the water, and a wooden fence is in the foreground. A few birds can be seen on the water.
Image © Instagram via @emmaejolly

Hampstead Heath, NW3 1BP 

Another firm favourite, Hampstead Heath’s three ponds offer two single-sex bathing areas and one for mixed bathing. These freshwater ponds are fed by the headwater springs of the River Fleet, which flows through King’s Cross before joining the Thames at Blackfriars Bridge, and it’s what gave Fleet Street it’s name. The view, the water and the people all add up to a thoroughly invigorating swim session. 

The spring season that is open to the public begins on April 2nd and ticket prices start from £2.55 pp. More information can be found here. 

London's Royal Docks

A person wearing a black wetsuit and an orange swim cap stands at the edge of a body of water with swans swimming nearby. In the background, there are cranes, buildings, and a bridge under a mostly clear sky.
Image © Facebook via @loveopenwater

1 Dock Road, E16 1AG . For more points of access, click here. 

London's Royal Docks - comprising the Royal Albert Dock, Royal Victoria Dock and King George V Dock - are the largest enclosed docks in the world. In recent years they’ve opened up an area of the dock for swimming, and it’s a really special place to have a dip. With water tested fortnightly and safety tagging systems for swimmers, it’s a safe space for all. There are separate areas for casual and competitive swimming, and courses for those who want to get a bit more confident in the water. 

The docks are open for public use from 9-11am with ticket prices starting from £8. Bookings can be made here.  

Beckenham Place Park Lake

People are enjoying a sunny day at a lake, partaking in activities like paddleboarding and swimming. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and trees. In the background, more people can be seen relaxing and engaging in various leisure activities.
Image © beckenhamplacepark.co.uk/

Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham, BR3 1SY 

If working from home has you itching to get outside, why not try rising with the sun and taking an early morning dip at Beckenham Palace Park Lake. Perfect for those that are partial to the Wimhoff method, enjoy an icy wake-up-call as an alternative to coffee (not me that’s for sure) or want to try something a little bit different. The lake is open for public use from 7am-3pm on most days.  

You can book your slot online here. 

Ticket prices start from £3 for children and £5 for adults.