14 Wonderful Places To Go Outdoor Swimming in London

Ready to take the plunge? Discover the best places to go outdoor swimming in London!

In recent years, outdoor swimming in the UK has seen massive growth in popularity with those brave enough to dip their toes into the cold waters of the British Isles.

Wild swimming in ponds and lakes is becoming a staple weekend activity for many, and London’s swimming ponds are the perfect place to immerse yourself in natural waters. For those who prefer a little less shivering in their lives, you can also find heated outdoor pools in London that are open all year round.

Whether you’re taking on a wild swimming challenge, or simply want to cool off on a hot summer’s day, check out the best spots for outdoor swimming in London:

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Outdoor swimming ponds in London

For a taste of wild swimming in London, head to a swimming pond or lake.

1. Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

Perhaps the best-known outdoor swimming spot in London! Fed by natural springs, the ponds originally provided drinking water to the surrounding areas in the 17th-18th century, before becoming popular plunge spots. From cooling off in the summer to challenging cold water swims, Hampstead Heath’s swimming ponds are popular year-round for a taste of wild swimming.

There are three ponds to choose from at Hampstead Heath. Highgate Men’s Pond is a men-only pool, and Kenwood Ladies Pond is women-only. Children aged 8-15 of any gender are allowed when accompanied by an adult and pass a Swim Test for their first visit.

The Hampstead Mixed Pond is open to everyone aged 8+. Children aged 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult and pass a Swim Test for their first visit.

Opening Times: Vary throughout the year – check out the website to plan your visit. During the summer months, a booking system applies.
Facilities: Changing areas, showers & toilets. No lockers available.
Price: £4.70 (adults); £2.80 (concessions). A six month season ticket costs £77.30.

2. Beckenham Place Swimming Pond

Funded by the National Lottery as a regeneration project, Beckenham Place Park is home to London’s first purpose built swimming lake. Surrounded by leafy green spaces, ancient woodland and wetland areas, it’s a magnificent spot for wild swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding.

Opening Times: Mon 9.30am-2.30pm; Wed & Fri 7.30am-1.30pm; Sat & Sun 8am-1pm. Sessions must be booked in advance.
Nearest station: Beckenham Hill
Facilities: Changing areas, showers & toilets. No lockers available.
Lifeguards? Yes.
Price: £6.20 (adults); £3.95 (concessions). Monthly subscriptions and session bundles available.

3. West Reservoir Centre (Stoke Newington)

An expansive 23 acre stretch of water, West Reservoir Centre offers year-round watersports including kayaking, sailing and open water swimming. Part of Better Leisure Centres, West Reservoir is a great spot for confident swimmers to challenge themselves on the open water across multiple routes, from a 100m warm up lap to a 300m loop.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 7am-8pm; Sat & Sun 8am-4pm (you need to book your slot in advance)
Nearest station: Manor House
Facilities: Shared changing area, showers & toilets, lockers. Swimmers are required to wear a red, orange or pink swimming hat – these are available to buy on-site.
Price: £12.30 (memberships also available)

4. London’s Royal Docks

Fancy some London outdoor swimming with an epic city backdrop? This scenic spot offers both casual and competitive swimming, with swim loops between 150m and 750m. In particular, it’s a great place for first timers to dip their toe into open water swimming, with pool-to-open-water courses available through Love Open Water.

Opening Times: Session times vary throughout the year – check the website for details.
Nearest station: Royal Victoria
Facilities: Limited changing space, cold shower, bag drop area. Swimmers must wear a tow float and brightly coloured swim cap while swimming at Royal Docks.
Price: £9.50

5. Serpentine Lake Lido (Hyde Park)

Arguably one of London’s most iconic open water lidos, this 100-metre tree-lined stretch of the Serpentine Lake is centrally located in Hyde Park. The Serpentine Lido is home to the oldest outdoor swimming club in London and the UK. The Serpentine Swim Club hosts events throughout the year for members, including the iconic Christmas Day swim.

Opening Times: 10am-6pm – open weekends from mid-May, and daily from June to mid-September.
Nearest station: Knightsbridge
Facilities: Changing rooms, toilets, showers, lockers, cafe.
Heated? No
Price: £4.30-£5.95 (adults); £2.30 (children); £3.25 (concessions)

Outdoor Swimming Pools in London

Looking for a slightly more comfortable outdoor swim in London? Find the best outdoor swimming pools (commonly referred to as lidos) across the city:

6. London Fields Lido

Since its 2017 refurb, London Fields Lido has been a lively central spot for sociable swimmers. Attracting an eclectic crowd including, summer days here are lively and friendly. Stylish Londoners and the local community alike flock here to swim laps of the impressive 50m pool, or simply soak up the vibes and sunbathe.

Opening Times: 6.30am-9pm
Nearest station: London Fields
Facilities: Changing rooms, toilets, showers, lockers, cafe.
Heated? Yes (and floodlit in the dark)
Price: £6 (non-members) – memberships available

7. Brockwell Lido

Surrounded by aesthetically-pleasing, Grade II-listed art deco buildings, Brockwell Lido is one of London’s best known places to swim in the open air. Originally opened in 1937, the pool has hosted galas and events, as well as being a popular social swimming location in South London for decades.

Opening Times: Mon-Thu 6.30am-9pm; Fri 6.30am-7pm; Sat & Sun 7.30am-6.30pm
Nearest station: Herne Hill
Facilities: Changing rooms, toilets, showers, lockers, cafe, sauna, steam room.
Heated? No
Price: £8 (adults); £5 (concessions) – memberships available

12. Richmond Pools

At the edge of the enchanting Richmond Park, you’ll find Richmond Pools, a leisure and sports complex that includes a heated outdoor pool. The Grade II listed pool and complex won a Civic Trust Award back in 1967 for outstanding design, and has been well-maintained since.

Opening Times: Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 6.30am-1pm; Wed 6.30am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm; Sat & Sun 7.30am-1pm
Facilities: Changing areas, showers & toilets, lockers.
Heated? Yes
Price: £6.50

13. Hillingdon Lido

All the way out in West London, Hillingdon Lido is worth a visit if you’re somewhat local to Uxbridge. The outdoor pool is particularly family-friendly, with fountains and a splash pool. Alongside general swimming, aqua aerobics and swimming lessons for all ages are available, and the sun loungers and cafe are perfect for your post-swim chillout time.

Opening Times: Varies – check the website for times and to book your slot.
Facilities: Changing areas, showers & toilets, lockers.
Heated? No
Price: £11 (adults); £5.50 (concessions) – memberships available

14. Tooting Bec Lido

The colourful changing huts of Tooting Bec Lido make it an Instagram favourite – and even featured in the movie ‘Snatch’. Following a £4m refurbishment, the Lido re-opened in 2024 and remains the largest freshwater swimming pool (by surface area) in the UK.

Opening Times: 6am-4pm mid-May-September. During the winter months, only members of South London Swimming Club have exclusive use of the lido.
Facilities: Changing areas, showers & toilets, lockers, cafe.
Heated? No
Price:  £9.40 (adults); £5.20 (children).

What to take outdoor swimming in London

Fun fact – the first time I tried outdoor swimming in London, I ended up going in in a pair of pants and a vest. Classy, as always.

If you want to be more prepared than I was, here’s what to take with you to an outdoor swimming pool or pond in London:

• Swimwear – standard one piece, bikini or trunks is fine. If you’re swimming in a non-heated pond during colder months, you’ll probably want to wear a wetsuit or other neoprene swimwear.
• Towel – If you’re short on space
• Dry clothes – weather dependent, but I’d recommend bringing an additional layer if you’re going into cold water.
• Drinks and snacks – to hydrate and keep energy levels up after your swim.
• Optional: Swimming Goggles – if you plan to go under the water/want to avoid water getting in your eyes, a pair of swimming goggles is a helpful bit of kit.
• Optional: Changing Robe – a changing robe can be helpful if your outdoor swimming location has no changing facilities
• Optional: Swimming cap – to keep hair dry and out of the way and ensure you’re easily seen in the water, a brightly coloured swimming cap is ideal for serious splashers.

Safety tips for outdoor swimming in London

If you’re considering swimming outdoors in London, make sure you stay safe with these simple tips. Safety measures may differ depending on the season and location. For example, on a scorching summer day at a busy London lido, you may not need to bring a thick jumper for when you get out.

• Go with a buddy – it’s more fun, plus you’ll have someone to look out for you in the water.
• Improve your swimming ability in a pool before attempting wild swimming in outdoor locations.
• Make sure the location is safe. Luckily, these open water swimming locations in London are all well-known and regularly monitored.
• Wear a brightly coloured swimming hat. In areas without obstructions, you may also want to bring a tow float as an additional safety measure.
• Enter cold water slowly, to avoid sending your body into shock.
• Know your limitations. If you’re new to open water swimming, stick to shorter routes and don’t overdo it.
• Make sure you dry off and get into warm clothes as soon as you’ve finished your swim in cold water – especially during the winter months.
• If you’re swimming in winter, consider wearing a wetsuit to help with cold water temperatures.

For more open water swimming advice, visit the RNLI website.