| Updated:
London’s top lidos: Make a splash in an outdoor pool
Wherever you are in London, there are outdoor pools perfect for cooling down during the coming heatwave. Here are some of our favourite places to take our kit off in public:
Brockwell Lido, SE24:
Located in Brockwell park, this is as much of a Brixton landmark as Electric Avenue and Atlantic Road. The art deco grade II listed building has been at centre of the community since it opened in 1937. On hot summer days there’s always a lively atmosphere, with children, sunbathers and serious swimmers all coming together to enjoy Brixton’s best sunspot.
London Fields Lido is a popular Hackney attraction
London Fields Lido, E8:
After being saved from closure, this heated lido has gone from strength to strength and now ranks among Hackney’s most popular attractions. It gets a tad crowded on sunny weekends but you’re right on the doorstep of some of the best bars and restaurants in London, so you can undo all the good work.
Tooting Bec Lido is one of the oldest in the UK
Tooting Bec Lido, SW16:
Measuring 91x33m, Tooting Bec Lido is the largest swimming pool in the UK. The south west London pool is also one of Britain’s oldest outdoor swimming pools having first opened its doors in 1906. The famous brightly coloured cubicle doors were featured in the film Snatch and Brad Pitt visited while filming the movie.
Oasis Sports Centre is a well kept secret
Oasis Sports Centre, WC2H:
This gem hidden between Holborn and Tottenham Court Road really is an oasis – a little slice of outdoor swimming right in the heart of the city. It also has a steam-room and sauna for those who want to warm up again after cooling off in the pool. Perfect for a lunch-time dip.
Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park attracts swimmers every day of the year
Serpentine Lido W2:
There are those brave – or demented – souls who swim in the Serpentine every day of the year, come ice or rain. The rest of us wait until the sun comes out and all head there en masse. It’s as beautiful a swim as you’re likely to come across in London, and afterwards you can mooch over to the Serpentine gallery for a bit of culture.
Parliament Hill Lido is perfect for a post work swim
Parliament Hill Lido, NW5:
Adult-only sessions on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays make this a good option for those wanting to wind down after a busy day at the office while watching the sun set.