Once you’ve found a pool that suits your preferences, make sure to book your swim well in advance. Be prepared for one-way lanes and reduced capacity in many venues, too. Want to find a new space to exercise? Read on to discover six of the best places to swim in London.
Some of the most popular locations to swim in London include:
Across London, you’ll find a selection of heated and non-heated swimming pools, as well as large ponds and reservoirs open all year round. While heated pools are an excellent choice for the colder months, many keen swimmers prefer to embrace the chilly water of non-heated lidos and ponds during the summer season. Rules and regulations vary by venue, so be sure to check the website before organising a swim session.
Located in the heart of Greenwich, Charlton Lido reopened to the public in 2013 after undergoing a major £2 million refurbishment. This fully heated, Olympic-sized swimming pool is the ideal place to enjoy a few hours of exercise, as well as an afternoon of sunbathing if the weather is warm enough.
This venue also features a café, a gym and a fitness studio, so you can shake up your workouts or grab a bite to eat after you’ve finished swimming. Pool access is £10.00 for adult non-members and £8.00 for adult Greenwich Card Members.
Want to improve your swimming skills? Charlton Lido also offers one-to-one swimming lessons with experienced, qualified instructors.
At an impressive 94 metres long, Tooting Bec Lido is the largest freshwater pool in the United Kingdom. It’s situated in Tooting Bec in South East London, and it is easily accessible by bus and tube.
As the pool is unheated, the water is very cold, so it’s a great place to enjoy a dip on a hot summer’s day. Unsurprisingly, the lido can get very busy, so make sure to arrive early to avoid vast swarms of people seeking relief from the heat. Pool access is £8.00 for adults (16+ years) and £5.00 for children (5-15 years).
Hampstead Heath in North London is home to over 30 pools. However, only three have been specially designated for swimming purposes. They consist of a men’s pool, a women’s pool and a mixed group pool.
While you’ll only spot a few brave members of Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club dotted around the water in the winter months, the ponds tend to get very busy during the warmer seasons. Swim sessions are £4.05 each, and booking is required before most sessions.
No children under eight years are permitted to swim here, and children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult and must pass a swimming test.
Oasis Sports Centre is home to a heated outdoor pool, an adjacent indoor pool and a sun terrace where you can catch some rays on warm, sunny days. The outdoor pool was first opened in 1946 and has since stayed popular among visitors and locals alike.
Oasis Sports Centre is located in the heart of the West End and is situated close to tube stations such as Covent Garden, Holborn and Tottenham Court Road. Currently, there are two types of swim sessions available to book here. ‘Swim for Fitness’ sessions involve lane swimming, while ‘Swim for All’ sessions consist of an open pool layout.
The Serpentine Lido consists of a 40-acre lake located in the centre of Hyde Park, Central London. The Serpentine Swimming Club first coined the idea of swimming in the Serpentine in the 1960s, and they swim every day here between 6am and 9.30am.
The Serpentine Lido is available for public use on weekends throughout May and seven days a week from June to early September. If you do fancy a dip in the Lido, be prepared for chilly water and some close encounters with wildlife. When you’ve finished your swim, you can relax with a hot drink in the Lido Café.
Located next to Royal Bushy Park, Hampton Pool is regarded by many as one of the capital’s best-kept secrets. The 36-metre pool is heated to 28°C, meaning you can enjoy a pleasant swim all year round. There is also a children’s learner pool where little ones can practice their swimming techniques.
The pool is open 365 days a year, so you can even swim on Christmas Day! The swimming sessions are split into ‘Lane Swim’ sessions and ‘Recreational Swim’ sessions, with different times dedicated to each. Pool access on weekdays is £6.90 for adults and £4.10 for juniors (4-15 years).
Are you staying in London for the weekend? If you fancy a spot of exercise during your visit, there are plenty of hotels across the city that offer outstanding health and leisure facilities, including swimming pools. Take our Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge, for example. With a 25m heated swimming pool, a health and leisure spa, and numerous thermal experiences available, it’s the ideal space to relax and switch off.
Most Royal Regions in the UKMaking up a large and significant part of the ...
MORE +The Second Names of Cities in the UK and Around the WorldThe Big Apple, The City...
MORE +Widely considered the beating, bustling heart of the North of England, Mancheste...
MORE +
