Open air swimming in London is having a moment. (Then again, to be fair, open air swimming in London has a moment every summer…)
Whether you’re embracing the cold water swimming trend, or searching for a refreshing summer dip, London has dozens of outdoor options: historic lidos, natural reservoirs, community pools (some heated, some not), and even swimming in old docks.
At a glance...
- 1 The complete and ultimate guide to London open air swimming
- 2 Is open air swimming in London expensive?
- 3 From lidos to wild swimming, the best open air swimming spots in London
- 3.1 The London lidos
- 3.2 The community pools
- 3.3 Cold water swimming/ Wild swimming
- 4 Map of London outdoor swimming spots
- 5 Frequently asked questions about open air swimming in London
- 5.1 Are any outdoor pools in London heated? Can I swim outdoors in London all year round?
- 5.2 Is open air swimming in London safe?
- 5.3 Do I need to book in advance to swim outdoors in London?
- 5.4 Can you swim in the Thames in London?
- 5.5 Can you swim in St James’s Park lake, Victoria Park lake, Regent’s Park lake, and other non-designated spots?
- 5.6 Is outdoor swimming in London child-friendly?
- 5.7 Are there any free outdoor swimming spots in London?
- 5.8 What should I bring for outdoor swimming in London?
- 5.9 Are outdoor swimming spots in London accessible by public transport?
- 5.10 Do I need to be a strong swimmer to swim outdoors in London?
- 5.11 Is cold water swimming good for you?
- 5.12 Where can I get cold water swimming training in London?
- 5.13 Do I need special gear for wild swimming?
The complete and ultimate guide to London open air swimming
This guide brings together the best places to swim outside in London (including two in central London!). You’ll find practical details like prices, opening hours, how to get there by public transport, and whether the pool is heated. Whether you’re a casual swimmer, a wild swimming enthusiast, or just looking for a spot to cool off on a hot day, this list has you covered. In fact, I think it may very well be the complete and ultimate guide to London open air swimming…but who knows…
There’s a map too. [jump to the INTERACTIVE map]
Is open air swimming in London expensive?
It depends where you go. The cheapest outdoor swimming in London are the 3 Hampstead Heath ponds (under £5), followed by the Serpentine Lido, Hillingdon Lido and London Fields lido (£6 or under).
For each entry in the list below, I’ve included the entry price (where available) for one adult swim session, more as a guide than anything else. Most of the swimming spots mentioned below will also have lower prices if you’re under 18 or over 60 and/ or in receipts of benefits, or are a resident of the borough . It’s not consistent, though (London swimming prices are a bit of a maze).
AND for a quick reference, here are the prices in a quick summary table.
Open air swimming summary prices
| Name | How much | Heated? |
|---|---|---|
| Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake | £7.40 | no |
| Brockwell Lido | Website is not responding, | no |
| Canary Wharf Middle Dock | £9.00 | no |
| Charlton Lido | £11.50 | yes |
| Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre | £8.00 | no |
| Finchley Lido | £8.30 | no |
| Hampstead Mixed Pond | £4.80 | no |
| Hampton Pool | £9.50 | yes |
| Highgate Mens Pond | £4.80 | no |
| Hillingdon Lido | £6.00 | no |
| Kenwood Ladies Pond | £4.80 | no |
| London Fields Lido | £6.00 | yes |
| London Royal Docks | £9.00 | no |
| Oasis Sports Centre | £8.10 | yes |
| Park Road Lido | £8.95 | yes |
| Parliament Hill Lido | £8.40 | no |
| Pools on the Park | £6.60 | yes |
| Serpentine Lido | £5.95 | no |
| Tooting Bec Lido | No info on lido site. | no |
| West Reservoir | £12.30 | no |
Note: Some London lidos and open air pools require advance booking, especially in warmer months—so check ahead.
From lidos to wild swimming, the best open air swimming spots in London
The London lidos
Brockwell Lido
Looking for that Lido experience in London? Set in the heart of Brockwell Park in Herne Hill, Brockwell Lido is a 1930s Grade II-listed lido with art deco vibes and an Olympic-length swimming pool. Open daily, it’s a firm favourite for outdoor swimming in south London. It’s part of a full gym, so there are fitness classes and exercise machines on the same site. Plus, a lido café overlooking the pool that serves pizzas. Forget cocktails, pizza by the pool are where it’s at.
And after your swim, there’s plenty to do in Herne Hill!
Name: Brockwell Lido
Address: Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, SE24 0PA
Website: https://www.brockwelllido.com/
Pricing page: n/a (I think the website is broken)
Nearest Transport: Herne Hill BR
When is it open?: year round
Length (m): 50
Note: 0
How much?: n/a (I think the website is broken)
Heated?: No
Charlton Lido (Charlton)
Looking for a heated outdoor pool in south-east London? Charlton Lido offers an Olympic-size heated pool with a pedigree. First opened in 1939 and fully refurbished (to the tune of £2 millions!) in 2013, this Greenwich adjacent lido offers the best of both worlds: retro charm and modern amenities. Plus, there’s a café on-site, as well as a gym and fitness studio if you want to add to your workout. A perfect destination for outdoor swimming in summer days, especially when those summer days are a bit on the colder side. (Well, this is Britain…)
Name:Charlton Lido
Address:Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Road, SE18 4LX
Website:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/greenwich/charlton-lido
Pricing page:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/greenwich/charlton-lido/prices
Nearest Transport:Bus 89 (Charlton Park Lane stop)
When is it open?:Not specified
Length (m):50
Note:all sessions must be pre-booked
How much?:£11.50
Heated?:Yes
Finchley Lido (Finchley)
Looking for outdoor swimming London in North London? Finchley Lido offers a great option for some open-air fun! The original lido dates back to 1931 and was revamped in 2019 into a modern leisure centre that also houses and gym and two indoor pools. The outdoor pool is typically open from May to September, weather permitting, so you can enjoy a refreshing summer swim before relaxing by the pool. Or treat yourself to a burger at the nearby McDonalds 😁.
Name:Finchley Lido
Address:great north leisure park, High Rd, N12 0GL
Website:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/barnet/finchley-lido-leisure-centre
Pricing page:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/barnet/finchley-lido-leisure-centre/prices
Nearest Transport:Bus 382 (Leisure Way stop)
When is it open?:weekends from late May, daily during school summer holidays
Length (m):25
Note:0
How much?:£8.30
Heated?:No
Park Road Lido (Crouch End)
Another good option for outdoor swimming in the cold British summer days? Park Road Lido in Crouch End is even older than Charlton Lido (by 14 years – a big sister!), although unfortunately, not much is left of the original lido. It does have a passionate volunteer user group, though, the Park Road Lido User Group (PRLUG), who act as self-appointed stewards for the site (check out their wonderful write up of of the history of Park Road Lido). The heated outdoor pool is 50m long, and the lido is open all year. You can dry off on the grass, grab something from the on-site café, and enjoy poolside life.
Name:Park Road Lido
Address:Park Road, Hornsey, N8 8JN
Website:https://www.parkroadlido.org.uk/
Pricing page:not specified, membership needed
Nearest Transport:Hornsey BR, Highgate
When is it open?:year round
length (m):50
note:0
How much?:£8.95
Heated?:yes
Parliament Hill Lido (Hampstead)
Parliament Hill Lido on Google Map
Just down the hill from the ponds, this 1938 Grade II listed Art Deco lido is a Hampstead icon. Lined in stainless steel (the only one like it in the UK), Parliament Hill Lido shimmers in the sun and offers more than Olympic-length space to stretch out and swim. It’s open all year but unheated, and whether you’re a seasoned cold-water fan or just fancy a summer splash, it’s a local legend worth the chill. Originally part of a Victorian-era initiative to promote public health, it was also one of the first pools to allow mixed bathing at certain times, making it popular from the start.
Name:Parliament Hill Lido
Address:Gordon House Road, NW5 1LP
Website:https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/where-to-go-at-hampstead-heath/parliament-hill-lido | https://parliamenthilllido.org/
Nearest Transport:Gospel Oak
When is it open?:year round
Length (m):50
Note:0
How much?:£8.40
Heated?:no
Hillingdon Lido (Uxbridge)
A West London classic with real Art Deco flair. Originally opened in 1935 and fully restored in 2010, Hillingdon Lido (formerly Uxbridge Lido) is a stunning Grade II-listed spot with serious retro charm. The 50m heated outdoor pool features elegant fountains at each end, with plenty of sunbathing space and a splash zone for kids. You’ll also find an indoor pool, café, and gym on-site, all part of a wider leisure complex. It’s a proper throwback to the golden age of lidos—only now with modern comforts and a great flat white at the finish line.
Name:Hillingdon Lido
Address:Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Complex, Gatting Way, UB8 1ES
Website:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hillingdon/hillingdon-sports-lc
Pricing page:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hillingdon/hillingdon-sports-lc/prices
Nearest Transport:Uxbridge, then bus U1 (The Hermitage stop) or U2 (The Hermitage stop, Uxbrige College)
When is it open?:from april to October
Length (m):50
Note:0
How much?:£6
Heated?:No
London Fields Lido
London Fields Lido on Google Map
One of the best-loved heated lidos in north-east London, and one of the cheapest, this 50m pool in Hackney is open all year and floodlit for evening swims. It’s kept a comfortable 25°C all year round – mmm, toasty! Reopened after a 18 years community campaign in 2006, and further refurbished in 2017, it’s a well-loved local spot. (This is shorthand for saying: come early.) Refuel after your swim in either of the two cafés.
Name:London Fields Lido
Address:London Fields West Side, Hackney, E8 3EU
Website:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/london-fields-lido
Pricing page:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/london-fields-lido/prices
Nearest Transport:London Fields (Weaver Line)
When is it open?:year round
Length (m):50
Note:0
How much?:£6
Heated?:yes
Tooting Bec Lido
Tooting Bec Lido on Google Map
London’s longest outdoor freshwater pool? That’ll be Tooting Bec Lido – a whopping 91 metres of swimming glory (Olympic length swimming pools are so tiny!). Dating back to 1906, it’s also one of the UK’s oldest lidos, recently given a major glow-up and reopened in 2024. Expect bold, bright changing huts and a classic 1930s – it’s a South London icon. It’s open May to September unless you’re part of the South London Swimming Club, who swim year-round (yes, it’s unheated – yes, they’re hardcore). Bonus cool points: it’s even been part of Open House London.
Name:Tooting Bec Lido
Address:Tooting Bec Road, SW16 1RU
Website:https://www.placesleisure.org/centres/tooting-bec-lido/
Pricing page:Not available
Nearest Transport:Streatham BR, Tooting Bec
When is it open?:from april to September
Length (m):91.5
Note:0
How much?:No info on lido site.
Heated?:No
The community pools
Hampton Pool
Another open air swimming spot that’s open year-round. And it’s heated to 28°C – is that maybe too warm on a hot British summer? Don’t answer that. But toasty on Christmas day. Yes, Hampton Pool is open on Christmas day.
The pool is a 36m outdoor gem tucked into the leafy edge of Bushy Park in south-west London. Built in 1922 and saved from closure in the 1980s by the local community, it’s now a well-loved spot for everything from casual swims to triathlon training. There’s a gym, fitness studio, café, and even summer open-air concerts. Well, not in the pool, those. Obviously.
Name:Hampton Pool
Address:High Street, Hampton, TW12 2ST
Website:https://www.hamptonpool.co.uk/
Pricing page:https://www.hamptonpool.co.uk/1-swimming/1_b_prices.htm
Nearest Transport:Hampton BR (18 minutes walk), R68 from Hampton Court BR (Hampton Pool stop)
When is it open?:year round
Length (m):36
Note:cashless only | open on Christmas day
How much?:£9.50
Heated?:Yes
Oasis Sports Centre (Covent Garden)
Oasis Sports Centre on Google Map
Right in the middle of the city, Oasis has the only heated outdoor pool in central London — complete with a rooftop sun terrace. Perfect for a midweek swim, the 27.5m pool is part of a larger leisure centre that includes a sauna, gym, and indoor pool. Plus some unbeatable views over Central London rooftops.
Name:Oasis Sports Centre
Address:32 Endell Street, WC2H 9AG
Website:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/camden/oasis-sports-centre
Pricing page:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/camden/oasis-sports-centre/prices
Nearest Transport:Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Covent Garden
When is it open?:year round
Length (m):27.5
Note:0
How much?:£8.10
Heated?:Yes
Pools on the Park (Richmond)
Pools on the Park on Google Map
This leafy lido in Old Deer Park is a hidden gem in west London. The heated outdoor pool sits alongside an indoor pool, spa and gym. Whether you’re here for laps or lounging, it’s a peaceful place to swim year-round. And lovers of brutalist architecture will appreciate the 1960s brutalist building. Maybe.
Name:Pools on the Park
Address:Old Deer Park, Twickenham Rd, Richmond TW9 2SF
Website:https://www.richmond.gov.uk/pools_on_the_park
Pricing page:https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/sports/sports_and_fitness_centre_prices
Nearest Transport:Richmond BR
When is it open?:Not specified
Length (m):33
Note:pre-booking recommended
How much?:£6.60
Heated?:yes
Cold water swimming/ Wild swimming
Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake (Beckhenham)
Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake on Google Map
Looking for the Hampstead Heath ponds vibe in South London? Try Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake, a wild swimming spot set in leafy (you’ve guessed it) Beckhenham Place park. And if cold water swimming is not your thing, you can also do yoga on the water – now that’s pretty unique I think….
Name:Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake
Address:Beckenham Hill Rd, Beckenham BR3 1SY
Website:https://www.ptpcoaching.co.uk/bpp-swimming
Pricing page:None, price are only made visible when you book
Nearest Transport:Beckenham Hill (BR)
When is it open?:year round
Length (m):n/a
Note:bookings are for one hour, within the hour you can stay as little or as long as you like
How much?:£7.40
Heated?:no
Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre (Isle of Dogs)
Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre on Google Map
The Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre in East London offers open water swimming in Millwall Outer Dock, just minutes from Canary Wharf in the Isle of Dogs. It’s a great option for confident swimmers who like deeper water and a city-meets-nature vibe. Like Middle Dock and Royal Docks below, a NOWCA membership is required and session must be booked in advance via the Actio app.
Name:Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre
Address:235A Westferry Rd, Isle of Dogs E14 3QS
Website:https://www.dswc.org/
Pricing page:https://www.dswc.org/watersports/open-water-swimming/
Nearest Transport:Cross Harbour or Mudchute (DLR) then a 10-15 minutes walk. Or bus 135, 277, D7 (Arnhem Wharf Primary School stop) will take you right to the front door, pretty much.
When is it open?:Not specified
Length (m):n/a
Note:various block/ membership prices available
How much?:£8
Heated?:no
Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds (Hampstead)
If wild swimming’s your thing, Hampstead Heath’s iconic ponds are a must. Set among trees and nestled into the Heath’s hilly landscape, the Ladies’, Men’s and Mixed Ponds are a local legend that’s open year-round to strong swimmers. The water’s chilly, the setting’s bucolic, and you might just share your lane with a duck. Facilities are simple, but that’s part of the charm — it’s all about the back-to-nature vibe.
You can find the Ladies’ and Men’s Ponds on the east side of the Heath and the Mixed Pond towards the south on the opposite side.
Fun fact! There are more than 25 ponds on Hampstead Heath. You can only swim in the three mentioned below, though.
Hampstead Mixed Ponds
Hampstead Mixed Pond on Google Map
Name:Hampstead Mixed Pond
Address:Hampstead Heath NW5 1QR
Nearest Transport:Hampstead Heath (10 minute walk), Hampstead (17 minute walk)
When is it open?:From mid April to october
Length (m):n/a
Note:0
How much?:£4.80
Heated?:no
Kenwood Ladies Pond
Kenwood Ladies Pond on Google Map
Name:Kenwood Ladies Pond
Address:Hampstead Heath NW5 1QR
Nearest Transport:Gospel Oak (23 minute walk), Highgate (26 minute walk), 214 bus (Oakeshott Avenue stop)
When is it open?:year round
Length (m):n/a
Note:0
How much?:£4.80
Heated?:no
Highgate Mens Poud
Highgate Mens Pond on Google Map
Name:Highgate Mens Pond
Address:Parliament Hill Fields, Hampstead Heath, Highgate Rd, NW5 1QR
Nearest Transport:Gospel Oak (18 minute walk), Kentish Town (28 minute walk), 214 bus (Oakeshott Avenue stop)
When is it open?:year round
Length (m):n/a
Note:0
How much?:£4.80
Heated?:no
Middle Dock (Canary Wharf)
Canary Wharf Middle Dock on Google Map
Fancy open air swimming in a piece of history? Middle Dock was part of the Port of London at its heyday, when hundreds of ships from all over the words unloaded their cargo. Now, it’s Canary Wharf’s newest open-air swimming spot, offering spring-fed water (not the Thames!) and consistently top-notch quality thanks to regular testing. Sessions are lifeguarded and run by Love Open Water, and are open to confident swimmers aged 10+. It’s unheated (obviously), so come prepared for a proper cold-water swim – and in the winter you’ll need a cold water swim induction, too. Brightly colored swim caps and tow floats are mandatory. You’ll also need a NOWCA membership (£15/year) and to book sessions via the ACTiO app.
Name:Canary Wharf Middle Dock
Address:Mackenzie Walk, E14 4PH
Website:https://loveopenwater.co.uk/canary-wharf/
Pricing page:n/a
Nearest Transport:Canary Wharf
When is it open?:year round
Length (m):n/a
Note:must book in advance via app | in the winter, must complete an Cold Water Swimming Induction (£5) | must be a NOWCA menber (£15/ year)
How much?:£9
Heated?:No
Royal Docks (Silvertown)
London Royal Docks on Google Map
Love Open Water also runs swimming sessions in Royal Docks, another historical dock that used to belong to the Port of London. This one is right next door to London City Airport, so this is wild water swimming with planes overhead. As in Middle Dock, you’ll need to be a confident swimmer, preferably with cold water swimming experience. And again, you’ll need a NOWCA membership, and to book your sessions with the ACTiO app. But for a refreshing dip, this is a pretty unique spot.
Name:London Royal Docks
Address:Dock Rd, E16 1AH
Website:https://loveopenwater.co.uk/swimming-london-royal-docks/
Pricing page:n/a
Nearest Transport:Royal Victoria
When is it open?:year round
Length (m):n/a
Note:must be a NOWCA menber (£15/ year) | must book in advance via app | in the winter, must complete an Cold Water Swimming Induction (£5)
How much?:£9
Heated?:no
Serpentine Lido (Hyde Park)
A wild swim without leaving Zone 1, yes please! The Serpentine Lido is your chance to splash about in one of London’s most iconic parks. It’s unheated, duck-friendly, and open to the public in summer — with a family-friendly area, sunbathing terrace and café kiosk nearby. A truly unique outdoor cold water swimming experience, for sure. The Serpentine Lido also offers a gated family area with a paddling pool and playground, perfect for the little ones. Plus, there’s a private sunbathing terrace to relax on after your refreshing swim and a handy kiosk run by the Lido Café next door for snacks and drinks. Want to swim in the Serpentine all year long? You’ll need to be a member of the Serpentine Swimming Club for that.
Name:Serpentine Lido
Address:Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Website:https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park/serpentine-lido
Pricing page:https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park/serpentine-lido
Nearest Transport:Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate
When is it open?:from may (weekends only)/ june to mid september
Length (m):100
Note:0
How much?:£5.95
Heated?:No
West Reservoir Centre (Hackney)
Looking for something a bit wilder? The West Reservoir, a large lake in Woodberry Down, offers open water swimming in a scenic, natural setting. No lanes, no crowds — just peaceful waters and plenty of space. Confident swimmers can dive in for a proper (and very refreshing) outdoor swim, and if you’re up for more, there’s kayaking and sailing too. It’s a great spot to escape the city buzz without ever leaving Hackney.
Name:West Reservoir
Address:Stoke Newington, N4 2HA
Website:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/west-reservoir-centre
Pricing page:https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/west-reservoir-centre/prices
Nearest Transport:Manor House
When is it open?:Not specified
Length (m):n/a
Note:0
How much?:£12.30
Heated?:no
Map of London outdoor swimming spots
This map includes both swimming spots and the Pilates studios listed in my affordable Pilates post, so you can see at a glance where you might double up with a dip and a stretch (spoiler – there aren’t many options, unless you have a car). The map shows swimming spots by default, but you can tick the Pilates layer to see the studios info. Access the layers either by clicking on the arrow in the top left corner, or opening the map in full screen mode (click on the top right hand corner icon)
Frequently asked questions about open air swimming in London
Are any outdoor pools in London heated? Can I swim outdoors in London all year round?
Yes to both! Some of London’s open air pools are heated and open year-round, London Fields Lido, for example. Some, like Brockwell Lido, stay open but are unheated—for those brave souls who want cold water swimming in cold weather!
Here’s the summary breakdown of heated vs unheated swimming spots, with whether they are open year round or not.
| Name | Heated? | Open Year Round |
|---|---|---|
| Charlton Lido | yes | not specified |
| Hampton Pool | yes | yes |
| London Fields Lido | yes | yes |
| Oasis Sports Centre | yes | yes |
| Park Road Lido | yes | yes |
| Pools on the Park | yes | not specified |
| Name | Heated? | Open Year Round |
|---|---|---|
| Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake | no | yes |
| Brockwell Lido | no | yes |
| Canary Wharf Middle Dock | no | yes |
| Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre | no | yes |
| Finchley Lido | no | no |
| Hampstead Mixed Pond | no | no |
| Highgate Mens Pond | no | yes |
| Hillingdon Lido | no | no |
| Kenwood Ladies Pond | no | yes |
| London Royal Docks | no | yes |
| Parliament Hill Lido | no | yes |
| Serpentine Lido | no | no |
| Tooting Bec Lido | no | no |
| West Reservoir | no | not specified |
Is open air swimming in London safe?
Yes, the majority of London’s outdoor pools and lidos are well-maintained, lifeguarded, and regularly tested for water quality. If you’re swimming in natural settings like reservoirs or lakes, always check for safety signage and follow local guidelines.
Do I need to book in advance to swim outdoors in London?
Many outdoor pools require advance booking, especially in summer. Popular spots like Parliament Hill Lido or Brockwell Lido are pretty popular and can book up fast, so it’s worth reserving your session ahead of time.
Can you swim in the Thames in London?
This post, “can you swim in the Thames in London”, has all the answers to that. But basically, yes, east of Putney Bridge. Not recommended, though.
Can you swim in St James’s Park lake, Victoria Park lake, Regent’s Park lake, and other non-designated spots?
Short answer: no — and for good reason. Swimming is generally prohibited in most of London’s lakes and ponds that aren’t officially designated for it. That’s partly to protect public safety, but also to preserve habitats for local wildlife. And, the water quality’s often questionable (read: duck poo, algae, and hidden debris).
Here are a few popular spots where you can’t swim in London:
Battersea Park Lake – Boating and fishing only.
Victoria Park Lake – No swimming, but there’s a seasonal splash pool for kids.
Regent’s Park Lake – Strictly for boating.
Greenwich Park Boating Pond – For boating, not bathing.
Hollow Ponds (Epping Forest) – Not suitable for swimming; often shallow and used by anglers.
Woodberry Wetlands – No swimming here, but nearby West Reservoir is a great alternative.
Walthamstow Wetlands – Protected nature reserve; no public swimming.
Burgess Park Lake – Fishing allowed, not swimming.
St James’s Park Lake – For pelicans, not paddlers.
Carshalton Ponds – Ornamental and home to plenty of wildlife — look, don’t dive.
Is outdoor swimming in London child-friendly?
Many lidos are great for families, with shallow areas, kids’ sessions, and lifeguards. Natural spots are a bit more variable—some may have currents, no shallow edge, or limited supervision, so always check in advance.
Are there any free outdoor swimming spots in London?
The Thames, from the aforementioned Putney Bridge.
What should I bring for outdoor swimming in London?
Bring swimwear (I know, I know… duh! But some people actually to turn up and expect to swim in their clothes, believe it or not), a towel (duh! again, I know!). Flip-flops or water shoes are good, too, as well as a waterproof bag for your wet swimsuit. For cold water spots, a swimming cap and even a wetsuit can help if you’re not used to the temperatures. And a towel, of course (unless there’s a heatwave, maybe).
Are outdoor swimming spots in London accessible by public transport?
Most are. The majority of lidos and wild swimming spots are within a short walk of a Tube, Overground, or bus stop. Check the info above for nearest stations or bus stops.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to swim outdoors in London?
Not necessarily. Many lidos have shallow ends and are supervised. But for natural settings, especially unheated or unstaffed spots, you should be confident in the water. Stick to lifeguarded locations if unsure, and take cold water swimming training where available.
Is cold water swimming good for you?
There’s growing evidence that cold water swimming can boost mood, circulation, and resilience—but it’s not risk-free. If you’re new to it, start slow, listen to your body, and never swim alone. Some places offer coached sessions for beginners.
Where can I get cold water swimming training in London?
If you’re looking to acclimatize to cold water swimming in London, here are some reputable options:
South London Swimming Club (SLSC) at Tooting Bec Lido offers taster sessions for those interested in winter cold water swimming. These sessions are designed to help swimmers safely experience cold water conditions.
Brockwell Swimmers, based at Brockwell Lido, provides various swimming activities, including events that support cold water swimming. They also organize relay events like the Channel Relays, which require participants to complete qualifying swims in cold water.
- Remember, cold water swimming can be challenging and requires proper acclimatization. Always consult with professionals and ensure you’re adequately prepared before diving in.
Do I need special gear for wild swimming?
Not always, but it helps. A swimming cap, goggles, neoprene socks or gloves (for cold water), and a dry robe or towel to warm up after are good investments. Wetsuits are optional but popular in winter.
About the author
Everything you read (and see) on this site is by me, Emma Duchat—unless I clearly say otherwise. I’ve lived in London most of my life and never seem to run out of things to explore. I walk the walk (literally), take the photos, and research and write every post. Come say hi on Instagram, too!
