London’s best outdoor pools

While the hot weather continues, many of us see our exercise regimes wavering. If you’ve been slogging round your usual running route with the sweat pouring off you, you’ve probably wished you could be swimming instead. And where better to go than an outdoor pool? For a busy capital city, hardly famous for its balmy climate, London has quite a few lidos. Here’s our guide to outdoor pools in London:
London Fields Lido, Hackney, E8
We all know Hackney’s one of the best places to live in London, and the London Fields Lido is one of the reasons why. Open all year round, this Olympic sized (50m) pool offers lane swimming, lessons for both adults and children and swimfit sessions. There’s also a dedicated sundeck for soaking up some rays, as well as a café.
Charlton Lido, SE18
For South Londoners, the recently refurbished lido at Charlton is a fitness destination in itself. As well as the 50m pool, there’s also a gym, fitness studio for classes, tennis courts, an open air cycle studio and even a BMX track! Users recommend booking online in advance to get the best price for your chosen activity.
Brockwell Lido, SE24
Also in South London, Brockwell Lido is run by Fusion. Like the other lidos, it was originally built in the 1930s and has a 50m pool and views across Brockwell Park for you to enjoy while you swim.
Tooting Bec Lido, SW16
This outdoor pool also has a paddling pool for the children – ideal if you’re entertaining the kids as well as taking exercise. Popular and busy in the warm summer months – there will be queues but it will be worth it!
Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds
The only lifeguarded open swimming experience in London! These damned-off clay pits, run by the Corporation of London, are your opportunity for wild swimming without having to go all the way to the coast. Dashed cold, no lockers…but that’s what wild swimming is, isn’t it?!
Parliament Hill Lido
Loved by locals and praised for its cleanliness, Parliament Hill Lido is also run by the Corporation of London and offers a tamer experience than the Bathing Ponds.
Serpentine, Hyde Park, W2
Best known for the New Year’s Day Dip, the Serpentine is also wonderful on a hot summer’s day. 100m stretch of water for adults and big kids, paddling pool for the little ones, and quite a few swans, ducks and other wildlife to share the water with. A totally different experience of Central London!
Sell property in East London
There are so many reasons to love living in London, and the wide range of experiences on offer in the capital is high on the list. It’s fantastic that a city of this size and density can find so much space for people to swim outdoors in the sunshine, keeping fit and having fun at the same time. London, you’re wonderful.
Living in an area with great facilities is an important factor when you’re selling a property. For your free valuation, get in touch with me, Adam Dockely, on 020 3633 4440.