Experiences
The 6 Best Lidos in London
Art Deco 50-metre pools, a stainless-steel classic and wild swimming ponds: London's best outdoor swimming.
In short: our top picks are Brockwell Lido, Parliament Hill Lido and London Fields Lido. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London swims outdoors more than you would think, and its lidos are half the pleasure of a hot day. Brockwell and Parliament Hill are the grand Art Deco classics, London Fields is one of the few heated pools so it works year-round, and the Hampstead ponds are proper wild swimming. Some are bracingly cold, all are gloriously social. Take a towel, expect a queue on the first warm weekend, and check whether the pool is heated before you commit.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Brockwell Lido | Herne Hill |
| Parliament Hill Lido | Hampstead |
| London Fields Lido | Hackney |
| Tooting Bec Lido | Tooting |
| Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds | Hampstead |
| Serpentine Lido | Hyde Park |
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Editor’s choice
Brockwell Lido
Why we pick itA Grade II-listed 50-metre pool ringed by Art Deco buildings with a good cafe, in the corner of Brockwell Park.
Art Deco 50m lido
-
Parliament Hill Lido
Why we pick itA 1938 Grade II-listed unheated pool with the UK's only stainless-steel outdoor lining, beside Hampstead Heath.
stainless-steel lido
-
London Fields Lido
Why we pick itOne of London's few heated lidos, a 50-metre Olympic-size pool open year-round in London Fields.
heated Olympic-size lido
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Tooting Bec Lido
Why we pick itThe oldest and one of the largest freshwater pools in Britain, all colourful changing-room doors, open since 1906.
historic freshwater lido
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Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds
Why we pick itThe Men's, Ladies' and Mixed ponds on the Heath, natural wild swimming open all year to hardy regulars.
wild swimming ponds
-
Serpentine Lido
Why we pick itA roped-off swim in the Serpentine lake in the middle of Hyde Park, open through the summer.
lake swimming
Before you book
Peak season runs roughly May to September and the unheated pools get busy fast on hot days, so go early or book a slot online where offered. London Fields and a handful of others stay open all year for the hardy. The Hampstead ponds and the Serpentine are natural water, so expect cold, cloudy swimming rather than a clear pool.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Brockwell Lido is our editor's choice: A Grade II-listed 50-metre pool ringed by Art Deco buildings with a good cafe, in the corner of Brockwell Park. Brockwell Lido, Parliament Hill Lido and London Fields Lido lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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