Experiences

The 5 Best Rooftop Pools in London

Infinity edges, Hyde Park views and the highest pool in Western Europe: London's best swims with a skyline.

In short: our top picks are The Berkeley Rooftop Pool, art'otel London Battersea and Shoreditch House. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

A rooftop pool in London is a genuine rarity, which makes the handful that exist worth planning around. The Berkeley turns its into a Capri beach club each summer, the Shard’s sky pool is the highest in Western Europe, and art’otel’s infinity edge frames Battersea Power Station. Most are hotel or members’ pools, so a swim usually means a stay or a day pass. On a hot day there is nothing better in the city.

Place Area
The Berkeley Rooftop Pool Knightsbridge
art'otel London Battersea Battersea
Shoreditch House Shoreditch
Shangri-La at The Shard London Bridge
The Ned Bank
  1. Editor’s choice

    The Berkeley Rooftop Pool

    • Knightsbridge

    Why we pick itA Capri-inspired rooftop pool with Hyde Park views, lemon trees and a beach-club vibe at the Knightsbridge hotel.

    hotel rooftop pool

  2. art'otel London Battersea

    • Battersea

    Why we pick itA heated rooftop infinity pool with 360-degree views over Battersea Power Station.

    rooftop infinity pool

  3. Shoreditch House

    • Shoreditch

    Why we pick itThe east London members' club with a heated open-air rooftop pool, warmed year-round.

    members' rooftop pool

  4. Shangri-La at The Shard

    • London Bridge

    Why we pick itAn infinity sky pool on the 52nd floor of the Shard, the highest hotel pool in Western Europe.

    highest pool in Western Europe

  5. The Ned

    • Bank

    Why we pick itA heated rooftop pool and terrace with St Paul's views atop the City's grand former bank.

    rooftop pool

Before you book

Almost all of these are for hotel guests or club members, so check access before you plan a swim; some sell limited day passes in summer. The outdoor pools open seasonally, roughly May to September, while the Shard’s is indoor and year-round. Book well ahead in a heatwave, when they fill instantly.

Common questions

What are the top picks in this guide?

The Berkeley Rooftop Pool is our editor's choice: A Capri-inspired rooftop pool with Hyde Park views, lemon trees and a beach-club vibe at the Knightsbridge hotel. The Berkeley Rooftop Pool, art'otel London Battersea and Shoreditch House lead the guide, with 5 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/.