When the sun is out and the sweltering heat of summer is here, grab a cool beverage, pack your beach towel and sunscreen, and don your most stylish pair of shades. It’s time to go open water swimming in London!
Now that you are ready to dive headfirst into some cool, refreshing water, read about the best wild swimming spots in London and surrounding districts.
Looking for an outdoor swim in London in 2026? Choose a managed lake, designated bathing pond or lido and check the operator’s live timetable before travelling. Seasonal venues can close for weather, water quality or maintenance. Swimming in rivers, park lakes or the Royal Docks outside authorised sessions is unsafe and may be prohibited.
Beckenham Place Park Lake
The surrounding park is 96 hectares, complete with a garden, cafe, and other outdoor facilities, making it suitable for a whole day of family fun! We encourage you to book through their website before visiting.
Lewisham’s purpose-built swimming lake offers managed open-water sessions in Beckenham Place Park. Availability, age rules and booking arrangements vary by season, so check Lewisham Council’s lake information before setting off.
Hampstead Heath bathing ponds and Parliament Hill Lido
Hampstead Heath has the Kenwood Ladies’, Highgate Men’s and Mixed Bathing Ponds, as well as Parliament Hill Lido. The City of London publishes current pond and lido information. Some sessions require advance booking and the Mixed Pond runs seasonally; check the individual venue’s rules, timetable and eligibility.
The Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
The designated public swimming area is the Serpentine Lido. The Royal Parks says public swimming usually runs on weekends from mid-May and daily from June to mid-September; the Lido is closed for winter as of late September 2026. Check the current season, booking and water-quality updates before a visit. Do not swim elsewhere in the lake.
London Fields Lido
The London Fields Lido is a 50m open-air pool complete with a cafe. This facility offers heated swimming in the winter for year-round enjoyment. They also provide a variety of lessons for children and adults and public swimming sessions.
If you prefer a heated outdoor pool, London Fields Lido is a useful year-round option. Check the operator’s live timetable for public-swim slots, prices and any maintenance closures.
Royal Docks supervised swimming
The Royal Docks are working waters and are not open for general swimming. Join only an authorised, supervised session with a licensed operator. The Royal Docks’ 2026 safety advice explains why open entry to the water is not permitted.
Tooting Bec Lido
Measuring 91.4 metres, Tooting Bec Lido is one of the biggest outdoor lidos (open-air pools) in London. It is popular, so make sure you visit their website to book a slot before you arrive.
Tooting Bec Lido is located in an excellent spot for those keen to explore London. If you are looking for a place to stay around the Lido or in South London, peruse our suggestions.
The public swimming season runs from 1 May to 30 September. Check the operator’s current sessions and booking information; do not assume public access is available in winter.
Location: Tooting Bec Rd, London SW16 1RU, United Kingdom
West Reservoir Centre
This wild swimming location is for confident swimmers; newcomers to open water can start under supervision. They provide a cafe for those who need a bite to eat or drink.
Book your session in advance. A tow float and a bright swimming cap are required. The swimming course and session length depend on the water temperature and conditions, especially in winter.
Location: Green Lanes, Hackney, London N4 2HA
More information: West Reservoir Centre
Planning your swim
Bring suitable swimwear, check age and supervision rules and follow the venue’s safety instructions. Check the operator’s current fees and opening hours before travelling. For more time in the city, see our five-day itinerary, where to stay guide and London attractions.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.