Brockwell Lido in South London has been crowned Britain's best lido, according to new research commissioned by the AA as part of its 'Lido League.' The Art Deco pool in Brockwell Park scored 72.58 out of 100, based on factors including monthly Google searches, average Google rating, adult entry cost, and average July sunshine hours.
Top spot for London's Art Deco gem
Built in 1937, the Grade II listed Brockwell Lido features a 50-metre unheated pool, ideal for heatwaves. It offers lane swimming for serious swimmers and an open area for casual dips. A 50-minute slot costs £9.50, and the lido is open year-round, seven days a week. With an average of 49,500 Google searches per month and 15,300 TikTok tags, it's hugely popular. Free parking and six hours of daily sunshine in July contributed to its top score.
Pizza chain 400 Rabbits operates a takeaway window by the pool, serving pizza and iced coffee for post-swim refreshment. Visitors are advised to arrive early during hot spells to secure a spot.
Top 20 lidos across the UK
The AA's Lido League identified 20 prime outdoor swimming locations. Stoney Cove in Leicestershire came second with a score of 67.18, offering a 1,000-metre perimeter course in clean water for competent swimmers. Tooting Bec Lido (65.55) and London Fields Lido (64.77) took third and fourth, both in London. Clevedon Marine Lake in Somerset placed fifth with a score of 64.61, offering paddleboarding and kayaking alongside swimming.
Other notable entries include Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall (63.59), Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester (62.70), and Dancing Ledge in Dorset (59.81). The list also features pools in Jersey, Guernsey, Wales, and several English counties.
Swimming etiquette and hygiene
The article also highlights poor swimming habits, such as using spin dryers as a substitute for washing swimsuits, which can spread germs. Swimmers are reminded to properly clean their costumes between uses to maintain hygiene.
