Summer has arrived in the UK a few weeks early, with London set to be hotter than Athens over the Bank Holiday weekend. A prolonged heatwave will push temperatures well into the 30s Celsius, and Bank Holiday Monday could record the hottest May day ever, with highs of 34°C in parts of the capital. So where can Londoners go to cool off? While the city lacks a coastline, it boasts numerous parks, beer gardens, and an array of lakes, lidos, and swimming pools. Here are the best London lidos and pools to enjoy this weekend.
Tooting Bec Lido
Following a £4 million renovation, Tooting Bec Lido has reopened to the public for the summer. As the UK's largest freshwater swimming pool at 90 metres long, it can accommodate up to 1,300 visitors. The lido offers two daily sessions along with special swim times to launch the season. Upgrades include a new pumphouse and UV filtration system for clean water, plus modernised changing rooms and refreshed landscaping. Adult tickets cost £9.40, while children's tickets are £5.20.
Hampstead Ponds
For wild swimming without leaving the city, head to Hampstead Heath. The ponds are divided into mixed, men's, and women's areas, and they attract a devoted following. By July, they will be bustling with crowds, and you might even spot a celebrity—Harry Styles, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Woody Harrelson have all been known to swim there. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for concessions for a 60-minute session, with season tickets available at £83 for six months or £157 for a year.
Brockwell Lido
Located in Brixton's Brockwell Park, this lido is a sun trap on warm days and open seven days a week. The 50-metre Olympic-sized pool sits next to an art deco building with a café. Lane swims cost £8 for up to 50 minutes and must be booked in advance.
Charlton Lido
Another South London gem, this Olympic-sized heated pool features a summer sun terrace, coffee bar, and outdoor gym equipment. You might spot local parakeets flying overhead while you swim. Adult sessions cost £11.50, with concessions from £5.50.
Parliament Hill Lido
Opened in the 1930s, this unheated outdoor pool is open 365 days a year. The water may be cold, but there is a sauna on site. Near Gospel Oak station, it is ideal for those not ready for the ponds. Sessions start at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, with no booking required—though queues are likely.
Hackney West Reservoir
At Green Lanes in Stoke Newington, you can enjoy open-water swimming or try kayaking. The water is cold, but the setting is beautiful. After swimming, warm up with coffee at the waterside café. Open-water swimming is available from 7am to 6pm, with 30-minute sessions costing £13.15.
Beckenham Place Park
Lewisham's largest green space offers wild swimming with lifeguards on duty, plus kayak and paddleboard hire at certain times. One-hour sessions cost £7.40 for non-residents and £4.30 for Lewisham locals.
Serpentine Lido
This iconic open-water swimming location in Hyde Park allows you to swim surrounded by nature, then dry off at the Lido Cafe Bar. Waterside tables are available for non-swimmers. A full day costs just £7.50. The lido reopens for the weekend on May 17 and fully from May 24.
Hillingdon Lido
Perfect for families, this Grade II-listed 1930s 50-metre pool features art deco charm, fountains, and a new heated shallow splash pool for children. Nearby Ruislip Lido offers a sandy beach and lake, though swimming is not permitted there. Tickets cost £11 for non-residents.
Finchley Lido Leisure Centre
An indoor complex with slides, a wave machine, and jets, plus a cinema and bowling alley. Outside, there is a 25-metre summer pool. Swimming costs £8.30, making it a great option if the weather turns.
