Five outdoor swims in central London

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds 

If you’re looking for a truly natural swim, and don’t mind your water too chilly, Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds are open year-round. Originally clay pit dams, the ponds have been used for swimming for more than a century. There are three ponds; a men’s, ladies’ and mixed pond. Be warned, the ponds do get busy at weekends, and there’s limited room for lounging close-by.  

Find out more – Click here

Oasis Sports Centre 

For a warmer dip, check out the 27.5m outdoor pool at the Oasis Sport Centre, Endell Street, Covent Garden. This heated pool has a sun terrace, café, family area and adjacent indoor pool – and it’s right in the middle of the West End. The pool does get busy during hot summer weekends so don’t expect to notch up too many lanes, but it’s great for a cooling dip in a heatwave. Open all year round. 

Find out more – Click here

Serpentine Lido 

Take in the beautiful surroundings of Hyde Park with a summer swim in its lake, the Serpentine. There’s a lido café with waterside tables, a children’s play area and paddling pool, a sun deck and 30m x 100m swimming area. The lido is open daily in June, July and August and on weekends and bank holidays in May – just watch out for the swans!  

Find out more – Click here

Parliament Hill Lido  

Visit Parliament Hill for a lido with a view right across London.  This Grade II listed lido has a 60 x 28m unheated pool. There’s a paddling pool for the under 5s and a café. The nearest station is Gospel Oak. 

Find out more – Click here

London Fields Lido 

This recently refurbed Hackney lido is heated and open all year round. There’s a 50m pool, café and large sundeck (picnicking isn’t allowed). During busy periods it has morning and afternoon sessions to give more people the chance of a dip – and you can book online to avoid the queues. Trendy Broadway Market is close by for a post-swim snack.