With the bank holiday weekend set to be a scorcher as temperatures creep into the 30s, all thoughts turn to staying cool. Unfortunately, Britain still lacks the infrastructure of hotter climates. Luckily for city dwellers, there are ways to beat the heat, and one of the most popular methods is heading to the nearest water source for a swim.
London has a surprising number of options, from lidos and lakes to sports centres and private pools. Many become easier to enjoy in summer with longer opening times and more activities for kids on school holidays. Many are also adapted to be accessible, with ramps, poolside hoists, poolpods and changing rooms accommodating all. Those on a budget can find places to swim for free or at a lower cost.
Lidos
London’s lidos offer a sought-after opportunity to cool off amid harsh summer heat. London Fields Lido in Hackney has a 50m Olympic-size heated outdoor pool. The large sundeck and sunbathing area are popular when temperatures climb, and the Hoxton Beach Cafe offers falafel salads and cakes.
Brockwell Park’s lido in Herne Hill also has a 50m outdoor pool next to an Art Deco listed building with health and fitness facilities. South London chain Four Hundred Rabbits serves sourdough pizza and craft beers poolside.
For cold water therapy, head to Parliament Hill’s unheated lido, with a sauna nearby. Tooting Bec Lido, the UK’s largest freshwater outdoor pool, is ideal for active swimmers. Charlton’s heated outdoor lido in Greenwich has a summer sun terrace, while its indoor pool offers kids’ activities.
If inner-city lidos don’t quench your thirst to escape the concrete jungle, try swimming closer to nature. The Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds include three natural bathing ponds: one for women, one for men, and one for all genders. Head to the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, London’s largest lake, open daily in summer. Summer Splash transforms Royal Victoria Dock into a unique lido from 1 to 21 August, with a faux sandy beach and deckchairs.
Leisure and sports centres
Leisure centre pools suit those who prefer indoor swimming or a wider range of activities. At Finchley Lido Leisure Centre in Barnet, kids enjoy the leisure pool with wave machines and water cannons.
For a state-of-the-art experience, head to the London Aquatics Centre in Stratford, where athletes won medals during the 2012 Olympics. Lane swimmers will love the 50m competition pool, while kids can learn in the training pool. The diving pool has platforms from one to 10m high.
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre provides a 25m training pool and a smaller teaching pool. The modern Britannia Leisure Centre in Hackney adds luxury to indoor pool sessions. Leyton Leisure Centre is great for kids, with a fast water flume and aqua play area.
Hotel pools
London’s hotels boast some of the best spas, with reposeful pools and rooftop splashabouts. Many offer day passes. The Corinthia’s vitality pool is in its Biome spa, with sauna and steam room. The Sky Pool at Shangri-La The Shard, 182m high, is the highest pool in Western Europe. The Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair has a 25m pool with starry ceiling lights. The Dorchester’s heated pool includes a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool.
Spas
Not all spas are in hotels. The Art Deco Porchester Spa near Paddington has saunas, Turkish hot rooms, and small, large, and cold plunge pools. Aire Ancient Baths London near Embankment offers thermal baths at different temperatures, including a saltwater pool.
Private clubs
Private club memberships offer exclusive pool access. Soho House’s rooftop pools in Temple, White City House, and Shoreditch House are popular. Ten Trinity Square at the Four Seasons has a glass mosaic-tiled pool and heated vitality pool. The 45th and 7th London members’ club on top of the Virgin London-Shoreditch hotel has an intimate rooftop pool. Ned’s Club at The Ned offers a rooftop pool and indoor 20m pool.
This piece was first published in June 2025 and has been revised and updated.
