With the city currently sizzling in yet another heatwave, plenty of Londoners will be hoping to take a dip in one of the city’s many lidos. However, it’s important to avoid disappointment by checking if there are slots available in advance and booking ahead.
Indoor pools serve their purpose throughout the year, but there’s something utterly irresistible about a lido during a sweltering summer’s day. It feels like a miniature getaway – lounging in the sun and swimming beneath the open heavens.
We’ve gathered all the essential information on where to discover the finest locations for a cooling plunge, whether you’re a resident or simply passing through – and at the time of writing (Friday, July 11) every lido listed still has weekend slots available.
Charlton Lido (heated pool) – 4.4 stars
Availability: Slots all day Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13
Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club boasts a heated pool, not that any heating will be necessary in the current climate. Situated in Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Rd, London SE18 4LX, it enjoys a robust 4.4 stars from 832 Google reviews.
An enthusiast of the lido shared: “Love this lido so much! ! ! ! On a summers day it is just blissful. Does not feel like you are in a big city at all. It does get busy though but the lanes are wide and long. A pleasure!” For non-members, a dip is reasonably priced at £11.50.
Hampton Pool (heated pool) – 4.4 stars
Availability: Slots all day Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13
In the green suburb of Hampton, Hampton Pool offers a soothing escape with its toasty waters maintained at a comfortable 28 degrees. With an impressive 4.4-star rating from 788 Google reviews, one guest raved: “It’s a nice place for a hot day. Good price for entrance and very safe place with life guards all the time everywhere and all very professional. Clean and central. Will always recommend for a hot and sunny day. Also you have a bar cafe with food and drinks available all day.”
Adult swimming sessions begin at £9.50.
Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake – 4.3 stars
Availability: Only 8am Saturday, July 12 and 8am and 6:30pm Sunday, July 13
Those drawn to natural swimming spots will find the specially constructed Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake ideal. Located on the Capital Ring in Beckenham, it boasts a 4.3-star rating from 262 Google reviews.
Swimmers praise it, saying: “Really nice lake for swimming. Decent size for a proper swim. Lovely vibe sitting lakeside before and after.” Lewisham residents can swim here for £6.80, while non-residents are charged £7.40.
Brockwell Lido – 4.1 stars
Availability: Limited availability only at 6:30am Saturday, July 12
Nestled within the charming Brockwell Park on Dulwich Road, Brockwell Lido stands as a true treasure. Earning a 4.1-star rating from 1,145 Google reviews, one swimmer wrote: “Awesome! Gorgeous pool, spacious and never overcrowded in the beautiful setting of Brockwell Park. Great way to spend a sunny day. The pizzeria cafe is excellent too. Highly recommend!” Take the plunge here for £9.50.
Oasis Sports Centre (heated pool) – 4.0 stars
Availability: Limited afternoon space Saturday, July 12. Limited space throughout day Sunday, July 13
Oasis Sports Centre is the only outdoor heated pool tucked away in Central London, located at 32 Endell St, London WC2H 9AG. Garnering a solid 4.0-star rating from 799 reviews, swimmers are particularly fond of the year-round heated outdoor pool and the polite staff.
One reviewer expressed: “My favourite pool in central London. I love the heated outdoor pool all year round, and there are lots of regulars here. Staff are friendly too.” Entry for non-members is priced at £8.10.
Hillingdon Lido (heated pool) – 3.8 stars
Availaibility: Limited availability all day Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July
Another spot to enjoy a heated dip is Hillingdon Lido, nestled at Gatting Way, Uxbridge UB8 1ES. With a respectable 3.8-star rating from 180 Google reviews, visitors appreciate the comfortably warm water temperature maintained throughout the year.
A user remarked: “Used to be a bit of an icebox but now heated to a comfortable 23 year round. Great place for a swim, and reasonably priced (considering the cost of heating).” Adult entry kicks off at £6.20.
Finchley Lido Leisure Centre – 3.6 stars
Availability: Good availability all day Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July
Rounding off the list is Finchley Lido Leisure Centre, situated in the Great North Leisure Park, Chaplin Square, London N12 0GL. It has earned 3.6 stars from 897 Google reviews, with customers enjoying the main and leisure pools, the latter being a hit with children.
Sharing their thoughts, one reviewer said: “I use the pool only. They have a main pool and a leisure pool, I guess mostly for children. Nice place for taking the kids to swim.” Non-member swimmers can take a plunge for £8.30.
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