Best Swimming Pools, Lidos and Hotel Pools in London
Whether you're searching for historic London lidos, Olympic-sized swimming pools, wild swimming spots or luxury hotel pools with spa facilities, London offers some of the best places to swim in the UK. From iconic outdoor pools that have become summer institutions to five-star hotel spas overlooking Hyde Park, these are the best swimming pools in London for every type of swimmer.
Planning a day by the pool? Explore our guides to the best men's swimwear brands and the best luxury swimwear brands for women before making a splash this summer.
Best Outdoor Swimming Pools and Lidos in London
Nothing says summer in London quite like a lido. From historic outdoor pools to heated swimming spots open year-round, these are the city's most iconic places for open-air swimming.
Brockwell Lido
A South London favourite since 1937, Brockwell Lido is the place to be. With its 50-metre pool and vintage vibes, it’s perfect for those looking to swim in style and snap some epic photos. Surrounded by Brockwell Park’s greenery, the lido also hosts a variety of events, including outdoor yoga classes and community gatherings, making it a vibrant social hub.
Address: Brockwell Park, Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA
Pricing: £7 for adults, £4.50 for children
Parliament Hill Lido
Check out this 60-metre pool on Hampstead Heath, lined with shiny stainless steel. It’s a modern twist on a classic lido, perfect for a cool and refreshing swim. The unheated waters offer a bracing swim experience, and the lido’s setting on Hampstead Heath provides a stunning natural backdrop.
Address: Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Rd, London NW5 1LT
Pricing: £7 for adults, £4.50 for children
London Fields Lido
Hackney’s hotspot, London Fields Lido, offers a 50-metre heated pool. It’s open year-round, making it a favourite for serious swimmers and those just wanting to enjoy the vibrant community vibes. The lido is part of the larger London Fields park, providing a perfect spot for picnics, outdoor sports, and socializing after a swim.
Address: London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU
Pricing: £5.25 for adults, £3.15 for children
Charlton Lido And Lifestyle Club
Greenwich’s gem, Charlton Lido, features a 50-metre heated outdoor pool. Combine your swim with a visit to their lifestyle club for the ultimate fitness experience. The club offers a wide range of fitness classes, a modern gym, and relaxation facilities, making it a comprehensive health and wellness destination.
Address: Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Rd, London SE18 4LX
Pricing: £6.10 for adults, £4.10 for children
The Serpentine Lido
Swim in the iconic Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park. Open from June to September, this lido lets you soak up the sun and enjoy a dip in natural waters right in the heart of the city. The lido includes a swimming area and a paddling pool for children, along with sunbathing spots and a café, making it a perfect summer destination.
Address: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Pricing: £4.80 for adults, £1.80 for children
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
Go wild at Hampstead Heath with its natural swimming ponds. Whether you’re a fan of wild swimming or just want a dip in nature, these ponds are the perfect urban escape. The ponds, which include separate areas for men, women, and mixed bathing, are surrounded by beautiful heathland, offering a refreshing and invigorating swim in a natural setting.
Address: Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR
Pricing: £4 for adults, £2.40 for children
Best Indoor Swimming Pools in London
For year-round swimming, London's indoor pools offer everything from Olympic-sized lanes to beautifully restored historic spaces.
The London Aquatics Centre
Remember the 2012 Olympics? Now you can swim like a champ in the same pool! This sleek spot in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is not just for pros. With two 50-metre pools and a diving pool, it’s perfect for anyone looking to make a splash in style. The centre offers a wide range of facilities including swimming lessons, fitness classes, and a fully equipped gym, making it a top destination for both serious athletes and casual swimmers.
Address: Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 2ZQ
Pricing: £5.25 for adults, £2.95 for children
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
This place has been a training ground for athletes since the '60s, and it still rocks. Dive into the 50-metre Olympic-sized pool and feel like an Olympian. It’s a must for serious swimmers and those who just want to say they’ve swum with the best. The centre also offers a variety of sports facilities, including athletics tracks, football pitches, and fitness studios, ensuring a comprehensive fitness experience.
Address: Ledrington Rd, London SE19 2BB
Pricing: £5.50 for adults, £3.30 for children
Marshall Street Leisure Centre
Hidden in Soho, this pool is a blend of old-school charm and modern vibes. With its marble floors and stunning ceiling, it's like swimming in a palace. Perfect for those who want a bit of history with their swim. The leisure centre also features a state-of-the-art gym, sauna, and steam room, making it a luxurious spot for both exercise and relaxation.
Address: 15 Marshall St, London W1F 7EL
Pricing: £7.15 for adults, £3.75 for children
Kensington Leisure Centre
This state-of-the-art centre in Kensington has a 25-metre pool that’s perfect for a serious swim or a fun splash. It’s got everything you need for a fantastic swim day. The centre also offers a range of fitness classes, a well-equipped gym, and a sauna and steam room, ensuring a complete fitness and relaxation experience.
Address: Silchester Rd, London W10 6EX
Pricing: £6.50 for adults, £4.25 for children
The Castle Centre
Located in Elephant and Castle, this centre offers a modern pool within a historic building. It's perfect for those who love a mix of old and new, plus it’s got all the fitness gear you need to keep in shape. The centre features a 25-metre main pool, a smaller teaching pool, and a comprehensive gym with the latest equipment, making it an ideal spot for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
Address: 2 St Gabriel Walk, London SE1 6FG
Pricing: £6.50 for adults, £4.25 for children
Repton Park
Escape the city hustle at Repton Park. This 25-metre pool, set in a lush Victorian estate, feels like a secret garden. It’s the ultimate spot for a peaceful, refreshing swim. The private leisure centre offers exclusive membership options, providing access to not just the pool but also a fully equipped gym, spa facilities, and beautiful grounds perfect for a tranquil retreat.
Address: Repton Park, Manor Rd, Woodford, London IG8 8GN
Pricing: Membership required, prices vary
Oasis Sports Centre
In the heart of Covent Garden, this centre has both indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool is heated all year round, making it a great spot for a swim under the sky, no matter the season. The centre also features a gym, exercise studios, and a sauna, providing a well-rounded fitness and wellness experience in a vibrant urban location.
Address: 32 Endell St, London WC2H 9AG
Pricing: £7.15 for adults, £4.65 for children
Best Luxury Hotel Pools in London
For travellers and staycation seekers, London's luxury hotels are home to some of the most beautiful swimming pools in the capital. These hotel pools combine wellness facilities, spa experiences and elegant interiors with some of the city's best addresses.
If you're looking for a longer wellness-focused escape, many of these properties share the same philosophy as the luxury spa hotels in the UK redefining the modern staycation.
The Peninsula London
One of London's most prestigious new hotels, The Peninsula London offers an elegant indoor swimming pool within its expansive spa and wellness centre. Located in Belgravia near Hyde Park, the serene space provides a peaceful escape from the city, complemented by luxury treatment rooms, fitness facilities and impeccable service.
For those planning a luxury London staycation, The Peninsula London remains one of the capital's most impressive addresses, combining world-class wellness facilities with one of the city's most elegant indoor pools.
Address: 1 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HJ
Pricing: Access included with room booking or selected spa experiences
Corinthia Hotel London
Swim like royalty in the Corinthia’s opulent indoor pool. Surrounded by Italian marble and luxe decor, it’s an Instagram-worthy spot for a relaxing and luxurious swim. The hotel’s ESPA Life spa offers a range of treatments and wellness facilities, making it a premier destination for indulgence and relaxation.
The growing focus on wellness-led hospitality mirrors a wider trend explored in our feature on the luxury wellness retreats redefining world travel.
Address: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
Pricing: Access included with spa treatment or room booking
Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park
This spa pool is the epitome of luxury. The elegant 17-metre pool offers a tranquil escape with top-notch service, making every swim feel special. The hotel’s extensive spa facilities, including thermal suites and relaxation lounges, provide a comprehensive wellness experience in a luxurious setting.
Address: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Pricing: Access included with spa treatment or room booking
Shangri-La at The Shard
Swim high above the city in the Shangri-La’s infinity pool on the 52nd floor. With jaw-dropping views of the London skyline, this pool takes luxury swimming to new heights. The hotel’s luxurious rooms and world-class dining options make it an exceptional choice for a lavish stay in London.
After your swim, continue the experience with a visit to one of the best rooftop bars in London, many of which offer similarly spectacular views across the city skyline.
Address: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
Pricing: Access included with room booking
Haymarket Hotel
In the bustling West End, the Haymarket Hotel’s pool is a stunner. With a colourful light installation and chic surroundings, it’s the ultimate cool spot for a stylish swim. The hotel’s unique design and central location make it a perfect choice for those looking to combine luxury and convenience.
Address: 1 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX
Pricing: Access included with room booking
The Landmark London
Dive into elegance at The Landmark’s indoor pool. Set in a serene spa environment, this 15-metre pool is perfect for a peaceful and pampered swim session. The hotel’s opulent interiors and top-notch service provide a luxurious escape in the heart of the city.
Address: 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ
Pricing: Access included with spa treatment or room booking
Shoreditch House
This private members' club has a rooftop pool with unbeatable views of East London. It’s the go-to spot for a trendy swim and a great place to chill with friends. The club offers a range of exclusive amenities, including a spa, gym, and various dining options, making it a vibrant social and leisure hub.
Shoreditch House remains one of the city's most sought-after private members' clubs in London, combining a rooftop pool, restaurants, workspaces and wellness facilities under one membership.
Address: Ebor St, London E1 6AW
Pricing: Membership required, prices vary
Best Swimming Pools in London for a Luxury Staycation
If you're planning a spa weekend or luxury city break, these hotels offer some of the best swimming pools in London alongside exceptional dining, wellness facilities and luxury accommodation.
The Peninsula London
Corinthia London
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Shangri-La The Shard
Best Swimming Pools in London for Fitness and Training
For serious swimmers, these facilities offer Olympic-sized pools, lane swimming and world-class sporting facilities.
London Aquatics Centre
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
Charlton Lido
London Fields Lido
Frequently Asked Questions
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Some of the best outdoor swimming pools in London include Brockwell Lido, London Fields Lido, Charlton Lido, Parliament Hill Lido and The Serpentine Lido. These pools offer everything from heated outdoor swimming to historic lido experiences.
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Many of London's luxury hotels feature swimming pools, including The Peninsula London, Corinthia London, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Shangri-La The Shard, Haymarket Hotel and The Landmark London.
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The swimming pool at Shangri-La The Shard is one of London's most spectacular thanks to its panoramic city views, while Corinthia London and The Peninsula London offer some of the capital's finest spa experiences.
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Yes. London Fields Lido and Charlton Lido are both heated outdoor pools that remain popular throughout the year.
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The Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds and The Serpentine are among the most famous places for wild swimming in London.
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The London Aquatics Centre and Crystal Palace National Sports Centre both feature Olympic-sized facilities and are among the largest swimming venues in London.
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Many luxury hotel pools can be accessed through spa memberships, day passes or spa treatment bookings, although policies vary between hotels.
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The infinity pool at Shangri-La The Shard offers some of the best views in London, overlooking landmarks including Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the River Thames.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're searching for a heated outdoor pool, a luxury hotel spa or an Olympic-sized swimming facility, London offers an impressive variety of swimming destinations. From the historic waters of Hampstead Heath and Brockwell Lido to the luxury pools found inside some of the city's finest hotels, there has never been a better time to dive into London's swimming scene.