LONDON AQUA
Willes Swimming Pool, Kentish Town Sports Centre, Prince Of Wales Road, NW5 +44 20 7267 9341
Indoor pools don’t get much nicer than this. The lovingly restored swimming pool in the newly refurbished Kentish Town Sports Centre is a swimmer’s dream; heated and spacious, with first class facilities to accompany it, including individual changing rooms with private showers.
Brockwell Park Lido, Brockwell Park, Dulwich Rd, SE24 +44 845 130 8998
The nickname ‘Brixton Beach’ might not exactly exude feelings of summer and sunshine, but this is one of London’s most popular outdoor swimming pools. The lido features a gym with views over the park, a sauna and steamroom, yoga studios, and an art deco cafe.
Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Rd, SW16 +44 20 8871 7198
The largest open aired freshwater pool in England. At 90m long, you’d think there would be ample room in the summer, but it still gets very crowded. It also has a children’s paddling pool, cafe, and gazebo area for those in need of some shade.
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, W2 +44 20 7706 3422
A section of Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, this inner city lido has waterside tables, sun loungers, and a children’s paddling pool, making it a perfect place to hang out in the summer. The members of the Serpentine Swimming Club treat it a little more seriously though, using it to swim all year round, which means sometimes breaking the ice when the lake freezes over.
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds, Hampstead Heath, NW5 +44 20 7485 4491
One of London’s few natural outdoor swimming spots. Among the heath’s many ponds, three of them are allocated for swimming. There is the Mens’ Pond, the Ladies’ Pond, and the mixed pond, the latter of which can become extremely crowded during the summer.
Parliament Hill Lido, Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road, NW5 +44 20 7485 3873
Also known as ‘Hampstead Heath Lido’, this swimming pool is located at the elevated position of Parliament Hill, meaning there are sweeping views of the city just beyond its walls. The pool has recently had nearly 3 million pounds spent on it, which included a stainless steel lining to retain heat. A popular pool for both casual and serious swimmers.
Marshall Street Baths, Marshall Street Leisure Centre, 15 Marshall Street, Soho, London W1F +44 20 7871 7222
The historic swimming pool in Soho has reopened after twelve years of closure due to safety concerns. After an 11 million pound refurbishment, the final result is this marble lined art deco pool with original features including the ceiling.
Rooftop Pool, Shoreditch House, Ebor Street, E1 +44 20 7739 5040
If you’re lucky enough to be a member, or know someone who is a member at Shoreditch House, then you had better be utilizing this swimming pool. The heated 16 metre pool is open all year round, with pool-side bar and food service. Surrounding it are equally as impressive spaces, with the rooftop bar, kitchen and lounge on one side, and the garden and lazy lawn on the other.
London Fields Lido, London Fields Westside, E8 +44 20 7254 9038
After 32 years of closure, Hackney Council reopened this 1932 pool in 2006. The olympic sized pool has 25 degree heated water, making it suitable for swimming all year round.
Stoke Newington West Reservoir, Greens Lanes, N4 +44 20 8442 8116
This reservoir is not so much used for swimming, but for recreational water sports. The West Reservoir Sports Centre teaches adults and children how to sail and kayak. There is also a waterfront cafe.
Oasis Sports Centre, 32 Endell St, Covent Garden WC2 +44 20 7831 1804
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, this heated outdoor pool allows you to have a swim over lunchtime if you’re working in the city. There’s also a full gym with an indoor pool if the day is too cold to brave swimming outside.
