Swimming and Boating in London

Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill Fields

There are three freshwater bathing pools on Hampstead Heath. These beautiful ponds attract thousands each summer, and even a few brave swimmers throughout winter!

There is one pond for mixed bathing and separate ponds for male and female swimmers. Swimmers must be aged eight and over and may be required to take a short swimming test to prove their competence.

For younger swimmers or those who don't feel confident enough to tackle the ponds, there is also a lido and paddling pool on nearby Parliament Hill Fields.

Hyde Park

The Serpentine Lake covers a large part of Hyde Park, and is the focal point for many of the park's activities. Hire a pedalo or rowing boat to relax on the water or have a dip in the lido and paddling pool, open from June to September each year.

The lake also has its own swimming club. Members meet to swim in the lake every morning and take part in races at 8am every Saturday, whatever the weather. The highlight of the club's calendar is the legendary Peter Pan Cup on 25 December. Swimmers have been competing in this traditional Christmas dip since 1864!

Regent's Park

The glorious Regent's Park boasts a large boating lake, with a smaller one for children. You can see many species of water birds on the lake, including herons nesting on the islands.

Perhaps one of London's best known open-air pools is the Tooting Bec Lido. It played a starring role in Guy Ritchie's movie, Snatch, and is the oldest purpose-built open-air pool in London, and one of the largest in Europe.

The lido is open to the public from the end of May until the end of August, with club swimming all year round. There is a grass area for sunbathers plus a paddling area with squirting model animals for children.

Brockwell Park

Known to the locals as Brixton's Beach, Brockwell Lido has a sunbathing area, refreshment bar and changing facilities. The future of the lido had seemed uncertain but - happily - it reopened on 19 June 2006.

The Lido first opened in 1937 and retains many of its original features, including an impressive square clock, art deco lettering and Grade II-listed pavilion buildings.

Hornfair Park

This pretty, landscaped park in South East London is home to Charlton Lido, a fantastic 50m pool with a separate splash pool and large sunbathing deck. It opens from June to early September.