London has many options for swimming or being on the water. Relax outdoors in London on a lake in a rowing boat or pedalo, or take a refreshing dip in one of the city's outdoor swimming pools or London lidos, some of which are heated for cooler days.
Boating in London
1. The Serpentine in Hyde Park
Navigate around on a pedalo or paddle a rowing boat on the Serpentine in Hyde Park. This vast body of water covers a large part of the park and is the focal point for many activities. Year-round; shorter hours in winter
2. Regent's Park
Hire a boat in London’s glorious Regent's Park, which boasts a boating lake that’s home to many species of water birds, including herons nesting on the islands. Regent's Park also has a separate Children's Boating Pond for little ones to enjoy. April to October; Children's Boating Pond from late July to October
3. Alexandra Palace boating lake

4. Battersea Park
Take out a rowing boat or a pedalo and spend a leisurely few hours on the boating lake at Battersea Park. Keep an eye out for herons, grebes and cormorants along the way. School holidays, public holidays and weekends between Easter and late September
5. Skuna Boats

Cruise along London's Docklands in style with Skuna Boats. This company has a fleet of hot tub and barbecue boats, a fun way to experience the Docklands' waterways with a drink in hand. Year-round
6. GoBoat London
Charter your own electric picnic boat with GoBoat London. Motor along Regent's Canal between Paddington Basin and Camden Lock, through the Docklands near Canary Wharf and even on the Thames from Kingston. Hampton Court Palace makes for an impressive sight along the way. April to November; Paddington location also open weekends in March
London's outdoor swimming pools and lidos
7. Parliament Hill Lido
Head to Hampstead Heath and visit the historic Grade II-listed Parliament Hill Lido. Get into the water at this 60-metre (200ft) open-air pool. The pool is not heated, but facilities include a sauna and warm showers. Year-round
8. Brockwell Lido
Marvel at the art-deco features of Brockwell Lido, including its clock and Grade II-listed pavilion buildings. This south London outdoor pool opened in 1937 and boasts a sunbathing area, cafe, sauna and gym in a quiet corner of Brockwell Park. Year-round
9. Tooting Bec Lido

Make a splash at Tooting Bec Lido, the oldest purpose-built open-air pool in London. At 90m (295ft) in length, this pool in Tooting is among the largest of its kind in Europe. Bring kids to the children's paddling zone or relax in the cafe. April to September
10. Charlton Lido
Head to south-east London for the 50-metre-long (164ft) Charlton Lido. Part of a large complex that also includes a gym and fitness studio, this Olympic-sized outdoor pool is heated to 25C (77F), making winter swims a treat. Year-round
11. London Fields Lido
Enjoy a toasty swim at London Fields Lido, an outdoor pool maintained at a comfortable 25C (77F). This 50m (164ft) heated outdoor lido in London opened in 1932. Sunbathe on the terrace and grab a snack at the cafe after a swim. Year-round
12. Oasis Sports Centre
Take on a few lengths in the 27.5-metre-long (90ft) pool at Oasis Sports Centre, the only public heated outdoor swimming pool in central London. Surrounded by a sunbathing deck and patio, this tranquil haven hidden in Covent Garden also has a sauna and smaller indoor pool. Year-round
13. Hampton Pool
Relax at Hampton Pool, set in woodlands on the outskirts of Bushy Park. This 36-metre-long (118ft) tiled pool is warmed to 28C (82F), and its 12.5m-long (41ft) shallow pool is one of the best swimming pools in London for learner swimmers. Soak up the sun on a grassy area next to the pool between swims. Year-round
Wild swimming in London
14. Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds

Go for a swim in the three wildly beautiful bathing ponds at Hampstead Heath. Picturesque greenery surrounds the Kenwood Ladies' Pond, the Highgate Men's Pond and the Hampstead Mixed Pond, and ducks often float in the water with swimmers. These natural ponds are deep and remain quite cold all year. Year-round; Mixed Pond late March to October
15. West Reservoir
16. Beckenham Place Park

While you're out and about, visit one of London's best parks, sunny beer gardens or picnic spots.