A rare red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued across parts of the UK, including London, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 40°C on Wednesday. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued red heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, and South West, warning of a risk to life even for the healthy population.
Tooting Bec Lido: UK's largest freshwater pool reopens after £4m revamp
After a £4 million refurbishment, Tooting Bec Lido has reopened to the public this summer. At 90 metres long, it is the UK's largest freshwater swimming pool, capable of accommodating 1,300 swimmers. The lido operates two sessions per day, along with special swim times. Upgrades include a new pumphouse and UV filtration system to ensure water cleanliness, modernised changing rooms, and refreshed landscaping around the water. Admission costs £9.40 for adults and £5.20 for children.
Hampstead Ponds: Wild swimming in the heart of London
For those seeking a wild swimming experience without leaving the city, Hampstead Heath offers three pond areas: mixed, men's, and women's. The ponds attract a cult following and are expected to be busy in July. Celebrities such as Harry Styles, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Woody Harrelson have been spotted swimming there. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for concessions for a 60-minute session. Season tickets are available at £83 for six months or £157 for a year.
Brockwell Lido: Art deco charm in Brixton
Located in Brockwell Park, Brixton, this 50-metre Olympic-sized pool is a popular sun trap. The lido features an art deco building and a café. Lane swims cost £8 for up to 50 minutes and must be booked in advance. It is open seven days a week.
Charlton Lido: Heated pool with parakeet sightings
Another south London option, Charlton Lido offers an Olympic-sized heated pool, a summer sun terrace, a coffee bar, and outdoor gym equipment. Swimmers may spot local parakeets flying overhead. Adult swimming sessions cost £11.50, with concessions starting at £5.50.
Parliament Hill Lido: Unheated pool open year-round
Opened in the 1930s, this unheated outdoor pool is open 365 days a year. It includes a sauna and is located near Gospel Oak train station. Swimming sessions start at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, with no advance booking required, though queues are likely.
Hackney West Reservoir: Open-water swimming and kayaking
At Green Lanes in Stoke Newington, the West Reservoir offers open-water swimming and kayaking. Water temperatures are low, but the setting is scenic. A waterside café provides warm drinks post-swim. Open-water swimming costs £13.15 for a 30-minute session, available between 7am and 6pm.
Beckenham Place Park: Wild swimming with lifeguards
Beckenham Place Park, the largest green space in Lewisham, features a lake for wild swimming with lifeguards on duty. Kayak and paddleboard hire is available at certain times. One-hour sessions cost £7.40 for non-residents and £4.30 for Lewisham residents.
Serpentine Lido: Iconic open-water swimming in Hyde Park
Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park offers open-water swimming surrounded by nature. The Lido Cafe Bar serves lunch and wine. Waterside tables are available for non-swimmers. A full-day ticket costs £7.50. According to the website, the lido will reopen for the weekend on May 17 and fully from May 24.
Hillingdon Lido: Family-friendly with art deco style
This Grade II-listed 50-metre open-air pool from the 1930s features art deco charm, fountains, and a new heated shallow splash pool for children. It is close to Ruislip Lido, which has a sandy beach but no swimming. Family amenities include an ice-cream shop and play areas. Tickets cost £11 for non-residents.
Finchley Lido Leisure Centre: Indoor backup for unpredictable weather
For rainy days, Finchley Lido Leisure Centre offers an indoor complex with a pool, slides, a wave machine, and jets. It also has a cinema and bowling alley. An outdoor 25-metre pool is open during summer. Swimming costs £8.30.
