Originally opened as a bathing lake in 1906, Tooting Bec Lido
holds the crown for being South London’s largest freshwater pool by surface area.
You may recognise its iconic multi-coloured changing huts – Brad
Pitt’s boxing pool scene from Snatch was filmed here. The pool
welcomes the public in the summer months, but be aware that it’s
only open to members throughout winter; you’ll need to sign up if
you want a frostier swim.

Reopening: 29 March

Price: From £4.60

Okay, so it isn’t exactly the most secluded lake in London; on a
typical summer’s day it can get seriously busy with crowds of
people – and a few swans to boot. Still, this 100m long swimming
space qualifies as Britain’s oldest public lake, and the
surrounding sun loungers (for hire) and picnic spots make this a
pretty dreamy spot for whiling away an afternoon. Join the Serpentine
Swimming Club to participate in the famous Peter Pan Cup race
where you and dozens of daring others will plunge into the icy
water on Christmas Morning.

Reopening: 29 March

Price: £4.80

Set in Lewisham’s largest green space, this previously deserted
Georgian lake has recently been refilled, making it London’s newest
hotspot for cooling down with a wild swim. Spanning 285sq m, the
lake even has a section dedicated to boating – though it’ll be
swimmers only for the time being. The lake is restricted to age 8+
and remains hot on sessional swimming, which may work in your
favour if you’re searching for a tranquil spot.

Reopening: TBC

Price: £5

On the edge of Brockwell Park – a short stroll from Herne Hill
Market, if you’re visiting on a Sunday – this Olympic-sized pool
has become a South London institution since it first opened in
1937. Its Grade II-listed, art-deco buildings house the Lido Café
and Fusion fitness studios that, under normal circumstances, run
various yoga, HIIT and pilates classes. Book a spot for brunch and keep your eye out for open-air movie
nights hosted here by the Luna Cinema.

Reopening: 29 March

Price: £8

In lieu of getting a beach fix on our doorstep, Hampton Pool has
stepped up to the game with waters heated to a balmy 28°C
throughout summer and winter. Set on a sunny, south-facing fringe
of Bushy Park, it’s grassy woodland area is prime territory for
lazing between swims. Insider tip: check online for its timetable
of moonlight dips. Scheduled as close to a full moon as possible,
these late-night sessions permit you to swim under the starry night
sky.

Reopening: 17 July

Price for this session: From £5.80

If you’re looking to improve your breaststroke or butterfly,
then this 50m-long heated lido is the spot for you. All-day lane
swimming is accompanied by one-to-one classes and “swimfit
sessions” so you can hone your technique and be envied by the pros.
With an inviting sundeck and sunbathing area, as well as Broadway
Market all within a short walk, London Fields Lido easily slots
into summery weekend plans.

Reopening: 29 March

Price: £5.10

This lido may date back to the 30s, but its state-of-the-art
features say otherwise. The champagne beds, tiki bar and
sunbed-lined pool with waiter service will itch that scratch you
have for the beach clubs of far-off shores.

Reopening: TBC

Prices: £20

Originally dammed-off clay pits, the three generously sized
swimming ponds (ladies, mens and mixed) of Hampstead Heath are well
loved among Londoners. Be warned: the temperature of the ponds may
be a shock to the system even in the warmer months.

Reopened: 29 March

Price: £4

Heated and open all year round, Charlton Lido’s Olympic-sized
waters rub shoulders with a gym, café and two sun terraces
guaranteed to keep you occupied throughout a summer’s day. There
are eight neighbouring tennis courts too, should you want to swap
your swimming costume for a racquet and whites.

Reopened: 29 March

Price: £10

Finchley Lido underwent a major refurb in 2019, during which its
25m pool was kitted out with a wave machine and jets while the
on-site gym got an upgrade too. If you’re worried about being
thrown in at the deep end, classes are available – in the meantime,
we’ll be closing our eyes and pretending those ripples are floating
in from the Mediterranean Sea.

Reopening: 29 March

Price: £6.80