London is overflowing with places to swim in the open air, from the modernist 1930s lidos enjoying a renaissance in recent years, to the idyllic ponds you won’t believe are surrounded by urban sprawl. Our favourites include the Hampstead Heath ponds, particularly Kenwood Ladies’ Pond, and Brockwell Lido.
Is there anywhere to swim in London?
Serpentine Lido, North London
Located in the heart of Hyde Park, Serpentine Lido is one of the most iconic swimming lakes in London, with a rope of buoys being all that separates the swimming area from the rest of the lake, complete with feathered friends and pedalos.
Where can I open water swim in London?
Best open water and wild swimming spots in and around London
- West Reservoir Centre, Hackney.
- Hampstead Heath Ponds, North London.
- Beckenham Park Place lake, South-East London.
- Royal Docks, East London.
- Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park.
- Merchant Taylors’ Lake, Middlesex.
- Redricks Open Water Swimming Lake, Herts.
- Divers Cove, Surrey.
How can I swim for free in London?
London swimming pools you can visit without membership
- The one with a laconium: The Porchester Spa.
- The pool of champions: London Aquatics Centre.
- The sky-high one: Peak Health Club at Jumeirah Carlton Tower.
- The one with the view: Pools on the Park.
- The art deco one: Marshall Street Leisure Centre.
Where can I swim in London in summer?
UNHEATED LIDOS
- Parliament Hill Lido.
- Brockwell Lido.
- Tooting Bec Lido.
- Charlton Lido.
- Oasis Covent Garden.
- Park Road Leisure Centre.
- Pools on the Park.
- Hampton Pool.
Why can you not swim in the Thames?
The tidal Thames is a fast-flowing waterway and the busiest inland waterway in the UK accommodating over 20,000 ship movements and hosting over 400 events each year. It is for these reasons the PLA restricts swimming throughout the majority of its jurisdiction for the safety of swimmers and river users.
Is it OK to swim in the Thames?
It is not recommended to swim in the tidal section of the Thames (east of Putney Bridge to the North Sea). It is neither safe nor particularly nice. But as you head west the river gets cleaner, safer (less boat traffic) and more beautiful. All these 10 wild swimming locations are west of London and easily accessible.
Where can I swim in cold water London?
Here are some of the best places to try around the capital.
- Hampstead Heath. Enjoy cold water swimming at one of London’s natural mixed bathing ponds.
- The Royal Docks. London’s beautiful, historic dock with changing facilities.
- Pangbourne.
- Beckenham Place Park Lake.
- Henley.
- Dedham.
Can you swim in London canals?
On a hot day, it might seem like a great idea to cool down in open water. However, swimming is prohibited in our canals and rivers. There are too many risks that you can’t see hidden below the surface, and lots of other ways you can cool down with two feet on the towpath.
Can you swim in lakes in London?
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
The Serpentine Lido is a cordoned off section of Hyde Park Lake which attracts hundreds of daily visitors. Plug in any search for lakes to swim in London and this park always finds a spot at the top of the list.
How can I swim cheap in London?
4 Ways To Take Up Swimming In London On The Cheap
- Identify The Cheapest Leisure Centres. Leisure centres are all around London and most include a pool in their facilities.
- Don’t Rule Out Sports Centres.
- Move To A Low-Cost Gym With A Pool.
- Consider Taking Up “Wild Swimming”
How many UK adults cant swim?
One in five adults in England can’t swim – but it’s never too late to learn.
Is it legal to wild swim in England?
In England and Wales, a “right to roam” law means most lakes and rivers are open to swimming but there are some exceptions so it is important to confirm that you have access before you start swimming.
Does London have any beaches?
Believe it or not, the closest beach to London is actually on the Piccadilly Line! In Ruislip, West London, a 700-acre woodland nature reserve is home to a gorgeous natural lake, with a genuine sandy beach.
Can you swim in the UK in the summer?
People get out and swim in UK waters all year round and it is possible to enjoy a healthy swim in rivers, lakes and the sea.
Does London England have a beach?
Ruislip Lido Beach, West London
The only London beach you can catch the tube to, Ruislip Lido Beach is found on the southern shores of the reservoir in Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve. Twice the size of Hyde Park, the reserve is found at the end of the Piccadilly Line.
Are there sharks in the River Thames?
Spurdogs are also known as spiny dogfish, and they were almost overfished into extinction. These sharks have recently started showing up in the Thames due to warming and rising seawater and are not returning to an ancestral habitat.
Are there crocodiles or alligators in the River Thames?
If you go down to the River Thames today, you could be in for a big surprise. Why? Because apparently there’s a crocodile in the water. Yes, really.
Do sharks swim in the River Thames?
The report revealed shark species including tope, starry smooth hound and spurdog all currently live in the Thames, and there are more than 115 different species of fish in the 215-mile long river. The river has also seen an increase in its range of birds, marine mammals and natural habitats since the 1990s.
Are UK rivers clean enough to swim in?
Are UK rivers clean enough to swim in? According to the Environment Agency, only 14% of our rivers meet the Good Ecological Status under the Water Framework Directive: a figure that has remained the same since 2009. There is no bacterial monitoring of river water and no public health standard for UK rivers.
Can you get ill from wild swimming?
Open water swimming can increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections (diarrhoea and/or vomiting) as well as respiratory, skin, ear and eye infections. Most symptoms of these illnesses will generally be mild, caused by organisms such as norovirus, giardia and cryptosporidium.