{"id":1747,"date":"2025-05-02T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=1747"},"modified":"2025-05-06T13:06:05","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T13:06:05","slug":"the-best-london-lidos-ponds-and-outdoor-pools-for-this-bank-holiday-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/02\/the-best-london-lidos-ponds-and-outdoor-pools-for-this-bank-holiday-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"The best London lidos, ponds and outdoor pools for this bank holiday weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"430\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23010365 lazyload\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-1437865468-2481.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>Fancy a dip this bank holiday weekend? Check out these London lidos (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After what feels like a never-ending winter, the sun has finally put its hat on. <\/p>\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/29\/pier-year-a-beloved-local-landmark-nearly-destroyed-22985635\/\">the UK<\/a> experiencing a welcome <a data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/heatwave\/\">heatwave<\/a>, Brits are digging out their <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/08\/inject-fun-colour-outfits-12-gingham-prints-this-season-22862399\/\">summer clothes<\/a>, firing up the BBQs and <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/28\/english-mediterranean-island-call-home-a-piece-paradise-22951188\/\">heading for the nearest beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/london\/\">London<\/a>, we don\u2019t have the luxury of a coast. But along with dozens of parks and buzzing beer gardens, we do have plenty of lidos and spots for wild swimming.<\/p>\n<p>So, grab your towel, slap on some factor 50, and dive right in (if the good <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/uk-weather\/\">weather<\/a> holds).<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tooting Bec Lido<\/h2>\n<p>After a \u00a34 million revamp, Tooting Bec Lido is finally open to the public this summer.<\/p>\n<p>At 90 metres long, it\u2019s the UK\u2019s largest freshwater swimming pool, catering to 1,300 Londoners. The lido offers two sessions per day, alongside special swim times to kickstart the season. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23010496 lazyload\" alt=\"Tooting Bec Lido in beautiful sunshine\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SEI_249565902-a278.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>Tooting Bec Lido has just undergone a major transformation (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As well as installing a new pumphouse and UV filtration system to keep the water clean and safe, the surrounding area has also had a glow-up.<\/p>\n<p>The changing rooms have been given a sleek, modern update and there\u2019s fresh landscaping around the water\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n<p>According to Wandsworth Council, 130 free tickets for swimming sessions will be available for eligible residents under Wandsworth\u2019s Access for All scheme.<\/p>\n<p>Otherwise, it\u2019s <strong>\u00a39.40 <\/strong>for adults and <strong>\u00a35.20 <\/strong>for kids.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hampstead Ponds<\/h2>\n<div class=\"factbox\" data-ico=\"factbox_article\" data-track-module=\"factbox_article\">\n<h2 class=\"factbox-title\">\n\t\t\t\tLatest London news\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<div class=\"factbox-content\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/20\/huge-fire-engulfs-two-flats-east-london-block-22940983\/\">Huge fire engulfs two flats in east London block<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/03\/27\/fungus-infected-zombie-spiders-invaded-london-22801577\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/03\/29\/heathrow-airport-face-disruption-easter-strikes-announced-22815826\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/20\/chinese-spies-bugging-londons-pubs-park-benches-security-sources-say-22940560\/\">Chinese spies are \u2018bugging London\u2019s pubs and park benches,\u2019 security sources say<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/01\/three-killed-car-crashes-bus-sparks-huge-inferno-22826874\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/01\/three-killed-car-crashes-bus-sparks-huge-inferno-22826874\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/08\/inside-plans-revamp-london-liverpool-street-station-22872616\/\">Inside the plans to revamp London Liverpool Street station<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro&#8217;s<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/london\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> London news hub<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>If you want wild swimming without travelling to the countryside, make for Hampstead Heath Ponds.<\/p>\n<p>Split between mixed, and men\u2019s and women\u2019s areas, the ponds have a cult following and come July will be heaving with crowds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"435\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23010432 lazyload\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-145679714-86e5.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>If wild swimming is more your thing, head for Hampstead Heath Ponds (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Who knows, you might even spot a celebrity. A-listers are known to frequent the Heath, with <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/harry-styles\/\">Harry Styles<\/a>, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Woody Harrelson all swimming there in recent years.<\/p>\n<p>Tickets are<strong> \u00a34.80<\/strong> for adults and <strong>\u00a32.90 <\/strong>for concessions for 60 minutes of swimming.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brockwell Lido<\/h2>\n<p>Tucked in the corner of Brixton\u2019s Brockwell Park, this lido is a real sun trap on a warm day.<\/p>\n<p>The 50m Olympic-sized pool sits beside an art deco building, with a cute caf\u00e9 where you can refuel after a swim.<\/p>\n<p>Lane swims cost<strong> \u00a38<\/strong> for up to 50 minutes, and must be booked in advance.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Charlton Lido<\/h2>\n<p>Another South London gem, this Olympic-sized heated pool has a summer sun terrace, coffee bar, and outdoor gym equipment.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re lucky, you\u2019ll see the local parakeets flying above while you backstroke.<\/p>\n<p>Adult swimming sessions cost <strong>\u00a311.50,<\/strong> with prices starting at <strong>\u00a35.50 <\/strong>for concessions.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parliament Hill Lido<\/h2>\n<p>Opened in the 1930s, this unheated outdoor pool is open to the public 365 days a year.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23010465 lazyload\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-1500366611-0110.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>Live in London and want to escape the heat? Parliament Hill Lido is calling (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Located near Gospel Oak train station, it\u2019s ideal for those who don\u2019t feel ready to brave the ponds.<\/p>\n<p>Swimming sessions start at <strong>\u00a34.80<\/strong> for adults and <strong>\u00a32.00<\/strong> for concessions, with no need to book ahead (but you may need to queue if it\u2019s busy).<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hackney West Reservoir<\/h2>\n<p>At Green Lanes in Stoke Newington, you can go for an open-water swim or try your hand at kayaking at the West Reservoir.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not for the faint-hearted \u2013 temperatures are low, but it\u2019s a great spot to get used to the cold water in a beautiful setting.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"371\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23010479 lazyload\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/GettyImages-1492655233-8265.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>Not us imagining how lush this would be during summer (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Once you\u2019re done, warm up with a coffee at the waterside cafe.<\/p>\n<p>Open water swimming \u2013 which is available between 7am and 6pm \u2013 costs <strong>\u00a313.15.<\/strong> Sessions are 30 minutes.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beckenham Place Park<\/h2>\n<p>Beckenham Place Park is the largest green space in Lewisham, and although you\u2019ll get the feel of wild swimming, lifeguards are on hand to ensure everything is safe, and you can hire kayaks or paddle boards at certain times too.<\/p>\n<p>Whichever water-based activity you choose, the\u00a0lake offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle.<\/p>\n<p>One-hour sessions cost<strong> \u00a37.40 <\/strong>for non-residents. Lewisham locals pay a little less, at<strong> \u00a36.80.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Serpentine Lido<\/h2>\n<p>Fancy hitting up one of London\u2019s most iconic \u2018open water\u2019 swimming locations? Head to Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park.<\/p>\n<p>Here you can swim surrounded by nature, before drying off in the Lido Cafe Bar with a fresh lunch and a glass of wine. <\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t want to swim, but fancy checking out the views,waterside tables are available.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"432\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23010502 lazyload\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SEI_249565795-072d.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>In Hyde Park? Head to Serpentine Lido for some summer fun (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For a full day at the lido, it\u2019s just <strong>\u00a37.50<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>According to the website, Serpentine Lido will reopen for the weekend on May 17, and then fully from 24\u00a0May.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hillingdon Lido<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019ve got kids in tow, Hillingdon Lido is a great shout. <\/p>\n<p>The 1930s Grade II-listed, 50m open-air swimming pool oozes art deco charm, and is considered a \u2018hidden gem.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Not only are there stunning fountains to play around in, but there\u2019s also a new, heated shallow splash pool for little ones.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media metro-instagram\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"12\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DI_GiJzIuee\/\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DI_GiJzIuee\/\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DI_GiJzIuee\/<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>It\u2019s close to Ruislip Lido, a sandy (man-made) beach with a lake beside it, though swimming is not permitted there. <\/p>\n<p>Also ideal for families, there\u2019s an ice-cream shop and play areas suited for kids.<\/p>\n<p>Worth the journey if you fancy a day in nature.<\/p>\n<p>Tickets cost<strong> \u00a311 <\/strong>for non-residents.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finchley Lido Leisure Centre<\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s be honest, this is the UK, and we\u2019re not always guaranteed good weather. <\/p>\n<p>And if the heavens open this weekend, Finchley Lido Leisure Centre has your back. <\/p>\n<p>This indoor complex combines a pool with slides, a wave machine and jets. There\u2019s also a cinema and a bowling alley for some post-swim fun.<\/p>\n<p>Outside, there is a 25-metre swimming pool open during the summer months. <\/p>\n<p>Swimming costs<strong> \u00a38.30.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fancy a dip this bank holiday weekend? Check out these London lidos (Picture: Getty Images) After what feels like a never-ending winter, the sun has finally put its hat on. With the UK experiencing a welcome heatwave, Brits are digging out their summer clothes, firing up the BBQs and heading for the nearest beach. In [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1749,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1747","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1747"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1747\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1756,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1747\/revisions\/1756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}