The UK has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 40°C on Wednesday, June 22, 2026. The UK Health Security Agency has 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. For Londoners without coastal access, lidos and outdoor pools offer a vital respite.
Tooting Bec Lido
After a £4 million revamp, Tooting Bec Lido has reopened for the summer. As the UK's largest freshwater swimming pool at 90 metres long, it can accommodate up to 1,300 visitors. The lido now features a new pumphouse and UV filtration system, modernised changing rooms, and refreshed landscaping. Two sessions are available daily, with special swim times. Admission is £9.40 for adults and £5.20 for children.
Hampstead Ponds
For wild swimming without leaving the city, Hampstead Heath offers mixed, men's, and women's ponds. The ponds attract a dedicated following and are often crowded 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 60-minute sessions. Season tickets are available: £83 for six months or £157 for a year.
Brockwell Lido
Located in Brixton's Brockwell Park, this 50-metre Olympic-sized pool is a popular sun trap. The art deco building houses a café for post-swim refreshments. Open seven days a week, lane swims must be booked in advance and cost £8 for up to 50 minutes.
Charlton Lido
Another South London option, this heated Olympic-sized pool features a summer sun terrace, coffee bar, and outdoor gym equipment. Visitors may spot local parakeets while swimming. Adult sessions are £11.50, with concessions starting at £5.50.
Parliament Hill Lido
Opened in the 1930s, this unheated outdoor pool is open 365 days a year. The water is cold, but a sauna is available. Located near Gospel Oak station, it requires no advance booking, though queues are common. Swimming sessions start at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
Hackney West Reservoir
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 cafe provides warm drinks. Open-water swimming sessions (30 minutes) cost £13.15 and are available from 7am to 6pm.
Beckenham Place Park
Lewisham's largest green space 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 locals.
Serpentine Lido
Hyde Park's iconic open-water swimming location allows swimming surrounded by nature. The Lido Cafe Bar serves lunch and wine. Waterside tables are available for non-swimmers. A full day costs £7.50. The lido reopens for weekends on May 17 and fully from May 24, according to the website.
Hillingdon Lido
This Grade II-listed 50-metre pool from the 1930s offers art deco charm and is considered a hidden gem. It features fountains and a new heated shallow splash pool for children. Nearby Ruislip Lido has a sandy beach and lake, but swimming is not permitted there. Ice-cream and play areas make it family-friendly. Tickets cost £11 for non-residents.
Finchley Lido Leisure Centre
For unpredictable weather, this indoor complex includes a pool with slides, a wave machine, and jets, plus a cinema and bowling alley. An outdoor 25-metre pool is open in summer. Swimming costs £8.30.
