Love it or hate it, the heatwave is upon us, and what better way to fill those summer holidays than with a trip to your local Lido?
London can be decidedly sticky in the summer, which is no fun with kids , so an outdoor pool is the perfect way to keep them cool and channel some holiday vibes too. Whip out the latest novel and a cold drink and you might just be able to steal five minutes peace, and pretend you’re in the south of France! And if you are out of luck with swimming sessions sold out, you can still visit these water parks for families.
1. Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
Take the kids to one of London’s most famous Royal Parks to paddle in the Serpentine, which has a gated family area with a paddling pool and play area, plus sun loungers to hire so you can catch some rays. The lido area is open for swimming from June to September. Be warned, the water is cold and you may find yourself sharing a dip with the resident ducks and swans!
Address: Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
2. Oasis Swimming Pool, Covent Garden
This hidden gem slap bang in the middle of Covent Garden is a real find in the summer heat. Cool off after a day’s sightseeing in the capital, at this heated outdoor pool which is open all year round. There’s also a 25m long indoor pool, a sun terrace and patio area.
Address: 32 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9AG
3. Tooting Bec Lido
Tooting Bec Lido is a historic part of the local community, first opened in 1906 it’s one of the oldest lido’s in London, and the largest outdoor freshwater pool in the country. Open to the public from May to September, the huge 90 metre pool is surrounded by colourful changing huts, which make for some great snaps. Facilities include a children’s paddling pool and a bustling café. Tooting Bec Lido is one of the most popular London outdoor pools.
Address: Tooting Bec Road, London, SW16 1RU, UK
4. Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill
South London families flock to Brockwell Lido at the first hint of sunshine, to enjoy its 50 metre pool surrounded by stunning art deco architecture. The Lido Café serves delicious vegan and vegetarian food, and there are loads of events and activities held here throughout the year, from toddler dance classes movie nights.
Address: Brockwell Park, Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA
5. Park Road Leisure Centre, Crouch End
This much-loved lido in Crouch End is fab for kids, offering a separate children’s pool, a soft play zone (indoors) and lots of open green space for them to run around. The main pool is 50 metres long and dates back to 1926. One of the most favourite London outdoor pools among locals. Pack a picnic and find a shady, grassy spot beside the pool to refuel hungry little tummies.
Address: Park Rd, Crouch End, London N8 8JN
6. Parliament Hill Lido
If you visit the beautiful Hampstead Heath this Summer, don’t forget to take your children to Parliament Hill Lido located on the South East of the area. The unheated open air swimming pool has been welcoming swimmers across all ages since 1938. The lido is easily accessible from Gospel Oak overground station or Tufnell Park London Underground station.
Best times to go to the pool with your children is between 10.30am and 1pm and/or 2.30pm and 5pm. There is also a splash pool for young kids under 5 that require supervision from an adult.
Address: Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Rd, London NW5 1LT
7. Finchley Lido Leisure Centre
Situated in North London, Finchley Lido Leisure Centre is open in the Summer and has a 25min long swimming pool. You will have plenty of space to sunbath in the Summer with even a snack hut if your children have the munchies. Part of the Better Leisure Centre, Make sure to pre-book your swimming session on the Better app or on their website.
Plan in advance your trip to Finchley Lido and check if the temperature outside reaches a minimum of 22°C on the day to guarantee that the pool will be open that day. If not, don’t worry you will still be able to access indoor pools.
Address: Great North Leisure Park, Chaplin Square, London N12 0GL
8. Pools in the Park
Here are some beautiful outdoor swimming pools on the South West side of London in the Old Deer Park in Richmond. These pools have taken place in the 60s replacing what used to be called Richmond baths. The main pool is 33m long and is one of the longest swimming pool in London.
The outdoor pool is luckily heated at 25°C so perfect for colder days in the Summer. Due to increasing demand, it is advisable to pre-book your family swimming session. You can do that up to 10 days in advance.
Address: Pools on the Park, Old Deer Park, Richmond, TW9 2SF
9. London Fields Lido Hackney
Here is a great idea for a sunny day in London: visit London Fields Lido in Hackney. The pool is 50m long and heated at 25°C so no excuses not to dip your toes in the water with your little ones. You can even book swimming lessons for your children so they can be more confident in their swimming skills (and you can relax by the pool on your own too).
There is a large sunbathing area with a café that serves your favourite hot drink or soft drink including different snacks. Pre-book your swimming session ‘Swim for All’ is highly recommended if you want to avoid disappointment when you arrive.
Address: London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU
10. Charlton Lido & Lifestyle Centre
Last but not least, you can’t go wrong by visiting the Charlton Lido in the South of London. This Olympic heated swimming pool is perfect for a nice day out in London in the Summer. Pre-book your family swimming session is again advisable as demand is on the high in the hot Summer days.
You can also enjoy drinks and snacks available at the Coffee Corner which is open from June until September.
We love the fact that the centre also organises Toddlers Splash sessions too!
Address: Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Rd, London SE18 4LX
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