The Best Places To Go Wild Swimming Near London
London boasts a surprising number of options for a refreshing cold-water swim, from serene lakes to invigorating river dips. Whether you prefer a structured lido experience or a secluded wild swim, there's an outdoor spot waiting for you to take the plunge.
If you're new to cold swimming, check out our Beginner's Guide for essential kit information, safety tips, and what to watch out for.
1. Hampstead Heath Ponds
Hampstead Heath offers a slice of countryside in the heart of London. Three bathing ponds cater to different preferences: Parliament Hill Lido, a large, unheated, lifeguarded open-air pool perfect for families; Men's Bathing Pond and Ladies' Bathing Pond, perfect for an invigorating dip all year round.
Locations:
Kenwood Ladies’ Pond: ///cracks.about.moral
Highgate Men’s pond: ///wished.goods.list
Parliament Lido: ///money.added.goes
Parking: The closest is the on-street parking available on Millfield Lane. Please make sure you check parking signs and follow any restrictions. There is a carpark at the Lido. It’s a bit pricey at £13 (you can use RingGo) for 2-4 hours, but worth it for the experience.
Great if you like:
- Structured swimming with lifeguards on duty
- Changing rooms and toilets (no lockers)
- A family-friendly atmosphere
Directions & Dip Tips:
Each pond has a designated entry point clearly sign posted when you arrive. Lifeguards patrol Parliament Hill Lido and both ponds during opening hours. Be aware of water depth and low temperatures if you’re not used to the cold. The ponds follow the seasons and the lido is not heated. They publish temperatures of all their pools regularly so you can get the gist. You can view opening times for the ponds and the lido here. It’s best to book all of the venues at Hampstead Heath to avoid disappointment. It’s run on eventbrite and you can book up to 7 days in advance.
Warm Up & Refuel:
The area is chocca with lovely coffee places, bars and restaurants. For a coffee and a sandwich head to TRADE just off Swain’s Lane. It’s closest to the park and there are a few gorgeous bakeries to choose from for a take away sweet treat for later.
Photo Source: https://www.hampsteadheath.net/swimming-ponds
2. Beckenham Place Park Lake
South Londoners can find solace in Beckenham Place Park Lake. This picturesque lake offers a designated swimming area for a safe and enjoyable cold water experience. While not lifeguarded, the lake is generally shallow (3.5metres) and suitable for confident swimmers. Surrounded by grassy banks perfect for a picnic in the summer or a flask of something hot in the autumn and winter months. There’s also a play park nearby for the kids.
Location: Beckenham Place Park, Bromley BR3 1UL. What3Words: ///critic.above.tonic
Parking: Paid car park available on-site: What3Words: ///loyal.tennis.papers
Great if you like:
- A designated swimming area in a scenic setting
- A more relaxed cold swimming experience
- Easy access by public transport
Directions & Dip Tips:
The designated swimming area is clearly marked and easily accessible from the car park. Be aware of water depth when venturing further out. You need to book your 1hr session online priced at £6.20 per adult. They also do an intro course to open water swimming if you need to build your confidence. And if you fancy a change, they even do paddleboarding sessions.
Warm Up & Refuel:
A short walk from the pond, and right next to the car park are the beautiful converted Georgian stables. The “coffee geeks” at the Homestead Café will sort you right out, serving artisan coffee alongside locally brew ales. They also knock out exceptional stone baked pizzas too - mouthwatering in any weather!
Photo Source: https://beckenhamplacepark.com/things-to-see-and-do/lake
3. The Royal Docks
London's Docklands offer a surprising opportunity for a wild swimming adventure. While not for the faint-hearted, experienced swimmers can enjoy a dip in The Royal Docks, surrounded by the city's unique industrial heritage.
Location: The Royal Docks, Dock Road, Royal Docks London, E16 1AH. What3Words: ///aspect.zebra.lend
Parking: There’s very limited parking here so public transport is the best option. Royal Victoria on the DLR is just a few minutes walk away. If you have to drive, use the JustPark app for private spaces in Brittania Village which is a short walk from the venue. You can all use the emirates skyline, just 100m from the venue.
Great if you like
- A truly wild swimming experience in the heart of the city
- A unique perspective of London's Docklands
- The challenge of navigating open water
Directions & Dip Tips:
The Royal Docks offers swim loops starting at 150 up to 750m. They ask that you be competent swimming 400m as a minimum. You’ll need a tow float and brightly coloured head gear all year round to help ensure your safety in this life guarded spot. You’ll also need to be a NOWCA member to swim here, but there are plenty of excellent reasons to pay the £15 a year membership, including personal insurance while swimming at all NOWCA locations and discounts off household brands. To book and pay for your session, use NOWCAS’s ACTiO app. You can record your swims on there too along with loads of other cool features.
Warm Up & Refuel:
The Royal Docks provides free tea, coffee and hot chocolate on site - but it’s BYO mug! There are loads of great places near the venue. Our favourite is Husk Brewery & Taproom. A fine selection of ales and a small but flawless burger menu.
Photo Source: https://loveopenwater.co.uk/swimming-london-royal-docks/
4. River Thames (Petersham Meadows)
For a truly wild swimming experience, head west to Petersham Meadows and take a dip in the River Thames. This scenic stretch is only minutes from the end of the District line, but you feel a world away. This one offers a refreshing escape from the city, but be prepared for currents and uneven riverbeds.
Location: Petersham Meadows, Richmond upon Thames. Entry point What3Words: ///bake.sleeps.tanks
Parking: Ham Street Car Park is free and a short walk from the entry point to the water.
Great if you like:
- The challenge of a river swim
- A scenic riverside setting
- A truly wild swimming experience
Directions & Dip Tips:
Entry point to the river is via small gravel beach. You’ll probably want water shoes for this one as you’ll walk into the stoney river bed with some nice squishy mud to go with it. There is a current so make sure you don’t go alone and take a tow float. As with most rivers, avoid after heavy rainfall as you’ll find a faster flowing river with a stronger current.
Warm Up & Refuel:
Two words. Petersham Nurseries. A dreamy green house with twinkling lights entwined in the bougainvillea serves the most delicious coffee, cakes, sparkling wines and an Italian inspired seasonal menu to die for.
Photo Source: https://frogmom.com/wild-swimming-in-london/
5. Tooting Bec Lido
For those seeking a more traditional swimming environment with the added bonus of the cold, Tooting Bec’s unheated Lido offers a vast outdoor swimming space. This iconic London lido first opened in 1906 with modernisations developing this stunner over the years. It’s perfect for lap swimming or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Location: Tooting Bec Road, London SW16 1LL. What3Words: ///toys.slime.agents
Parking: There is a carpark on site.
Great if you like:
- A large, open-air pool
- Lap swimming opportunities
- A sense of history
Directions & Dip Tips:
You need to create an online account to book which you can access from the timetable area on the site. You don’t have to buy a membership but if you live near by – why not? Your body will thank you for it. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy swims all year round. If you love a lido, Brockwell Lido is another London corker.
Warm Up & Refuel:
The lido cafe offers refreshments, or explore the local area for a wider range of options.
7. Serpentine Lido
Located in Hyde Park, the Serpentine Lido offers a unique open-air swimming experience in the heart of London. Home to the oldest swimming club in Britain, this iconic cold water lake is open to the public on weekends from mid May, everyday from June to mid September, and all year round to swimming club members.
Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH. What3Words:///report.door.these
Parking: Limited on-site parking at The Royal Parks Limited, Hyde Park, West Carriage Drive, W2 2UH. You’re best using public transport with Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate or Hyde Park Corner being the nearest tube stations.
Great if you like:
- A central London location
- Iconic surroundings
- A family-friendly atmosphere
Directions & Dip Tips:
This iconic spot has plenty of access points and is beautifully serene especially in the colder months if you become a member. No need to book online, just turn up and pay. Changing facilities are limited so treat it like a wild swim and bring your changing robe just in case.
Warm Up & Refuel:
There’s a great café serving larger and cocktails, perfect for summer, and hot drinks when your hands need thawing out. The café has perfect breakfast or lunch options and often do food collaborations with various suppliers dishing up delicious flavours from all over the world.
