The Ultimate Guide to the Best Swimming Pools in London (2025)
London offers an extraordinary range of swimming pools – from historic outdoor lidos to chic rooftop pools high above the city. Whether you're looking to swim laps in an Olympic venue or lounge by a luxury hotel pool, the capital's swimming scene has something for everyone. Below, we explore some of the best swimming pools in London currently in operation, organized by type, to showcase this diversity.
Public Lidos and Pools
Tooting Bec Lido
One of London's most famous open-air pools, measuring about 91 meters in length with vibrant changing hut doors that add charm.
Opened: 1906
Open to public late May to September
Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
Natural swimming ponds surrounded by greenery, offering a unique wild swimming experience with lifeguards on duty.
Types: Ladies', Men's, and Mixed Bathing Ponds
Year-round swimming for the brave
London Fields Lido
A popular 50-meter heated outdoor pool that allows for open-air swimming even in winter with evening floodlights.
Heated: Year-round
Located in trendy East London, where you can also find great properties to rent.
London Aquatics Centre
World-class Olympic facility designed by Zaha Hadid, featuring two 50-metre pools and a 25-metre diving pool.
Olympic Legacy: 2012 Games venue
Affordable public access
Luxury Hotel Pools
Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard
The "Skypool" on the 52nd floor offers breathtaking panoramic views of London through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Highest swimming pool in London
The Berkeley (Knightsbridge)
An elegant rooftop pool that has been a London icon for decades, with the hotel's Bamford Haybarn Spa.
First hotel in London with a rooftop pool
Bulgari Hotel
Lavish 25-metre underground pool lined with shimmering green and gold mosaic tiles and comfortable cabanas.
Sumptuous sanctuary in Knightsbridge
The Ned
Stylish rooftop pool with views of St. Paul's Cathedral dome – perfect for a summertime dip.
City of London's most exclusive pool
Private Members' Club Pools
Shoreditch House
Rooftop pool atop a converted East London warehouse, creating a trendy urban oasis with views of the City.
For Soho House members only
The Ned (Bank)
Elegant plunge pool on the rooftop terrace with front-row views of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Exclusive members' access
White City House
Rooftop pool atop the old BBC Television Centre with a stylish, retro atmosphere.
Members and hotel guests only
Residential Complex Pools
Embassy Gardens Sky Pool
The world's first transparent "floating" pool suspended between two high-rise buildings, 35 meters above ground. This incredible feature is available to residents of Embassy Gardens.
- ✓ 14-meter span between buildings
- ✓ Transparent acrylic construction
- ✓ Exclusive to residents of Embassy Gardens
One Hyde Park (Knightsbridge)
An ultra-luxury private spa and pool facility for residents of this exclusive apartment complex.
- ✓ Elegant marble design
- ✓ Serviced by Mandarin Oriental hotel
- ✓ Exclusive to apartment owners
Why London's Swimming Scene Stands Out
Historic Venues
Century-old lidos and swimming ponds with rich cultural heritage.
Architectural Innovation
From Zaha Hadid's Olympic venue to the transparent Sky Pool.
Exclusivity
Some of the world's most luxurious hotel and private members' pools.
Accessibility
Public options from council-run lidos to Olympic facilities.
Final Thoughts
London's best swimming pools truly span a remarkable range of styles and settings. You can start your day with an invigorating outdoor lap in a century-old lido, enjoy a leisurely afternoon swim high above the city in a five-star hotel, and even imagine gliding through the air in a transparent sky-high pool. This mix of upscale and accessible options is what makes London's swimming scene so special. Whether you're an avid swimmer seeking out new pools or a visitor looking for a unique experience, these venues offer a chance to dive into the rich and diverse aquatic culture of the capital.