Best of the Best Swimming Pools and Ponds

Our selection of swimming ponds for those who are seeking a back-to- nature, chlorine-free experience in this summer

Hampstead Heath Swimming ponds The open-air swimming is internationally famous on with the Ladies’ Pond, the Men’s Pond, the Mixed Pond and the Parliament Hill Lido. The Ladies’ and Men’s Ponds are unique in the United Kingdom in being the only life-guarded open-water swimming facilities open to the public every day of the year. Hampstead Heath, NW5 1QR

King’s Cross Pond Club The King’s Cross Pond is natural bathing pond in the heart of Lon- don surrounded by plant life and gardens. The King’s Cross Pond Club is frst of its kind in the UK - a truly unique and all-natural swimming experience. In order to ensure water quality visitor numbers are limited to 163 a day and there are set time limits on sessions 20 Canal Reach (entrance on Tapper walk), London N1C 4BE

Liquid Leisure Open Water Swimming This is the UK’s leading Open Water Swimming Venue, set on one of the most beautiful private freshwater lakes amongst stunning parkland. The natural sheltering offers great protection from the elements, spoiling visitors with calm waters throughout the year. Horton Rd, Datchet, Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead SL3 9HY Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park Serpentine Lido is a 110m roped off area of the Serpentine Lake with changing rooms and toilets. There is also a café with ice creams on offer! Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

London’s outdoor swimming pools

Brockwell Lido (southeast London) Located in ’s Brockwell Park, this 50-metre pool is a Grade II-listed 1930s Art Deco classic which includes an award-winning café. A health and ftness centre adds to its appeal. Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, SE24

Charlton Lido (south east London) Charlton Lido is a popular spot no matter what the temperature outside as the water is heated. Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Road, London, SE18 4LX

Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex It is a 50m unheated Grade II listed lido which was built in 1935. This is the only remaining example of a 12-sided ‘star’ swimming pool in the country and, at 220 feet, is the second longest open air swimming pool remaining in London. Gatting Way, Park Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1NR

London Fields Lido (east London) London’s only 50-metre heated outdoor pool. This was only kept open thanks to the efforts of a dogged pressure group - now it is one of the most popular public venues in Hackney. It gets packed on warm days but there’s a nice sun terrace on the site as well as a cafe if you fnd the pool too crowded. Westside, E8

Parliament Hill Lido (north London) This outdoor pool is found on the edge of Hampstead Heath and a stone’s throw from the running track. It is now re-opened with an impressive stainless steel lining to help retain heat. Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road, NW5 1NA