From outdoor pools to beaches right here in the city, it’s about time you made the most of what the capital of our gorgeous isles has to offer.
Find the best wild swimming spots in and around London to try on DesignMyNight - perfect for when you're looking to get into the open water for a fitness and wellness kick or take up a new hobby. Our recommendations cover rivers, reservoirs, lidos, lakes and tidal pools - all either in London or within two hours by car or train - including price and location of each.
Where To Go Open Water Swimming In London
1. Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
- Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
- Price: £8 for a full day (£6.20 for a half-day session)
A West End icon, the Serpentine Lido at Hyde Park is home to the oldest swimming club in Britain and probably the most iconic on our list. Whether you're here for a summertime swim or the famous Christmas Day race, it's great way to enjoy one of London's Royal Parks in a whole new way.
It's £8 for adults to nab a full day here, otherwise there's a reduced rate if you fancy a half-day swim instead.
One of the best places to book wild swimming in London? The Serpentine is a great shout.
2. Love Open Water Eden Dock, Canary Wharf
- Location: Eden Dock, Canary Wharf, London, E14
- Price: £9.50 (plus a £20 yearly membership at NOWCA)
In partnership with Love Open Water, Eden Dock's open water swimming in Canary Wharf returns for 2025 (the location was formerly named Middle Dock). Enjoy views of One Canada Square and Newfoundland while making a splash in the stunning clear waters here, which have been extensively tested for cleanliness and form part of NOWCA - the UK’s largest network of safe open water venues meeting EU Bathing Standards.
It's £9.50 per swim here but you'll need to add on NOWCA membership too, granting you access to 40 open water locations UK-wide.
Love Open Water on Eden Dock is a favourite of NOWCA's locations - perfect for views of Canary Wharf while you swim.
3. Love Open Water London Royal Docks, Docklands
- Location: Dock Road, London E16 1AH
- Price: £9.50 (plus a £20 yearly membership at NOWCA)
Whether you're looking for a little toe-dipping action or going more hard-core, London Royal Docks has scenic spaces dedicated to open water swimming. Grab those goggles, bring your wetsuit and be sure to pre-book at this NOWCA spot.
Choose between 400m, 750m and 100m loops before a rest in the 'casual dip' area - ideal for a full range of experience levels.
From advanced to beginner wild swimming, Love Open Water have opportunities to swim at London Royal Docks.
4. West Reservoir Centre, Hackney
- Location: West Reservoir Water Sports Centre, Green Lanes, Woodberry Down, N4 2HA
- Price: £13.15
If you're wondering where to swim in the open water, head north of the river. Straddling Finsbury Park and Clissold Park, the West Reservoir Centre is a great choice for watersports and wild swimming, all set across a staggering 23 acres of water.
If the likes of Hampstead ponds and London Fields Lido don't float your boat, get to N4 to get stuck into the full 200m loop and a 100m warm-up lane. It's £12.30 per one hour-long session, which can be booked via the Better app.
BOOK WEST RESERVOIR CENTRE SWIMMING HERE
Go open water crazy with some of the best wild swimming in London at West Reservoir Centre, and even try some floating yoga afterwards.
5. Hampstead Heath Ponds, North London
- Location: Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR
- Price: £4.80
A wildly popular destination, Hampstead Heath Ponds are one of the most famous on our list. The open water swimming spots that open all year round here are split into the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond and Highgate Men’s Pond, while the mixed pond is a warm-months-only affair.
A session at any of the three will set you back £4.80, or there are season tickets available that also include access to Parliament Hill Lido.
Hampstead Heath's bathing ponds have been around since the 17th century, and they're still a popular choice for wild swimming today.
6. Beckenham Place Park, Lewisham
- Location: Beckenham Hill Road, Beckenham, BR3 1SY
- Price: £7.40 (£6.80 for Lewisham residents)
South Londoners: here's a pick for you. One of the capital's newer swimming lakes can be found at Beckenham Place Park. Bookings are available in one-hour slots for £7.40 per adult - or cheaper, if you're a Lewisham resident.
The lake is 285 metres long, reaching depths of up to 3.5 metres, which is ideal whether you're a beginner or seasoned veteran - making it a top choice for the best open water swimming in London.
BOOK BECKENHAM PALACE PARK SWIMMING LAKE
Beckenham Place Park was London's first purpose-built swimming lake.
7. Merchant Taylors' Lake, Northwood
- Location: Sandy Lodge, Moor Park, Northwood HA6 2HT
- Price: £9
Open during the warmer months, Merchant Taylors' Lake is home to clear blue water and peaceful surroundings for an idyllic experience. Choose between a range of loops spanning between 150m and over 1km, taking in the lake's treasured heron sitting on her favourite log or geese flying overhead as you exercise.
There are season and monthly passes available, as well as bookings for individual sessions starting at £9.
Merchant Taylors' School in Northwood is home to a fabulous swim spot open in the warmer season.
Where To Go Open Water Swimming Less Than Two Hours From London
1. Divers Cove Reservoir, Surrey
- Location: North Park Lane, Bletchingley, Godstone RH9 8ND
- Price: £10.99 (or buy a yearly membership to save up to £3 per swim)
- Travel from London: approximately 1.5 hours by car. 35 minutes from London Bridge to Redhill or 40 minutes from London Victoria station to Oxted (onward bus travel needed)
Just as beautiful as it sounds, Divers Cove in Surrey is a must-visit when it comes to wild swimming near London. The reservoir spans over 7 acres, with spots for swimming, diving and even a café.
Whether it’s a swim or a hot tub and sauna session with a cold dip afterwards, make sure you book in advance. Prices start at £10.99 per person, or you can upgrade to different tiers of membership to save on each booking and get a discount on food and drink.
Best places for open water swimming near
London? Divers Cove is for swimming and diving in serene
surrounds.
2. Redricks Open Water Swimming Lake, Hertfordshire
- Location: Redricks Lane, Sawbridgeworth CM21 1RL
- Price: £10 (£8 for members)
- Travel from London: approximately 1.5 hours by car. 35 minutes by train from Liverpool Street station to Harlow Mill (onward 1.5 mile walk needed)
The clue's literally in the name at this great choice in Hertfordshire, so you know you're in good hands at Redricks Open Water Swimming Lake. Open in both the warmer and winter seasons, this is somewhere to swim all year round.
There are induction programmes to get beginners comfortable, as well as coaching if you want to improve your skills - plus full moon swim events each month for an ethereal experience.
BOOK REDRICKS OPEN WATER SWIMMING LAKE
You'll find a real sense of community at Redricks Lake, where members swim for £8 and non-members, £10.
3. River Colne, Rickmansworth
- Location: Rickmansworth, HA6
- Price: free
- Travel from London: approximately 1 hour by car. 30 minutes by train from Marylebone station to Rickmansworth or 45 minutes by Metropolitan Line tube from King's Cross station to Rickmansworth (onward 1 mile walk needed)
If you’re after free open water swimming near London, then Hertfordshire's River Colne should be on your hit list. Located within the M25, the natural beauty touts plenty of space for bathing, as well as a circular 6-mile walk offering a little escapism.
If getting the Metropolitan line to Rickmansworth isn’t an option, then it’s only an hour’s drive from Central London. The recommended swim spot is between Stocker’s Lake and Bury Lake by Willow Court, within the wider nature reserve.
For free wild swimming near London, check out these Instagram-worthy scenes in Rickmansworth.
4. Frensham Great Pond, Surrey
- Location: Frensham, GU10 2QB
- Price: free
- Travel from London: approximately 1.5 hours by car. 1 hour by train from London Bridge station to Farnham (onward bus travel and 1 mile walk needed)
If you live in South or West London, then travel time to Frensham Great Pond is easily cut down to an hour’s drive - plus the bus from Farnham station stops just a mile away too. Sandwiched between Farnham and Hindhead, this Green Flag-winning space is one for lakes near London to swim open water and wild.
Think dedicated dog-walking routes, sandy beaches, the neighbouring Little Pond's picnic spots, and Insta-worthy views of heathland and wildlife that’ll have you feeling like you’re on the ultimate retreat.
You'll be spoilt for swimming space at Frensham Great Pond, which even boasts sandy beaches.
5. River Medway by Ensfield Bridge, Tonbridge
- Location: Ensfield Road, Tonbridge TN11 8RZ
- Price: free
- Travel from London: approximately 1.5 hours by car. 1 hour by train from London Bridge station to Leigh (onward 0.7 mile walk needed)
Just past the M25, the River Medway runs through Tonbridge in Kent. A much lesser known and more natural destination, the easily accessible half-mile of water by Ensfield Bridge is just a drive away from London.
Open stretches and deep water make for a great swim, but for a real challenge, grab your bicycle and follow the regional cycle route downstream to the lakes too.
Open water swimming never looked as good as this River Medway spot, where you'll be right in among the local wildlife.
6. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate
- Location: Walpole Bay, Hodges Gap, Margate, Kent, CT9 2JN
- Price: free
- Travel from London: approximately 2 hours by car. 1 hour 40 minutes by train from London Victoria or St Pancras station to Margate (onward 1.5 mile walk needed)
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool - built and opened in 1937 - is now a Grade II listed location covering four acres and is also believed to be the UK's biggest tidal pool. It sits on the shores of Margate, promising sea swimming with the added benefit of fresh water springs within its walls. Another great free pick on this list, it's best enjoyed at low tide when waters are calmer.
Enjoy a mix of salty and fresh water in Margate's Walpole Bay tidal pool.
For more outdoor activity inspiration, check out this guide to gorgeous gardens in the city.
