London is not only a fantastically green city with great parks and open spaces but also boasts plenty of wild swimming spots where you can escape the hustle and bustle on a hot day for a lovely cooling dip.
Even though there are plenty of wild swimming spots near London (of which we’ve compiled a useful blog post on) you don’t actually have to go that far within the city itself for a swim.
We haven’t included London’s various lidos in this post (such as London Fields, Tooting Bec and Brockwell Park) as we want to focus chiefly on open water and wild swimming spots, though stay tuned for a further article on that shortly.
Let’s take a look!
1. Hampstead Heath Ponds
Location: Hampstead Heath, NW3
We had to start with the Heath, didn’t we? Hampstead Heath is home to three famous swimming ponds: the Men’s Pond, the Ladies’ Pond, and the Mixed Pond. The ponds can get pretty busy, particularly in the summertime, so it is advised to book in advance.
2. Serpentine Lido
Location: Hyde Park, W2
The Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park is a historic swimming spot that has been welcoming swimmers since 1864. The lido is part of the Serpentine Lake and is open to the public during the summer months. With its central location, it’s perfect for a quick dip after exploring the park. There’s also a dedicated children’s area and sunbathing deck, making it a great spot for families.
Like Hampstead Heath, you will need to book a swimming spot in advance.
3. Beckenham Place Park
Location: Beckenham Hill Road, SE6
Beckenham Place Park boasts a beautiful wild swimming lake, which is the largest in London. The lake was restored and reopened in 2019, offering a pristine environment for swimmers. Surrounded by woodland and meadows, it’s an idyllic location for a swim. The park also features walking trails and a café, making it a perfect day out destination.
Book here.
4. West Reservoir Centre, Hackney
Location: Green Lanes, N4
The West Reservoir Centre in Woodberry Down Park offers open water swimming sessions in a former drinking water reservoir. The centre is run by Better, and it provides a safe and controlled environment for open water swimming. It’s a unique spot with excellent facilities, including changing rooms and a café.
5. Canary Wharf
Location: Canary Wharf E14
Who’d have thought that there’d be a wild swimming swimming spot right in the heart of Canary Wharf? Opened in summer 2022, Love Open Water operate this spot as a perfect spot for residents and workers in Canary Wharf alike. Enjoy a swim in a controlled area with great views of One Canada Square.
6. Royal Docks
Location: Docklands, E16
The Royal Docks is a open water swimming venue open to the public, situated near the Excel Centre in East London. You will need to book your time slot via the Love Open Water website.
The Royal Docks are used frequently by athletes training for triathlons among other things and are recommended for serious swimmers!
7. Thames River at Petersham Meadows, Richmond
Location: Richmond, TW10
Slightly further out into Richmond lies Petersham Meadows, where you can access the River Thames from a gravel beach and enjoy a peaceful swim either to the other side of the river or to the island in the middle.
Outside of other River Thames swimming spots outside of London (such as Pangbourne and Aston to name a couple) this arguably one of the few wild swimming location in London that feels truly “wild”.
Wild swimming in London offers a refreshing way to experience the city’s natural beauty. From secret river spots to serene ponds, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy. Dive in and discover a different side of London!
