There’s nothing quite like spending a sunny day at one of London’s brilliant outdoor swimming pools. Whether you’ve got toddlers who are happiest splashing in shallow paddling areas, confident young swimmers ready for lane swimming, or teenagers looking for somewhere to cool off during the school holidays, London’s lidos offer something for everyone.

From historic Art Deco pools to hidden neighbourhood favourites, many of London’s best lidos also have cafés, playgrounds, picnic areas and parks nearby, making them perfect for a full family day out.

Please note that opening times, booking requirements and children’s swim sessions vary throughout the season, so it’s always worth checking ahead before visiting.

South London

Brockwell Lido | Herne Hill

One of London’s best-loved outdoor pools, Brockwell Lido is a firm family favourite every summer. The huge 50-metre pool is ideal for confident swimmers, while younger children can enjoy paddling and playing under close supervision during family sessions. The surrounding Brockwell Park offers excellent playgrounds, wide open lawns and one of south London’s best cafés, making it easy to spend the whole day here.

Best for: Full family days out and older children

Nearest station: Herne Hill

Tooting Bec Lido | Tooting

The UK’s largest freshwater swimming pool is an iconic London summer destination. Stretching 91 metres long, Tooting Bec Lido is perfect for families with older children who love swimming. The brightly coloured changing huts make it one of London’s most photographed pools, while nearby Tooting Common has plenty of space for picnics and games.

Best for: Confident swimmers and teenagers

Nearest Tube: Tooting Bec

Charlton Lido | Greenwich

Open year-round and heated throughout the seasons, Charlton Lido is one of London’s easiest outdoor pools for family swimming. There’s plenty of room for lane swimming alongside recreational sessions, and Hornfair Park provides extra green space if little ones still have energy afterwards.

Best for: Heated swimming and year-round visits

Nearest station: Charlton

North London

Parliament Hill Lido | Hampstead Heath

Surrounded by trees on Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill Lido combines outdoor swimming with one of London’s prettiest park settings. The heated 60-metre pool is great for families with older children, while afterwards you can explore the Heath, playgrounds and cafés nearby.

Best for: Scenic family swims

Nearest Overground: Gospel Oak

Park Road Lido | Crouch End

This popular heated outdoor pool has dedicated children’s sessions, learner areas and a friendly neighbourhood feel. It’s particularly popular with families looking for a slightly quieter alternative to some of London’s larger lidos.

Best for: Younger swimmers

Nearest Tube: Highgate

East London

London Fields Lido | Hackney

Heated all year round, London Fields Lido is a favourite with local families. The 50-metre pool has designated family swim sessions, while London Fields itself offers playgrounds, cafés and plenty of picnic space nearby.

Best for: Year-round swimming

Nearest Overground: London Fields

West London

Serpentine Lido | Hyde Park

One of London’s most iconic outdoor swimming spots, the Serpentine Lido also has a dedicated children’s paddling pool, making it especially appealing for younger families. Add boating, playgrounds and Hyde Park’s open spaces and you’ve got an easy all-day adventure.

Best for: Younger children and central London days out

Nearest Tube: Lancaster Gate

Hillingdon Lido | Uxbridge

A little further out but well worth the journey, Hillingdon Lido features both an outdoor pool and a splash park, making it one of the most family-friendly swimming destinations in Greater London. There are grassy areas for picnics and plenty of space for children to play.

Best for: Families with children of different ages

Nearest Tube: Uxbridge

South West London

Hampton Pool | Hampton

One of London’s hidden gems, Hampton Pool is heated all year and particularly magical for evening swims. Families love the relaxed atmosphere, inflatable sessions during summer and spacious sunbathing lawns.

Best for: Family swim sessions and inflatables

Nearest station: Hampton

Family Tips for Visiting London’s Lidos

• Book online in advance where possible, especially during school holidays.
• Take wetsuits for younger children if visiting unheated pools.
• Arrive early to secure a good spot on the grass.
• Pack flip-flops, towels, sunscreen, hats and plenty of snacks.
• Check family swim times, as some pools have lane-only sessions.

Which London Lido is Best for Families?

• Best for toddlers: Serpentine Lido
• Best heated pool: London Fields Lido
• Best for older children: Tooting Bec Lido
• Best all-round family day out: Brockwell Lido
• Best hidden gem: Hampton Pool
• Best for year-round swimming: Charlton Lido

FAQs: London Lidos with Kids

Which London lido is best for toddlers?

If you’re visiting with toddlers, the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park is one of the best options thanks to its dedicated children’s paddling pool and spacious grassy areas nearby. Park Road Lido in Crouch End and Charlton Lido also offer family-friendly sessions that are ideal for younger swimmers. If your little ones would rather splash than swim, London’s splash pads, including those at Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, are also worth considering.

Are London lidos suitable for children?

Yes, many London lidos welcome children, although facilities vary. Some have dedicated family swim sessions, learner-friendly areas or paddling pools, while others are better suited to confident swimmers. It’s always worth checking each lido’s website before visiting, as age restrictions, session times and booking requirements can vary throughout the summer.

Do you need to book London lidos in advance?

During warm weather and school holidays, many London lidos sell out quickly. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, particularly at popular pools such as Brockwell Lido, London Fields Lido and Parliament Hill Lido. Early morning and weekday sessions are often quieter than weekends.

Are any London lidos heated?

Yes. Several of London’s most popular outdoor pools are heated, making them comfortable for swimming even outside peak summer. Heated favourites include London Fields Lido, Charlton Lido, Parliament Hill Lido, Park Road Lido and Hampton Pool, which remains open throughout the year.

Which London lido is best for older children?

Families with confident swimmers and teenagers often love Tooting Bec Lido, the UK’s largest freshwater swimming pool. Brockwell Lido and Parliament Hill Lido are also excellent choices thanks to their large pools and nearby parks where children can continue playing after their swim.

Which London lido has a paddling pool?

The Serpentine Lido is one of the best-known London lidos with a dedicated children’s paddling pool. Some leisure centres with outdoor pools also provide shallow learner areas, but not every traditional lido has a separate paddling pool, so it’s worth checking facilities before you visit.

What should you take to a London lido?

Pack swimsuits, towels, flip-flops or waterproof sandals, sunscreen, hats, refillable water bottles and snacks. Many families also bring picnic blankets, goggles and swim toys for younger children. For unheated pools, wetsuits can help younger children stay warm, especially earlier or later in the season.

Which London lido is the warmest?

For families looking for warmer water, Charlton Lido, London Fields Lido and Hampton Pool are among the best heated outdoor pools in London. Water temperatures are typically maintained at around 24–28°C, depending on the venue and time of year.

Are London lidos open all year?

Some are! While many outdoor pools operate seasonally, London Fields Lido, Charlton Lido, Parliament Hill Lido, Park Road Lido and Hampton Pool are all open year-round, making outdoor swimming possible even during the colder months.

What is the best family lido in London?

If you’re looking for an all-round family day out, Brockwell Lido is hard to beat. The outdoor pool sits within beautiful Brockwell Park, where you’ll also find playgrounds, cafés, picnic spots and plenty of green space. Families with younger children may prefer the Serpentine Lido, while Hampton Pool is a fantastic option if you’re after a quieter atmosphere and heated water.

Editor’s Picks

Our favourite London lidos for families

• Best overall: Brockwell Lido
• Best for toddlers: Serpentine Lido
• Best heated lido: Hampton Pool
• Best for older kids: Tooting Bec Lido
• Best park setting: Parliament Hill Lido
• Best hidden gem: Park Road Lido
• Best year-round swim: London Fields Lido

See more what’s on here.