The best outdoor swimming spots in the UK
![Thames Lido in Reading is thought to be the oldest surviving lido from the Edwardian Era. [Photo: Thames Lido]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/W.eUGgxC5mt_dVj8D6xmYA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02MjE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/a92068d0bdbcd1dd910aef97e962de47)
As human nature dictates, when the temperature rises above 25 degrees it’s imperative to flock to the nearest spit of water.
And for us Brits, the rarity of such an occasion means this week’s heatwave has lidos and open-air pools across the country packed to the brim.
There really is nothing like spending the day lounging in the sun with your nearest and dearest with the occasional dip in the pool.
So get up early, pack your towel, and get yourself down to one of these outdoor swimming spots, from a traditional 70s lido, to a pool overlooked by a 20-meter art installation and the pond that’s just for ladies…
Hampstead Heath Ladies’ Pond, London
Round up your girlfriends and head to Hampstead Heath ladies pond for a beautiful swimming spot surrounded by nature.
Denoting to its name, the pond is just for ladies but is part of a chain of ponds, including male and group ponds, which are situated on the eastern fringe of Hampstead Heath.
What the bank holiday is made for 🧜🏼♀️ @sophiep936 @amy.lineham
A post shared by Millie Moriarty (@milliemoriarty) on May 7, 2018 at 3:31am PDT
Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill, London
Nestled in the corner of Brockwell Park, this much-loved lido has been serving south London locals since 1937.
The 50m outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by lots of room for bathers and a poolside cafe for mid-morning snacks.
A word of working: get there early as its prone to filling up fast, and not just on weekends.
Mauritius-ish. 🏊🏽♂️😎🏊🏻♀️ #nofilter etc
A post shared by Edwina (@edwina_watson) on Jun 25, 2018 at 12:07pm PDT
London Fields Lido, Hackney, London
This Hackney-based lido boasts a 50m heated (25c) outdoor pool that’s open year-round.
Located in the north-west corner of London Fields Park, the lido attracts swarms of young people in summer who are passing through on their way to East London’s urban hotspots.
A post shared by dannidw (@danni_dewolfe) on Jun 26, 2018 at 9:00am PDT
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, London
The Serpentine Lido is located on its namesake lake running through Hyde Park, close to the famous art gallery.
This year’s bathers are unique: they’ll will be able to get up close and personal with The Mastaba, a temporary 20-meter sculpture by artist duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude as a special project for the Serpentine Lake, which floats directly in the middle.
Get your culture fix while breast-stoking in the sun.
A post shared by Cristina Cipolli (@cristinacipolli) on Jun 24, 2018 at 11:32am PDT
Pells Pool, Lewes, East Sussex
If you’re concerned by historical value, head to Pells Pool in East Sussex, the oldest documented freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the UK.
Set the historical town of Lewes, the pool celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2011 and is still just as popular today as it was back then.
Head down with your friends or family to enjoy the tree-lined lawn, sun terrace, ice-cream from the cafe and 50m pool.
A post shared by Pells Pool (@pellspool) on Jun 20, 2018 at 11:41am PDT
Ilkley Pool & Lido, West Yorkshire
This picturesque outdoor pool is only open from May to September, but it’s attractions make up for its brief opening time.
The outdoor pool sits among the stunning West Yorkshire countryside, lined by trees and poolside views of green, rolling hills.
Just lovely.
A post shared by Abigail Gaut (@abigailgaut) on Jun 27, 2018 at 12:25pm PDT
Clifton Lido, Bristol
Clifton Lido in Bristol is so much more than just a lido.
Tucked away within the residential Georgian streets of Clifton, the urban oasis is open all year round and offers a poolside cafe, restaurants and spa facilities.
Early birthday treat, thank you @jess_higham 🏊🏽♀️👙🌞
A post shared by Chloé (@chloedawnhusain) on Jun 27, 2018 at 8:44am PDT
Thames Lido, Reading
The Thames lido in Reading is believed to be the oldest surviving outdoor municipal pool from the Edwardian period, sitting just on the river Thames.
Having gone out of use in the 1970s, the pool was given a lifeline in 2014 when architects Marshall and Kendon (the same team behind Clifton Lido in Bristol) were given the task of restoring the site.
Four years and £3.5m later, the Thames Lido now boasts an outdoor poor, spa restaurant and bar.
It’s a must-see if you’re in the area.
A post shared by Guardian Travel (@guardiantravelsnaps) on Nov 1, 2017 at 3:48am PDT
Hathersage Outdoor Pool, Hope Valley
Ten miles from Sheffield, Hathersage’s outdoor swimming pool is a jewel or the community.
Welcoming swimmers all year round (yes, even in the snowiest winters), the pool boasts a poolside lawn for sunbathers, a glorious bandstand and stands guests to watch the many swimming competitions they host throughout the year.
A post shared by Evie Muir (@xeviemuir) on Jun 26, 2018 at 11:12am PDT
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