London has a surprisingly good collection of swimming pools and outdoor lidos for families. From heated year-round pools that welcome families whatever the weather, to open-air lidos that become the best places in the city on a warm summer day, there is far more choice than most parents realise. This guide covers the standout options across the city, from south London to the Thames Valley.
A few things to check before you visit any of these venues: session times for family swimming (many pools have dedicated family sessions separate from lane swimming), whether under 5s swim free, and whether advance booking is required. Outdoor lidos in particular often operate a pre-booking system during peak summer weeks.
Brockwell Lido is one of the most loved outdoor pools in London, set within the grounds of Brockwell Park in Herne Hill. The 50-metre pool has a distinctly 1930s character and a loyal local following. It is an outdoor, unheated pool which means it is at its best in summer, though keen cold-water swimmers use it year-round.
For families, the lido has a genuine community feel that makes it less intimidating than some of the more fashionable outdoor pools. The surrounding parkland means there is plenty of space to set up after a swim. Check the current season opening dates and family session times directly with the venue before planning a visit.
Parliament Hill Lido sits at the foot of Hampstead Heath and has been a north London institution for generations. Like Brockwell, it is an unheated 60-metre outdoor pool, cold by most standards but beloved for it. On a warm summer day, with the Heath stretching out behind you, it is hard to beat.
The lido is managed by the City of London Corporation as part of the Hampstead Heath estate. Family sessions run during the summer months, and under 8s must be supervised by an adult at all times in the water. The lido also hosts open water swimming events throughout the year, which are worth keeping an eye on if you have older children who are strong swimmers.
London Fields Lido is one of the few outdoor pools in London that is heated and open year-round, which makes it considerably more practical for families than the unheated alternatives. The 50-metre pool sits inside London Fields park in Hackney and has been a focal point of the east London outdoor swimming scene since it reopened in 2006 after a long closure.
Being heated and covered by a retractable roof means you can visit in colder months without the full cold-water experience. Family sessions are available, and the pool's east London location makes it a natural part of a wider day out in Hackney. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly at weekends and in summer.
Hampton Pool is an outdoor heated lido in Hampton, near Richmond, and it is consistently cited by parents as one of the best family swimming spots in London. The pool is heated to a comfortable temperature and open year-round, including through winter, which is what sets it apart from the seasonal unheated lidos. Seeing steam rise off a pool while swimming outdoors on a cold morning is a genuinely special experience.
The pool has a friendly, community-run character and a good family session programme. It is popular with parents who live in the Richmond, Twickenham, and Kingston areas, and worth the journey from further afield for a summer visit. The surrounding green space is pleasant for after-swim picnics.
Charlton Lido is set within Hornfair Park in south-east London and is a good option for families in the Greenwich and Charlton area. The 50-metre outdoor pool operates seasonally during the summer months. It tends to be less crowded than the more famous lidos in Brixton and Hackney, which can make for a more relaxed family visit during peak summer.
Check the current season opening dates and family session availability directly with the venue. Like all outdoor lidos, it is best on a genuinely warm day.
The Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park is probably the most centrally located outdoor swimming option in London. The lido is set in the Serpentine lake and operates as a designated swimming area during summer months, with lifeguards and facilities. Its location in one of London's great parks means a lido visit combines naturally with a picnic, a playground visit, and a walk through central London.
For families, the Serpentine is best for children who are already confident in open water. The lake setting is different from a standard pool, and children need to be supervised closely. The lido operates seasonally and advance booking may be required during busy periods.
Pools on the Park in Richmond is a leisure centre complex next to the Old Deer Park, with both indoor and outdoor pools. The indoor pool is open year-round and the outdoor pool opens in the warmer months, giving families options whatever the season. It is a well-run facility with a good family programme and is particularly popular with families in the Richmond and Kew areas.
The combination of indoor and outdoor pools in one venue makes it a practical choice for families who want flexibility. The indoor learner pool is warm and well-suited for younger children and baby swimming lessons.
A few things that make pool visits with under 5s easier. Arrive at the start of a family session rather than mid-way through, as pools can get crowded and noisy later in the session. Bring a swim nappy for babies and very young toddlers, as this is required at most venues. A warm drink or snack in the bag for immediately after swimming helps with the cold and the inevitable hunger spike.
For swimming lessons rather than leisure sessions, see our guide to toddler classes in London which covers baby swimming programmes in more detail.
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