The Best Summer Swimming Spots in and around London

London might not have air-conditioning, but there’s one thing we do have: plenty of places to cool off. In fact, London was named one of the world’s best cities for swimming in 2019. So, bring on the heatwaves, because summer’s about to go swimmingly.

From wild swimming and sunny beaches to Olympic pools and Art Deco spas, here are eight of the best spots to swim this month 🏊

Sea Lanes, Canary Wharf 🧖

This brand-new swimming and sauna complex is the perfect easy relaxation trip. Alongside saunas and wild swimming in Eden Dock, there’s a lounge and café where you can kick back with an Aperol Spritz between laps – or use as Dutch courage before diving into the chilly water.

Beachy Head, Eastbourne ⛰️

Beachy Head is known for its dramatic white chalk cliffs – the highest in the UK – and it’s also home to our second English Centre! But we’re not biased, we promise.

Eastbourne’s beaches and nature trails are some of the best in the country, with turquoise water and breathtaking views. Plus, it’s the sunniest place in the UK, with over 200 days of sunshine a year.

The Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park 🦆

Usually reserved for members of the Serpentine Swimming Club, the oldest swimming club in Britain, Hyde Park’s 40-acre lake opens to the public from June to mid-September.

Be warned, though: it’s a cool dip – there’s no heating, but plenty of friends (read: ducks). Does one make up for the other? We think so.

Botany Bay, Kent 🏖️

Famous for its striking cliffs and golden sands, Botany Bay feels worlds away from London – except it’s less than two hours via train. At low tide, you can explore caves, rock pools, and quiet stretches of beach before cooling off in the sea. It’s one of the South East’s most picturesque coastal swimming spots.

London Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 🏅

Serious about swimming? Take it to the Olympics. Originally built for the 2012 Olympic Games, the London Aquatics Centre is one of the most impressive swimming facilities in the country, with a huge 50-metre pool, a dedicated diving pool, and a full gym.

Don’t be intimidated, though: it’s open to swimmers of all abilities, with beginner diving and swimming lessons available, too.

Porchester Spa, Bayswater 🛁

With lots of things getting more expensive – especially in the capital – it’s refreshing to see some things unchanged. Porchester Spa is one of them, in more ways than one.

Built in the 1920s, it has retained much of its original charm, with Art Deco interiors and traditional Turkish baths housed in a beautiful Grade II-listed building. For just £30, you get day access to the swimming pool, saunas, and steam rooms. Just don’t expect refined luxury: it’s a no-fuss, bring-your-own-towel kind of place.

Camber Sands, Sussex 🐚

Regularly considered one of the best beaches in the UK, Camber Sands is a huge stretch of soft sandy beach backed by four miles of rolling sand dunes. It’s also the perfect place to swim, thanks to its relatively calm, shallow waters – and most importantly, it’s one of the warmer spots for a dip during the summer months.

After a day by the sea, stop off in Rye, an idyllic medieval town filled with quaint tea rooms and cobbled streets.

Hampstead Heath Ponds🌳

Hampstead Heath Ponds have been one of London’s most beloved wild swimming spots since the 1860s, when the Men’s Pond became a melting pot of Londoners from all walks of life.

Thankfully, the Ladies’ Pond soon followed, offering a picturesque swimming spot surrounded by trees. Be ready for queues on hot days, though – this local favourite is no secret.

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