Top five cold water swimming spots to beat the blues in London

1. Hampstead Heath Ponds

The stunning natural scenery of Hampstead Heath makes swimming in these ponds an idyllic experience. The Ladies’ and Men’s Ponds are open year-round while the Mixed Pond is open from April to October – although the City of London Corporation has recently announced plans to extend the season due to its popularity. 

Good to know: The ponds are a great place for a solo dip or swim with friends, but are not too keen on large groups. If you’re searching for a cold-water swimming club, you’d be better off looking elsewhere. 

2.  West Reservoir 

Home to Swim Peeps, Hackney’s West Reservoir also features watersports like sailing and kayaking. It’s open year-round and spans an impressive 30 acres, offering plenty of space to lose yourself in the calm of the water. 

Good to know: West Reservoir is currently undergoing building works to improve the facilities. While the reservoir is still open, it might be a bit noisier than usual! 

3. Serpentine Lido 

Nestled in the heart of Hyde Park, Serpentine Lido is the perfect summer swimming spot. The 100m stretch is open to all from June to mid-September, with weekend sessions available from May. 

Good to know: Early morning and winter swimming sessions are only available to members of the historic Serpentine Swimming Club, so if you’re looking for a truly cold water experience, this might not be the spot for you. 

4. Parliament Hill Lido 

If you’re looking for a chlorinated alternative to the Hampstead Ponds, Parliament Hill Lido is a 60m open-air swimming pool just next door. It’s open year-round and is a favourite of swimming groups like the Chilly Dippers. 

Good to know: The lido is just a short walk away from Parliament Hill where you can see spectacular views of the London skyline on a clear day. 

5. Royal Docks

For a uniquely urban swimming experience, London’s Royal Docks offer a clean and safe expanse of open water. The docks are open year-round, but if you want to swim in the winter you have to book in advance. 

Good to know: You can go for a dip in the casual swimming area but you might catch some speedy swimmers racing past you – the docks are also used for competitive training.