If you can even bear to leave the house (my thoughts are with those of you travelling on the Tube, working outdoors, or not able to work from home today), there are probably only a few things on your mind: Where is the nearest ice cream? Where is the nearest spot for a cold drink? And where can you go for a swim to cool off? And while this article can’t help with the first two questions (but we have other articles for that…), I can point you towards the very best place for a swim in London!
But this isn’t just my pick for a good swimming spot. When the heat wave was just a thought in the distance, I turned to our audience of Secret London readers to find out where Londoners actually swim. I asked ‘Where is the best place for a swim in London?‘ And you guys sure had a lot of opinions!
Amidst an impressive array of responses, ranging all across the city (and even outside of London to Durdle Door), one spot just kept on coming up. And the runaway winner, officially the best place for a swim in London, is…
Drum roll please…
The Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds!
By now, the ponds are a world-famous spot for wild swimming. Londoners and visitors alike will jump into its (very cold!) waters all year round. And even if you don’t stay in the cold water for long, it’s sure to refresh you and perk you right up! So, it’s no surprise that it took the top spot.
The top 10 best places for a swim in London
But, of course, not everyone will be able to get to the Hampstead Heath Ponds. Nor is there space for everyone to jump in! So, why not check out one of these other primo swimming spots in the capital?
- Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
- Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
- Oasis Sports Centre
- Brockwell Lido
- Tooting Bec Lido
- Serpentine Lido
- London Fields Lido
- West Reservoir Centre
- Parliament Hill Fields Lido
- Hampton Pool
Ultimately, too, it depends on where you are. On an extremely hot day, you don’t want to be travelling across the city to a lido that’s already full of people. Nor do you want to stand on a packed train for hours as everyone goes to the same beach near London (I’m looking at you, Folkestone…)
So, instead of chasing the crowds around the city for the very best spot for a swim, why not head somewhere local? It might not be London’s best spot for a swim, but it’s sure to be your best spot for a swim.
