London is officially home to the best lido in Britain – and it’s a Grade II listed swimming spot with Art Deco architecture and old-school charm

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Katie Forge

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  10 July, 2026

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Tomorrow (July 11) marks both National Swimming Pool Day and yet another 30-degree day in the capital city. And if that’s not a sign to go and find yourself some open water to splash about in, I truly don’t know what is. Rather handily right on cue, the AA have just released this year’s ‘Lido League’, revealing the very best outdoor pools in Britain.

The AA analysed over 160 locations across the country for the occasion, basing their findings on factors including Google search popularity, review scores, social media engagement, entry and parking costs, and sunshine and temperature data. Once all the data was thoroughly crunched they dished out an overall score to each swimming spot. And maintaining its number one position in the league table is Brockwell Lido.

Brockwell Lido has been named the best in Britain

The Grade II listed Brockwell Lido was given a chart-topping score of 72.58 out of 100. For the second year in a row, this much-loved lido has been named the UK’s best place to take an outdoor dip. One of London’s few remaining 1930s lidos, the iconic south London spot seamlessly blends its rich history and heritage with modern-day amenities and ambience – and managed to cling on to its crown with a rather impressive 49,500 average monthly Google searches and 15,300 Instagram hashtags.

Alongside the 50-metre pool, the Art Deco lido boasts a cafe, a gym, a sauna, and regular wellness events. Brockwell Lido wasn’t the only London pool to make a splash in the top ten. Tooting Bec Lido came in third place, London Fields Lido followed closely behind in fourth place, and Greenland Dock in Surrey Quays nabbed the ninth place position. Not bad, hey?

The UK’s loveliest lidos and outdoor pools (according to the AA):

1. Brockwell Lido, London
2. Stoney Cove, Leicestershire
3. Tooting Bec Lido, London
4. London Fields Lido, London
5. Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset
6. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall
7. Sale Water Park, Greater Manchester
8. Dancing Ledge, Dorset
9. Greenland Dock, London
10. Tollesbury Woodup Pool, Essex

You can read the AA’s full findings here.