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Lidos And Outdoor Swimming Pools Near Me

Is there anything better than going swimming in the summer? At Better, our lidos, lakes and outdoor swimming pools are the perfect place to cool down on a hot day, unwind with family and friends or even catch a few laps after work.

Lidos are public outdoor swimming pools that people can visit for fitness or relaxation. From casual sessions to swimming lessons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across our lidos.

Our Outdoor Swimming Pools

At Better, we offer a range of lidos, outdoor pools, reservoirs and lakes so you can enjoy the pleasures of open air swimming, no matter your level:

London Lidos

Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club

Heated 50m Lido

Best for: All-season open-air swimming

Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club is home to a heated Olympic-size outdoor pool that's open 12 months a year. Located in South London, it's the ideal spot for year-round swimmers looking to enjoy fresh air and fitness in any season. The club also features a state-of-the-art gym, group exercise studio, tennis courts, summer sunbathing areas, and a welcoming on-site café – offering everything you need to stay active and unwind, whatever the weather.

Book Charlton Lido

Finchley Lido Leisure Centre

Unheated 25m Lido

Best for: Summer swimming

Finchley Lido Leisure Centre in Barnet (in North London) is open to an unheated open air pool which is open during the summer months (open when the temperature is above 22° C). If the weather take a turn, there’s also an indoor pool with wave machine, spraying air jets, water cannons and rolling rapids. Other facilities include a gym, fitness studios and a sauna.

Book Finchley Lido

Hillingdon Lido

Unheated 50m Lido

Best for: Summer swimming

This Grade II-listed, 50m outdoor lido in West London is a great place to enjoy a swim between April and October. With cascade fountains and a heated splash pool for children, this outdoor swimming pool is the perfect destination for some family fun. Other facilities include indoor pools, a gym, sports halls sun loungers and a café.

Book Hillingdon Lido

London Fields Lido

Heated 50m Lido

Best for: Year-round outdoor swimming

London Fields Lido is a 50m Olympic size, outdoor swimming pool located in Hackney, in North London. This swimming pool is open all year round and offers a range of activities including lane swimming and swimming lessons for children and adults. Other facilities include a café as well as a large sundeck and sunbathing area.

Book London Fields Lido

Oasis Sports Centre

Heated 27.5m Outdoor Pool

Best for: Scenic swimming in London

According to TimeOut, Oasis Sports Centre in Camden, North London, is one of London’s best kept secrets! A 27.5m outdoor pool with an unrivalled history, this pool started life as a Turkish Bath in 1728. Nowadays, it’s the perfect place for a dip with friends or a swim with the whole family. Other facilities include a gym, sports studios, squash courts and a sauna.

Book a swim now

West Reservoir Centre

Open Water Swimming Venue

Best for: Open Water Swimming

West Reservoir is a manmade lake in the heart of Stoke Newington in North London. It’s also London’s foremost Open Water Swimming venue, making it ideal for more experienced swimmers wanting to give this activity a go. Other facilities include a scenic café and outdoor terrace, a watersports centre and various corporate venue hire options.

Book West Reservoir

East of England Lidos

Jesus Green Lido

Unheated 91.4m Lido

Best for: Experienced outdoor swimmers

Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge is one of the few remaining examples of 1920s lidos in the UK. It also the longest pool in the UK, at just under 100m long. Open all year round, this venue is suitable for those who have outdoor swimming experience ( we recommend a wetsuit). Other facilities include cafés, an outdoor picnic area and a sauna.

Book Jesus Green Lido

Stanborough lake

Open Water Swimming Venue

Best for: Open Water Swimming

Set in the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City and surrounded by a beautiful countryside park, competent swimmers can take up Open Water Swimming at Stanborough lake. You'll also find a café serving hot and cold beverages plus snacks as well as plenty more water activities to try. Other facilities include splash pads and event fields.  

Discover Stanborough Lake

Oxfordshire Lidos

Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool

Heated 22m Outdoor Pool

Best for: Family days at the pool

Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool, located in Oxfordshire, offers both lane swimming more casual Swim for All sessions, meaning there’s something for all ages and abilities for fun and fitness. The pool is also heated meaning you can still enjoy an outdoor swim on cooler days. Other facilities include a spash pad.

Book at Abbey Meadows

Riverside Park and Pools

Heated 23m Outdoor Pool

Best for: Family days at the pool

Riverside Park and Pools in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire, is a fantastic location for a family day out. Near the River Thames, this pool is perfect for a leisurely swim with little ones and older kids alike. We also offer a Splash Park to help younger children stay cool during the summer. Other facilities include a café and nearby campsite.

Book at Riverside Park

Woodstock Open Air Pool

Heated 25m Lido

Best for: Swimming with friends and family

Woodstock Open Air Pool, located in Oxfordshire, is a four-lane, 25-metre outdoor lido, perfect for both leisure and fitness swimming. From 24th May to 20th July, the pool offers cool, unheated swimming for those who enjoy a refreshing dip. Facilities include a diving board, indoor changing rooms with hot showers, a café, and a large grassed picnic area.

Book Woodstock Open Air Pool

Book outdoor swimming online

At Better, we want everyone to experience the joys of swimming.

All lido sessions will need to be pre-booked online or via the Better UK app, following the easy steps below.

To make a booking on the website:

  • Find your nearest Better lido or outdoor swimming pool
  • Select the activity you’re interested in to see timetables and availability
  • Click ‘Book’ on the timeslot you want and log in to complete your booking

On the Better UK app:

  • Log in and find your nearest Better centre
  • Select the activity you’re interested in to see timetables and availability

Click ‘Book Now’ on the timeslot you want and follow the instructions to complete your booking

If you’re planning a visit to one of our lidos, why not see what else is happening in your area? From watersports sessions to saunas, check your local outdoor pool to see what else is on offer.

Beat the Heat with Splash Pads

Make the most of the sunny days by visiting various splash pads across London and the home counties with your children. Featuring fountains, sprinklers and other engaging water features, these spots provide a perfect way for your kids to stay cool during hot weather.

Many of these splash pads offer free admission - be sure to verify before visiting. Locations include:

*Please check individual locations for opening times.

Hear from our swimmers

Ready to take the plunge? Hear how our swimmers enjoy their outdoor swims:

"Just being able to be free and literally wash it away with the open water - it's fantastic. You can free your mind from just going backwards and forwards and it's a bit like the water equivalent of the first time you get on a bicycle, you have that sense of freedom. You're completely free to just swim out." - Joe, a Better Member

Swimming outdoors makes me feel free, it's challenging which is one of the things I like about it. You can feel literally out of your depth. I like the freedom of it. You're surrounded by sky and water and not very much else really. Swimming here allows you to swim in the same space as your mates or people with the same love of the water as you do." - Sally, a Better Member

Benefits of Cold-Water Swimming

When the sun is shining, taking a dip in cold water can be very refreshing. With a few of our lidos being non-heated, including our open water venues, here are some of the other benefits of cold-water swimming:

  • It can help with aching muscles
  • It can boost your circulation and your immune system
  • It can help you sleep better at night
  • It can help reduce stress and improve your mental wellbeing
  • It can help you make friends if you join a swimming group

Want to know more? Check out the RNLI’s guide to cold water swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you wear to swim in a lido?

All you need to swim in our lidos is swimwear that you feel comfortable in.

For our unheated lidos and lakes, you might want to bring a wetsuit, especially when the weather is cooler. You cannot hire a wetsuit at Better.

To swim at West Reservoir or Stanborough Lake, you’ll also need a brightly-coloured swim hat which can buy at the venue.  

Are Better lidos open year-round?

At Better, many of our lidos and outdoor pools are open all year long so you can enjoy outdoor swimming whatever the weather. These include:

What should I know to keep myself and others safe while swimming?

We want everyone to enjoy the water safely. Please follow these important guidelines:

  • Children under 8 and non-swimmers under 16 must be with a competent adult swimmer at all times.
  • Each adult swimmer can supervise up to two children or non-swimmers.
  • Supervising adults should stay close and keep a watchful eye on those they’re looking after.
  • To keep things safe, under-8s and all non-swimmers must stay in shallow water.
  • We strongly recommend using armbands or suitable buoyancy aids for under-8s and non-swimmers.

Are you an adult non-swimmer? We recommend bringing a confident swimmer with you to help you stay safe and feel comfortable in the water.

For more guidance on loving the water safely, visit the dedicated Swim Safely webpage. 

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Swim Membership

Make the most of your local Better pool with a Swim UK membership. Whether you want to attend regular swimming lessons or simply spend some time in the pool each week, enjoy inclusive access to over 140 pools across the UK.

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Swimming Lessons

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or want to grow your confidence in the water, our range of swimming lessons for adults and children will help you build your skills and become an independent swimmer. We also offer 1-to-1 sessions and swimming lessons for people with disabilities.

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