Summer is back!

Making the most of the summer sun in the UK is a must and there's nothing better than spending a hot day by the poolside. Whether you're using the pool for training or simply want to pretend you're on holiday for a while, here are our top lidos in London that are perfect for the summer months.

London Fields Lido, Hackney 

You can make the most of this outdoor swimming pool all year round, with lane swimming available all day. Not only is it Olympic size but it's also heated so you can go for a dip to warm up in Winter. Click here to view the peak times and memberships so you can decide what time is best for you.

Oasis Sports Centre, Covent Garden

Located in the centre of the West End, you can find the only outdoor pool in Central London that is heated. With the choice of an open-air pool, indoor pool and sun terrace, this is the ideal spot for exercising and topping up your tan. If you're a serious swimmer, try to avoid visiting on hot summer weekends and peak times as it can get very busy and it's probably best to just go for a paddle. 

Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill

Although this pool is further from the centre, it has been a landmark for the local community for almost a century! From the 50m outdoor pool to group exercise classes, this is a great place to boost your fitness during the week. Brockwell Lido is run by Fusion - a registered charity - so you know your money is going towards improving the local facilities and activities. If you work up an appetite, you can always pop into the cafe for a post-swim snack. 

Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club, Greenwich

If you find yourself in South London, this place comes highly recommended and has been dubbed as the area's premier fitness spot. Located in Hornfair Park, you can choose to take a dip in the Olympic-sized, heated pool, workout in the fitness facilities or sunbathe on the terrace. Although Charlton Lido is further from the city centre, there are plenty of regular buses that stop just outside the club, but it is a little more expensive so you might want to wait until your student loan has dropped depending on your budget.

Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park 

Looking to dip your toe into something new? This open-water swimming destination is one of the most iconic summer spots in London with picturesque views of the city and local wildlife nearby. Make sure you get there soon as it closes to the public in early September and is only open to the Serpentine Swimming Club for the rest of the year (fun fact: the swimming club is the oldest in Britain). It's also home to the Lido Cafe Bar which has waterside tables that are perfect for some post-swim drinks.

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

After a leisurely stroll through the woodland, why not take a dip into one of the many swimming lakes at Hampstead Heath? The women's and men's ponds are open all year round and there's even a mixed pond that's open to the public during the summer, but to use this pool in the winter you'll need to join the Heath Winter Swimming Club. To make it even easier, there's now an online booking system you can use to make sure you don't miss out. 

Just a short walk away, you can find one of the most famous lidos in the city, Parliament Hill Lido which is the only stainless steel lined pool in the UK.

London Royal Docks

There's nothing better than swimming with a view, and the London Royal Docks does not disappoint! As one of the most scenic open water venues in the world, the city is a beautiful backdrop for when you go for a dip. This is a great site for competitive training but there's a casual area for leisure swimmers so you have the best of both worlds here. 

Open Water Swimming at Canary Wharf

Saving one of the best until last, you can now dive head first into Canary Wharf's very first open water swimming venue. All you need to do is buy a NOWCA membership for just £15 a year, which also gives you access to all 40 NOWCA locations (a great way to spend summer exploring). If you find yourself here often, it might be a good idea to download the ACTiO app which allows you to book and pay online, check swim stats and update emergency contacts and medical information, so you can always swim safe. 

Don't let summer float by, grab your goggles and get out there!