London's Lidos can open soon - here are our favourites!

While this lockdown seems to have gone on forever, the announcement of the government's roadmap and some dates for restrictions being lifted has helped us see there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

One of the first things that can open are outdoor swimming pools (hopefully on 29th March). It has been so long, we may have forgotten how to swim! But anything that isn’t sitting in the house or going for a walk we are up for trying!

There are many lidos around London, some heated, some unheated and some places where you can take part in open-water swimming. We have rounded up some of our favourites.

London Fields Lido

Located in Hackney, you will find a 50m Olympic sized swimming pool which is heated for those of us who don’t like the cold. The lido is oven all year round and also has a large deck for sunbathing on nicer days as well as a café.

Parliament Hill Fields Lido

This lido is a whopping 60 metres and is open all year long even on Christmas day. Check opening times before you go as last entry times are in place. The pool is located on Gordon House Road and is unheated, however they tweet the temperature so you can decide if the temperature is for you or not.

The Swimming Ponds

Would you brave wild swimming? Located in Hampstead Heath there are 3 ponds; a mixed, a men’s and a women’s pond where you will be closely watched over by lifeguards. The ponds are due to open in April and you can even buy merchandise.

Brockwell Lido

As the name suggests this lido is located in Brockwell Park and is 50 metres long, beware it is unheated but will be super refreshing in the hot weather. The café serves pizzas, coffee and cold drinks and has views over the pool.

London Royal Docks

Open water swimming is allowed at London Royal Docks where you can enjoy great views while you swim. You can choose a casual swim or if you have a race coming up you can train here as certain distances are marked to assist with training.

Hampton Pool

This is another pool that is open all year and offers separate lanes for fun swimming and more serious swims. The pool is a lush 28 degrees and is 36 metres, as well as the lido there is an indoor swimming pool, kids pool, sunbathing area, café and more. At some times of the year you can even do midnight swims under the stars.

Charlton Lido

Charlton Lido is another 50m Olympic sized pool and is located in the heart of Greenwich. The pool is fully heated and there are 2 sun terraces, a café which opens seasonally and a gym.

Hillingdon Lido

The 50m lido is not the only pool at Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Centre, you will also find an indoor main pool, teaching pool and leisure pool. There are a number of sports available as well as a café and even a creche.