West Reservoir Centre - Hackney, East London
At the time of writing, this venue is advertised for experienced swimmers only as they have ceased inductions due to the pandemic. They have 2 courses available during the colder months, a 100m warm-up lane and a 200m loop but longer courses are available during warmer months.
Pre-booking is essential and slots are currently limited to 1 hour per day. The changing rooms are closed for safety to participants will need to come ready to swim.
A swim here will cost £10 per person.
Swimming Ponds -Hampstead Heath, North London
There are a selection of different pools to choose from on the health, advanced bookings are not required at any of the sites during the winter months and are instead managed on a first-come-first served basis, so a queue may be necessary:
Parliament Hill Lido is a 60m open air pool which operates 365 days per year and is open to all.
Hampstead Mixed Pond is open to strong swimmers only. Accompanied children between 8 and 15 are allowed, but will be required to complete a competency test on their first time. This pond is only available to the public between April and October each year, during the winter months it is handed over to the winter swimming club.
Kenwood Ladies Pond and Highgate Mens Pond are open to strong swimmers only. Like the mixed pond, accompanied children between 8 and 15 are allowed, but will be required to complete a competency test on their first time.
Advanced bookings are not required at any of the sites during the winter months and are instead managed on a first-come-first served basis, so a queue may be necessary.
A swim here will cost £4.05 for adults, £2.43 for concessions and £1.21 for children.
Beckenham Park Place Lake - Lewisham, South East London
The site of London's first purpose built swimming lake is open to ages 8 and up although under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult. Pre-booking is essential and a 30minute induction is required for first time winter swimmers at a cost of £10.
A swim here will cost £5 per hour for adult Lewisham residents (£6 for non-residents) and £3 for children (£3.50 for non-residents).
London Royal Docks - Victoria Dock, East London
Located at the historic Victoria Dock, this venue is operated by Love Open Water who provide several different courses: 150m, 400m, and 750m. You will need to join as a member which will cost £12 per year and then pre-book your 1 hour swimming slots via their handy app. A swim here will cost £8 per hour (plus membership).
Serpentine Lido - Hyde Park, Central London
Open from May to September each year, this is a truly iconic swimming location in London and home to the oldest swimming club in Britain. Pre-booking here is essential and timed slots have been limited to 45 minutes due to the pandemic.
A swim here will cost you £5 per 45 minutes.
Tooting Bec Lido - Tooting, South London
Operated by Places Leisure, this is the largest outdoor lido in the UK and there is no need to sign up for a membership to make use of the facilities (although this might be of benefit if you are a regular). Pre-booking is necessary and it's worth keeping an eye on the website as opening is weather dependant throughout the year. Children are allowed although under 8s do need to be supervised by an adult at all times.
A swim here will cost you £8 for adults, £5 for children and seniors (without a membership)