Swimming Pools in London: A Complete Guide
London boasts over 100 swimming pools ranging from Olympic-standard facilities to charming Victorian baths and iconic outdoor lidos. Whether you're looking for adult swimming lessons, fitness lap swimming, or relaxing leisure swims, London's diverse pool offerings cater to every need and budget.
This comprehensive guide highlights the best swimming pools across London for adults, covering public leisure centres, historic pools, outdoor lidos, and facilities offering adult swimming programs. We've categorized pools by type and location to help you find the perfect pool near you, whether you're in Central London, East London, South London, or beyond.
Many of London's top pools partner with swimming schools offering adult lessons, making them ideal for beginners through to advanced swimmers looking to refine their technique. From fitness training to leisure swimming, London has exceptional facilities to suit every swimmer.
Types of Swimming Pools in London
Public Leisure Centres
Borough-run facilities with affordable swimming, fitness classes, and adult lesson programs. £5-7 per swim, monthly memberships available.
Premium Facilities
Olympic-standard and high-spec pools with excellent facilities. Perfect for serious training and competitive swimming. £7-10 per swim.
Outdoor Lidos
Historic outdoor pools, many heated. Perfect for summer swimming and year-round cold water enthusiasts. Unique London swimming experience.
Adult Learning Pools
Pools with dedicated adult swimming lesson programs, shallow training areas, and beginner-friendly environments.
24-Hour Pools
Extended hours for shift workers and early birds. Some private gyms offer 24/7 pool access for ultimate flexibility.
Specialist Facilities
Triathlon training centres, rehabilitation pools, and specialist adult programs for nervous swimmers.
Top 15 Swimming Pools in London for Adults
Central London
Oasis Sports Centre
32 Endell Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9AG
Hidden gem in the heart of Covent Garden featuring a heated outdoor pool and indoor training pool. Perfect for adults seeking a central London location with lane swimming and adult lesson programs. The outdoor pool is heated year-round, offering a unique swimming experience.
Price: £6.50 per swim | Facilities: Gym, changing rooms, cafe | Best for: Central London workers
Marshall Street Leisure Centre
15 Marshall Street, Soho, W1F 7EL
Modern leisure centre in Soho with excellent facilities and adult swimming programs. Popular with working professionals due to central location and extended opening hours. Features dedicated lane swimming sessions and private adult lessons.
Price: £6.80 per swim | Facilities: Gym, sauna, steam room | Best for: Soho workers
Ironmonger Row Baths
1-11 Ironmonger Row, Islington, EC1V 3QF
Beautiful Victorian baths with modern facilities. Retains historic charm while offering contemporary swimming programs. Excellent adult beginner classes and welcoming atmosphere for nervous swimmers. Turkish baths available for post-swim relaxation.
Price: £5.90 per swim | Facilities: Turkish baths, sauna, gym | Best for: Historic experience
East London
London Aquatics Centre
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2ZQ
World-class Olympic legacy pool with spectacular architecture. Features 50m competition pool, 25m diving pool, and training pool. Ideal for serious swimmers and those wanting to train in Olympic-standard facilities. Multiple swimming schools operate here offering adult programs.
Price: £7.50 per swim | Facilities: Gym, cafe, spectator seating | Best for: Serious swimmers
London Fields Lido
London Fields West Side, Hackney, E8 3EU
Beautiful 50m heated outdoor pool open year-round. Perfect for those who love outdoor swimming with the convenience of heated water. Popular with fitness swimmers and offers lane swimming throughout the day. Vibrant cafe and community atmosphere.
Price: £6.00 per swim | Facilities: Heated changing, cafe, sunbathing area | Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts
York Hall Leisure Centre
5-15 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PJ
Historic East London leisure centre with recently refurbished pool and facilities. Strong community focus with excellent adult lesson programs. Features Turkish baths and spa facilities. Good value for East London residents with membership options.
Price: £5.50 per swim | Facilities: Turkish baths, gym, spa | Best for: Value and spa
South London
Tooting Bec Lido
Tooting Bec Road, Tooting, SW16 1RU
One of the largest and most famous lidos in Europe at 90 meters long. Open year-round with heated water in winter (20°C). Iconic swimming venue beloved by Londoners. Perfect for fitness swimming with generous lane space. Winter swimming community is particularly active.
Price: £7.00 per swim | Facilities: Cafe, changing rooms, sunbathing | Best for: Outdoor swimming lovers
Brockwell Lido
Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA
Beautiful Art Deco lido set in Brockwell Park. Heated May to September, with year-round swimming available. Popular with fitness swimmers and leisure swimmers alike. Excellent cafe and relaxed atmosphere. Strong swimming community with winter swimming club.
Price: £6.50 per swim | Facilities: Popular cafe, gym, changing rooms | Best for: Parkland swimming
Charlton Lido
Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Road, SE18 4LX
Recently refurbished 50m outdoor pool in Southeast London. Heated during summer months with family-friendly facilities. Offers adult lane swimming sessions and beginner programs. More affordable than central London lidos with excellent facilities.
Price: £5.50 per swim | Facilities: Cafe, changing rooms, gym | Best for: Southeast London
North London
Parliament Hill Lido
Hampstead Heath, Gordon House Road, NW5 1LP
Stunning 60m unheated lido on Hampstead Heath with spectacular views. Open year-round for hardy swimmers. Perfect for those embracing cold water swimming benefits. Strong community of regular swimmers. Summer offers warmer temperatures while winter provides invigorating cold water therapy.
Price: £4.50 per swim | Facilities: Changing rooms, cafe nearby | Best for: Cold water swimming
Highbury Pool
Highbury Crescent, Highbury, N5 1RR
Community-focused leisure centre in Highbury offering excellent adult swimming programs. Features learner pool alongside main pool, making it ideal for adult beginners. Good range of lesson times including evening sessions for working adults.
Price: £5.80 per swim | Facilities: Gym, learner pool, classes | Best for: Adult learners
Finchley Lido Leisure Centre
Great North Leisure Park, N12 0GL
Modern leisure centre in North London with indoor and outdoor pools. Features wave machine and fun facilities alongside serious lane swimming. Adult lessons available throughout the week. Good parking and accessibility.
Price: £6.20 per swim | Facilities: Gym, spa, outdoor pool | Best for: Families and fitness
West London
Porchester Spa
Porchester Centre, Queensway, W2 5HS
Historic 1920s facility combining swimming pool with authentic Turkish baths. Unique experience blending fitness swimming with relaxation. Pool suitable for lane swimming, while spa areas offer post-swim recovery. Popular with adults seeking holistic wellness.
Price: £7.50 swim + spa | Facilities: Turkish baths, sauna, steam room | Best for: Spa experience
Hampton Pool
High Street, Hampton, TW12 2ST
Beautiful heated outdoor pool open year-round. One of London's best-kept secrets with Art Deco architecture and heated water throughout the year. Perfect for year-round outdoor swimming without the cold water shock. Popular with serious lap swimmers and leisure swimmers alike.
Price: £7.00 per swim | Facilities: Heated changing, cafe, gym | Best for: Year-round outdoor
Westway Sports & Fitness
1 Crowthorne Road, Ladbroke Grove, W10 6RP
Modern sports centre under the Westway with 25m pool and comprehensive fitness facilities. Offers adult swimming programs for nervous swimmers and lane swimming throughout the day. Community-focused with reasonable pricing.
Price: £5.60 per swim | Facilities: Gym, climbing wall, cafe | Best for: West London residents
Specialist Training Facilities
London Triathlon Training Facilities
Multiple locations across London
London has excellent facilities for triathlon training and competitive swimming. These specialist centres offer technique analysis, open water preparation, and advanced coaching for adults serious about improving performance and training for events.
Price: £40-60 per session | Facilities: Video analysis, technique coaching | Best for: Competitive swimmers
How to Choose the Right London Pool for You
Location & Accessibility
- Choose pools within 30 minutes of home or work for consistency
- Check public transport connections and parking availability
- Consider pools near Tube stations for convenience
Opening Hours & Sessions
- Check for evening sessions if you work 9-5
- Look for adult-only or lane swimming times
- Early morning sessions (6-8am) are typically quietest
Cost & Membership Options
- Pay-as-you-go: £4-8 per swim at public pools
- Monthly memberships: £40-80 for unlimited swimming
- Better or GLL memberships work across multiple London pools
Facilities & Programs
- Check if pool offers adult swimming lessons
- Look for clean changing facilities and lockers
- Bonus: spa facilities, sauna, or cafe for post-swim relaxation
Finding Swimming Lessons at London Pools
Most London pools partner with swimming schools offering adult swimming lessons for all levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, London's pools provide excellent learning environments with qualified instructors.
Types of Adult Lessons Available:
- Beginner adult classes (complete non-swimmers)
- Private one-to-one lessons
- Technique improvement classes
- Intensive courses (week-long programs)
- Stroke-specific coaching (backstroke, breaststroke, front crawl)
What to Look For:
- ASA or STA qualified instructors
- Small group sizes (4-6 adults maximum)
- Dedicated learner pool or training area
- Convenient times (early morning, lunchtime, evening)
- Positive reviews from adult learners
💡 Pro Tip: Many London swimming schools operate across multiple pool locations, giving you flexibility to choose the most convenient venue. Check our directory to find schools operating at your preferred pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best swimming pools in London for adult learners?
The best pools for adult learners include London Aquatics Centre (Olympic legacy), Oasis Sports Centre (central location), Ironmonger Row Baths (Victorian charm with modern facilities), and Marshall Street Leisure Centre (Soho location). Many pools partner with swimming schools offering dedicated adult lessons. Look for facilities with dedicated adult-only sessions, shallow training areas, and instructor partnerships.
How much does it cost to swim at London public pools?
Public swimming pools in London typically cost £4-8 per adult swim session. Borough-run leisure centres (e.g., Better, GLL) charge £5-7, while premium facilities like London Aquatics Centre charge £6-8. Monthly memberships range from £40-80 for unlimited swimming. Private members-only pools charge £100-300+ per month. Concessions and off-peak discounts are widely available.
Are there heated outdoor swimming pools in London?
Yes! London has several heated outdoor pools (lidos): Tooting Bec Lido (year-round heated, 90m length), Parliament Hill Lido (Hampstead Heath, summer heating), London Fields Lido (50m heated pool), Brockwell Lido (Brixton, heated May-September), and Charlton Lido (summer heating). Hampton Pool is also heated and open year-round. Most maintain temperatures of 20-26°C during operating seasons.
Which London pools offer adult swimming lessons?
Most major London leisure centres offer adult swimming lessons through Better, GLL, or independent instructors. Popular venues include London Aquatics Centre, Ironmonger Row Baths, Marshall Street Leisure Centre, Oasis Sports Centre, and Porchester Spa. Private swimming schools also operate across London at various pool locations. Check individual pool websites or browse swimming schools offering lessons at London pools.
Can I swim outdoors in London during winter?
Yes! Several London lidos offer year-round swimming: Tooting Bec Lido (heated in winter to 20°C), Brockwell Lido (winter swimming club), Parliament Hill Lido (unheated but open), and Hampton Pool (heated year-round). The Serpentine Swimming Club in Hyde Park offers year-round outdoor swimming for members. Winter swimming is invigorating but requires acclimatization - start in autumn and build tolerance gradually.
What are the quietest times to swim at London pools?
Quietest times are typically: weekday mornings (6am-9am before work), weekday afternoons (1pm-3pm), and Sunday evenings (after 6pm). Avoid: weekday evenings (5pm-8pm), Saturday mornings (9am-12pm), and school holidays. Many pools offer adult-only lanes during peak times or dedicated adult-only sessions early morning or late evening. Check individual pool timetables for specific lane swimming sessions.