Outdoor swimming is having a moment, with over seven million Brits choosing to take a dip in rivers, lakes, lidos, and seas (according to The Outdoor Swimming Society). When surveyed, a massive 94 percent of people said they felt happier and less stressed after a swim.
Whether you fancy a proper swim or to just soak up the vibes, there are lots of outdoor swimming spots within easy reach of the Thameslink network. From London lidos with cult followings to countryside lakes that feel like a mini holiday, here are six of our favourite places to dive in, cool off, and feel super refreshed afterwards.
Jesus Green Lido
Jesus Green Lido is perfect for a proper outdoor swim, with its impressive length (one of the longest in the country) and riverside setting. The lido is open from 7am until 7pm every day, and our top tip is to visit in the evening for chilled-out lanes and golden light. The water’s cold (obviously), but there’s a toasty sauna and showers in what look like medieval tents - because, well, Cambridge. There are lockers, open-air changing cubicles, and a café for post-swim snacks. It’s accessible too, with a hoist and adapted changing areas.
Address: Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 3AX
How to get there: Take a Thameslink train to Cambridge, then it’s a 15-minute bus ride direct from the railway station to the lido
Hours: During the summer months, Jesus Green Lido is open daily from 7am to 7pm. During spring and autumn, the lido operates restricted hours Sunday to Thursday and is closed Friday and Saturday.
Phone: 01223 302579
Hitchin Lido
This 50-metre outdoor pool has everything you could want from a classic 1930s lido, from striped deckchairs to a tree-lined setting. With a special cold-water season starting in May when the pool is unheated, the summer season then kicks off with the pool fully heated from mid-May onwards. Open daily in summer, Hitchin lido is ideal for a relaxed morning dip followed by a laze on the grass with coffee from the kiosk. It’s a family-friendly spot too, with a shallow end, splash pool for kids, and a relaxed vibe that never feels too hectic.
Address: Fishponds Road, Hitchin SG5 1HA
How to get there: Take a Thameslink train to Hitchin, then it’s an easy 20-minute walk to the swimming centre
Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30am-10pm, Saturday & Sunday 7am-6pm
Phone: 01462 441646
Box End Park
Image credit: Box End Park
Less lido and more open water adventure, Box End Park is home to a gorgeous spring-fed lake with water so clean you can actually drink it. There are marked swim courses for different levels, changing facilities, and a floating jetty for getting in and out (gracefully or otherwise). If you’re feeling wild, there’s wakeboarding and paddle boarding on site too.
Address: Box End Road, Kempston MK43 8RQ
How to get there: Take a Thameslink train to Bedford, then a short taxi or bus ride to Box End Park
Hours: Activity session times vary throughout the year with full opening times will be visible when you go to book. We highly recommend pre-booking sessions online in advance.
Phone: 01234 846222
Parliament Hill Lido
North London’s iconic outdoor pool is big, bold, and beautifully cold. Unheated and 61 metres long, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but the Art Deco vibes and stainless-steel lining (which gleams on sunny days) more than make up for it. There’s a sauna in winter, and a large grassy area that’s great for post-swim lounging. Arrive early to dodge the crowds.
Address: Gordon House Road, London NW5 1LP
How to get there: Take a Thameslink train to Kentish Town, then an easy 15-minute walk to the lido
Hours: Open 365 days a year, 7am-12:30pm
Phone: 020 7485 5757
Brockwell Lido
A local legend in south London, Brockwell Lido is a 50-metre unheated pool surrounded by red-brick modernist buildings and tree-lined parkland. Come early for serious lengths or later for laid-back sunbathing. There’s a gym, café and even yoga and Pilates classes on site, so you can really make a day of it. It’s a classic for a reason.
Address: Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, London SE24 0PA
How to get there: Take a Thameslink train to Herne Hill, then it’s just a 5-minute walk
Hours: Monday-Thursday 6.30am-9pm, Friday 6.30am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 7.30am-6.30pm
Phone: 020 7274 3088
Tooting Bec Lido
At 91 metres, this is the UK’s longest open-air freshwater pool. Painted in cheery beach-hut colours with a wide deck for lounging and proper old-school changing cubicles, Tooting Bec has serious character. It’s cold, it’s big, and it’s beloved. This one is popular, so make sure you pre-book to secure your spot..
Address: Tooting Bec Road, London SW16 1RU
How to get there: Take a Thameslink train to Streatham, then an easy 15-minute walk to the lido
Hours: Open daily. April 7am-2pm, 1 May-31 August 6am-2.30pm & 3.30pm-8pm, 1 September to 30 September 6am-5pm