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  "path": "/2026/06/22/londons-best-lidos-outdoor-pools-uk-gets-rare-red-warning-extreme-heat-28878686/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-22T16:00:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Lifestyle",
    "Travel",
    "Bank Holiday",
    "Heatwave",
    "London",
    "Summer",
    "Swimming",
    "UK Travel",
    "for extreme heat",
    "issued for parts of the country",
    "Temperatures",
    "issuing red heat health alerts",
    "First look inside venue where iconic singers got their start relaunching after 10 years",
    "Murder investigation after man, 30, stabbed to death in Crystal Palace",
    "Prime Putney Pusher suspect arrested 'after ex came spoke to police'",
    "London news hub",
    "Harry Styles",
    "Benedict Cumberbatch",
    "Woody Harrelson",
    "Brixton",
    "@lesyakova",
    "thingstodoinlondon",
    "londonguide",
    "londonplaces",
    "londonhiddengems",
    "placesinlondon",
    "меставлондоне",
    "barsinlondon",
    "♬ Summer Vibes – GRLN",
    "https://www.instagram.com/p/DI_GiJzIuee/",
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  "textContent": "In Hyde Park? Head to Serpentine Lido to cool off (Picture: AFP)\n\nPeople across the UK have been warned of a risk to life ‘for even the healthy population’ after a rare red weather warning for extreme heat was issued for parts of the country.\n\nTemperatures could reach up to 40C on Wednesday, with the UK Health Security Agency issuing red heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, and South West.\n\nSo where do we go to cool off?\n\nLondon does not have the luxury of a coast. But alongside dozens of parks and hundreds of beer gardens, there are plenty of lakes, lidos and swimming pools where we can beat the heat.\n\nHere are the best lidos and pools to cool off in as the capital swelters.\n\n## Tooting Bec Lido\n\nAfter a £4 million revamp, Tooting Bec Lido is once again open to the public this summer.\n\nAt 90 metres long, it’s the UK’s largest freshwater swimming pool, catering to 1,300 Londoners.\n\nThe lido offers two sessions per day, alongside special swim times to kickstart the season.\n\nTooting Bec Lido has just undergone a major transformation (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)\n\nAs well as installing a new pumphouse and UV filtration system to keep the water clean and safe, the surrounding area has also had a glow-up.\n\nThe changing rooms have been given a sleek, modern update, and there’s fresh landscaping around the water’s edge.\n\nIt’s £9.40 for adults and £5.20 for kids.\n\n##  Latest London news\n\n  * First look inside venue where iconic singers got their start relaunching after 10 years\n  * Murder investigation after man, 30, stabbed to death in Crystal Palace\n  * Prime Putney Pusher suspect arrested 'after ex came spoke to police'\n\n\n\n_**To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro's** London news hub._\n\n## Hampstead Ponds\n\nIf you want wild swimming without travelling to the countryside, make for Hampstead Heath.\n\nSplit between mixed, men’s and women’s areas, the ponds have a cult following and come July will be heaving with crowds.\n\nIf wild swimming is more your thing, head for Hampstead Heath Ponds (Picture: Getty Images)\n\nWho knows, you might even spot a celebrity. A-listers are known to frequent the Heath, with Harry Styles, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Woody Harrelson all swimming there in recent years.\n\nTickets are £5 for adults and £3 for concessions for 60 minutes of swimming.\n\nIf you’re committed enough, you can also invest in a season ticket. £83 for six months, £157 for a year.\n\n## Brockwell Lido\n\nTucked in the corner of Brixton’s Brockwell Park, this lido is a real sun trap on a warm day. It’s open seven days a week.\n\nFew places nicer than Brockwell Lido (Picture: Maja Smiejkowska/REX/Shutterstock)\n\nThe 50m Olympic-sized pool sits beside an art deco building, with a cute café where you can refuel after a swim.\n\nLane swims cost £8 for up to 50 minutes, and must be booked in advance.\n\n## Charlton Lido\n\nAnother South London gem, this Olympic-sized heated pool has a summer sun terrace, coffee bar, and outdoor gym equipment.\n\nCharlton Lido (Picture: Getty Images Europe)\n\nIf you’re lucky, you’ll see the local parakeets flying above while you backstroke.\n\nAdult swimming sessions cost £11.50, with prices starting at £5.50 for concessions.\n\n## Parliament Hill Lido\n\nOpened in the 1930s, this unheated outdoor pool is open to the public 365 days a year.\n\nThe water might be cold, but there’s also a sauna.\n\nParliament Hill Lido is calling (Picture: Getty Images)\n\nLocated near Gospel Oak train station, it’s ideal for those who don’t feel ready to brave the ponds.\n\nSwimming sessions start at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, with no need to book ahead (but you’ll probably need to queue).\n\n## Hackney West Reservoir\n\nAt Green Lanes in Stoke Newington, you can go for an open-water swim or try your hand at kayaking at the West Reservoir.\n\nIt’s not for the faint-hearted – temperatures are low, but it’s a great spot to get used to the cold water in a beautiful setting.\n\nNot us imagining how lush this would be during summer (Picture: Getty Images)\n\nOnce you’re done, warm up with a coffee at the waterside cafe.\n\nOpen water swimming – which is available between 7am and 6pm – costs £13.15. Sessions are 30 minutes.\n\n## Beckenham Place Park\n\nBeckenham Place Park is the largest green space in Lewisham, and although you’ll get the feel of wild swimming, lifeguards are on hand to ensure everything is safe, and you can hire kayaks or paddle boards at certain times too.\n\nPeople swim in the lake at Beckenham Place Park (Picture: Getty Images Europe)\n\nWhichever water-based activity you choose, the lake offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle.\n\nOne-hour sessions cost £7.40 for non-residents. Lewisham locals pay less, at £4.30.\n\n## Serpentine Lido\n\nFancy hitting up one of London’s most iconic ‘open water’ swimming locations? Head to Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park.\n\nHere you can swim surrounded by nature, before drying off in the Lido Cafe Bar with a fresh lunch and a glass of wine.\n\n> @lesyakova\n>\n> Serpentine Lido terrace – a hidden gem of Hyde Park A cosy terrace, with a lovely view, nice drinks and yummy food🥂☀️ #thingstodoinlondon #londonguide #londonplaces #londonhiddengems #placesinlondon #меставлондоне #barsinlondon\n>\n> ♬ Summer Vibes – GRLN\n\nIf you don’t want to swim, but fancy checking out the views,waterside tables are available.\n\nFor a full day at the lido, it’s just £7.50.\n\nAccording to the website, Serpentine Lido will reopen for the weekend on May 17, and then fully from 24 May.\n\n## Hillingdon Lido\n\nIf you’ve got kids in tow, Hillingdon Lido is a great shout.\n\nThe 1930s Grade II-listed, 50m open-air swimming pool oozes art deco charm, and is considered a ‘hidden gem.’\n\nNot only are there stunning fountains to play around in, but there’s also a new, heated shallow splash pool for little ones.\n\n> https://www.instagram.com/p/DI_GiJzIuee/\n\nIt’s close to Ruislip Lido, a sandy (man-made) beach with a lake beside it, though swimming is not permitted there.\n\nAlso ideal for families, there’s an ice-cream shop and play areas suited for kids.\n\nWorth the journey if you fancy a day in nature.\n\nTickets cost £11 for non-residents.\n\n## Finchley Lido Leisure Centre\n\nLet’s be honest, this is the UK, and we’re not always guaranteed good weather. Even when it’s forecast.\n\nAnd if the heavens do open this weekend, Finchley Lido Leisure Centre has your back.\n\nThis indoor complex combines a pool with slides, a wave machine and jets. There’s also a cinema and a bowling alley for some post-swim fun.\n\nOutside, there is a 25-metre swimming pool open during the summer months.\n\nSwimming costs £8.30.\n\n_A version of this article was originally published on 22 May 2026 and has been updated._\n\nComment now Comments \nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
  "title": "London’s best lidos and outdoor pools as the UK gets rare red warning for extreme heat"
}