Does London Have Public Pools?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re visiting London and looking for a place to cool off from the heat or just want to take a dip, you may be wondering – does London have public pools? The answer is yes, and there are plenty of options available throughout the city.

Indoor Pools

London has several indoor public pools that are open year-round. Many of these pools are operated by local councils and offer affordable admission prices. Some popular indoor pools in London include:

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Aquatics Centre

This state-of-the-art facility was built for the 2012 Olympics and features two 50-meter swimming pools, as well as a diving pool. There’s also a gym and fitness classes available.

The Oasis Sports Centre

Located in Covent Garden, this sports center features a 27.5-meter pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness classes.

The London Aquatics Centre

Another Olympic legacy facility, the London Aquatics Centre is located in Stratford and offers three swimming pools – a 50-meter main pool, a diving pool with platforms up to 10 meters high, and a training pool.

Outdoor Pools

In addition to indoor options, London also has several outdoor public pools that are perfect for summertime swimming. These include:

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

Located in North London’s Hampstead Heath park, these natural swimming ponds offer an alternative to traditional chlorinated pools. There are separate ponds for men and women as well as one mixed pond.

Brockwell Lido

This Art Deco-style lido is located in South London’s Brockwell Park. The outdoor pool is open year-round but heated only from April through October.

Conclusion

So if you were wondering – does London have public pools? The answer is a resounding yes!

Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor swimming, there are plenty of options available throughout the city. So next time you’re in London, be sure to pack your swimsuit and take advantage of these great public pools.