Open Water Swimming in and Around London: Where to Swim This Summer

Open Water Swimming in and Around London: Where to Swim This Summer

Summer seems to be in full swing and we’ve had lots of questions recently about open water swimming spots in and around London, so we’ve put together a local guide covering where to go, when to swim, and what to check before you book. From lakes and docks to ponds and river swim spots, here are some open-water options in and around London for summer. DOWNLOAD & SHARE

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SWIM SPOT	SUMMER OPENING DAYS / TIMES	NOTES
Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds	Daily. 10 May–15 Aug: 7am, last entry 8.15pm 16–29 Aug: 7am, last entry 7.15pm 30 Aug–12 Sept: 7am, last entry 6.45pm	Men’s Pond, Ladies’ Pond and Mixed Pond. Bookings operate during the summer period.
West Reservoir Centre	Centre hours shown: Mon–Fri: 7am–6pm Sat–Sun: 8am–4pm Open-water swim sessions vary. Check Better timetable and book ahead.	Swim sessions should be checked on the Better booking timetable.
Beckenham Place Park Lake	7am–6pm	South-east London option in a park setting. Swimmers must be able to swim 25m and be over 8. Booked sessions required.
London Royal Docks / Love Open Water	Open-water swimming is available year-round, but session times are live-booking based via NOWCA / ACTiO.	Lifeguarded urban open-water swimming; loops vary by session and conditions.
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf / Eden Dock	Published operator hours: Mon–Fri: 6am-9pm Sat-Sun: 7am-7pm	Canary Wharf option. It is branded as a floating pool / open-water centre rather than a lake.
Shepperton Open Water Swim	Mon: 5–8pm Wed: 5–8pm Fri: 5–8pm Sat: 7–11am Sun: 7–11am Closed Tue/Thu.	Booking-only adult venue at Ferry Lane; induction required for new swimmers. Tow float required if not wearing a wetsuit.
Longside Lake	Mon: 5–8pm Wed: 7–9am Thu: 5–8pm Fri: 2–6pm Sat: 7–10am Sun: 7–10am. Closed Tue.	200m, 500m and 800m loops, plus a 50m beginner loop. Tow float required.
Buckland Park Lake / The SHAC	Live calendar varies; recent bookings have been for weekday evenings and weekend mornings.	All water access must be pre-booked through The SHAC; no casual swimming without a booking.
Swim Heron	Mon & Wed: 4.30–8pm Sat & Sun: 6.20–9.30am	NOWCA lake with 500m and 1,000m courses; tow float and bright swim hat required.
Taplow Lakeside	May trial times published; check Actio app / venue before travelling for July and August.	NOWCA venue; advance booking via the Actio app.
Ham & Kingston Thames Bathing Water	No set venue opening hours; public river site	London’s first designated Thames bathing-water site. Bathing season: 15 May–30 September. Check water-quality updates before swimming.
Ham Lake/ Thames Young Mariners	Times vary depending on tide; check booking page. Sessions are generally weekday evenings and weekend mornings.	Booking required. Have shorter swim options with pontoons for resting if needed.

Making the most of your open-water swims Finding somewhere to swim is one thing. Feeling good when you get in is another.

If you’re not feeling as efficient as you’d like in the water, or you’re unsure what’s holding you back, our swim analysis sessions can help you understand your stroke and leave with clear, practical things to work on.