If your next beach holiday is ages away and you just can’t hack the heat anymore, it’s time to visit one of the many London lidos open during the summer of 2009 for a refreshing dip in the sun. Grab a costume and head down to your nearest Lido for a splash and keep cool in traditional style.

Brockwell Park Lido
Dulwich
One of the most famous lidos in London is open for another summer of swimming, welcoming visitors of all ages to the historic Lambeth venue. Endearingly known as Brixton’s Beach, Brockwell Lido is famed for its strong community spirit and relaxed atmosphere. Open from Monday 1st June until Sunday 30th August 2009, for further information on prices and opening times, call 020 7274 3088.

Tooting Bec Lido
Tooting Bec
One of the most historic lidos around Tooting Bec Lido is also the biggest open air swimming pool in Europe, featuring a 90 metre main pool and children’s paddling area. Visitors can lounge by the water and go for a snack at the cafe, in grand, historic surroundings. The lido is open to the public from 6am to 8pm, Sunday 24th May to Monday 31st August 2009. For further information, prices and opening times call 020 8871 7198.

Charlton Lido
Charlton Park Lane
With a 50 metre main pool, separate toddler splash pool and large sunbathing deck Charlton Lido offers something for everyone. Visitors can make a day of it in comfortable, relaxed surroundings, with all the atmosphere of a beach in the middle of London. The lido is closed during the summer of 2009 for major refurbishment, but keep your fingers crossed that the restored pool will be open for business as ususual in time for 2010. For further information, call 020 8856 7180.

Hornsey Park Road Lido
Hornsey
Grassy banks and a children’s fountain complete the summer atmosphere at Hornsey Park Lido, which also features an on site cafe and children’s pool for small kids. Go for a splash in the water or catch a few rays poolside. The Hornsey Park Road Lido is open all year round, from 7am - 8pm on weekdays, and 7.15am - 7pm at the weekend. For further information on prices and opening times call 020 8341 3567.

Hampton Heated Open Air Pool
Hampton
Recreational swimming, diving and general wallowing are on offer at the recently refurbished Hampton Heated Open Air Pool. Visitors can enjoy days of swimming in an historic location next to Bushy Park, in a stylish pool updated with modern facilities. The Hampton open air pool is open all year round. For further information, prices and opening times call 020 8255 1116.

Parliament Hill Lido
Hampstead Heath
The Parliament Hill Lido (also known as Hampstead Heath Lido) has undergone the first stage of an extensive course of refurbishment and is open for a hot summer of outdoor swimming. Beat the heat at one of London’s most popular Lidos, welcome to swimmers of all ages. The pool is open for the summer season from the start of May to the end of September 2009. For further information, prices and opening times call 020 7485 5757.

Serpentine Lido
Hyde Park
Not so much an outdoor pool as a lake with lido area, the Serpentine in Hyde Park is one of the most popular open air swimming venues in London. Kids can make the most of a paddling pool, play area, sandpit and slide, and a children’s entertainer sometimes performs in the afternoon. The Serpentine Lido is open daily from 1st May – 30th September 2009. For further information, prices and opening times call 0207 706 3422.

Richmond Lido
Richmond
An outdoor lido and indoor pool are available for use this summer at this Grade II listed venue. Swimmers can dry off on surrounding lawns and soak up the sun and the atmosphere around the complex. Richmond Lido is open throughout the summer, and is even open until 10pm on Tuesdays. For further information, prices and opening times call 020 8940 0561.

Oasis Swimming Pool
Covent Garden
Famed for its distinctly urban setting, Oasis Swimming Pool is a continually popular inner city Lido. Swimmers and sunbathers can enjoy the weather in true cosmopolitan style. The pool is open from 7.30am - 9pm Monday - Friday and 9.30am - 5.30pm at the weekends. For further information on prices and opening times call 0207 831 1804..

Please note that all outdoor swimming facilities are subject to change from the weather. We advise you to phone and check opening times before visiting any of the London lidos on our list.Summer events in London