Friday July 11th is National Swimming Pools Day, and with more than 278,000 combined monthly Google searches for lidos and outdoor pool queries in July alone, Brits’ deep love for outdoor swimming is crystal clear. To help Brits looking for the perfect spot for a celebratory dip this weekend, The AA has unveiled the UK’s loveliest lidos and outdoor pools across the country in a new Lido League, which has crowned a London lido in top spot.
Experts from The AA analysed 164 lidos and outdoor pools for the average monthly Google search volumes, average Google review scores, Instagram tags, entry and parking fees, as well as the average maximum temperature and hours of summer sunlight at each location, and insights from the Lido League reveals London’s loveliest lidos.
London’s Loveliest Lidos
Brockwell Lido, London (Score: 82.97 / 100)
Brockwell Lido is universally praised for its vibrant atmosphere and is the most tagged lido on Instagram. Reviewers love the spacious sunbathing lawns, Grade II listed café offering healthy snacks and smoothies, frequent summer events like outdoor yoga and sunrise splashes and newly added sauna pod. This art-deco gem dates back to 1937 and has been restored to preserve its heritage whilst supporting modern comfort, with tiled changing rooms and period-style loungers. Its leafy Brixton Edge Park setting also adds a touch of urban escape.
Tooting Bec Lido, London (Score: 76.41 / 100)
Built in 1906, Tooting Bec Lido is the UK’s largest freshwater open-air pool at 91 metres long, charming visitors with its sheer size and strong community vibe. Jump in for a brisk, invigorating swim and welcoming, social poolside ambiance – complete with friendly regular swimmers. The onsite Edwardian-era cafe is open all day and tempts visitors back with its coffee and cakes. With plenty of changing facilities, lockers and space, it’s no surprise it’s one of the most Googled.
London Fields Lido, London (Score: 71.13)
Open year-round, London Fields Lido’s 50m heated outdoor pool is bordered by trees lining the perimeter, giving it an oasis of peace and calm. Applauded for its consistent cleanliness, Swimmers also highlight the warm pool temperature (25℃) and excellent café with artisan coffee and day-long breakfasts, which makes it a spot to linger even after the swim. Built in the 1930s, the preservation of its original style blends together with contemporary touches like brightly coloured blue, red and yellow lockers.
Thames Lido, London (Score: 70.34)
With the highest Google review score in the top ten (4.6) the award-winning Thames Lido offers a boutique experience that’s frequently described in reviews as “swimming meets spa chic.” The beautifully restored Edwardian pump house in Kingston-upon-Thames reopened in 2017 and takes just 25 minutes travel time from Paddington. With its heated indoor-outdoor pool, accompanying sauna and thermal areas and gourmet café-bar offering Mediterranean tapas, this stylish lido is a go-to for romantic or serene retreats.
Driving To Your Day Out?
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, shares the following advice for how to keep cool if using the car in the hotter temperatures:
- Use a windscreen shade when parked – because most of the heat enters the car through the glass.
- Put sun shields on the rear side windows – this will help keep the sun off the passengers in the back of the car and will keep some of the heat out.
- Have iced water in the car – this will help keep all passengers refreshed and hydrated throughout the drive.
- Use the air conditioning – driving with the A/C on will help keep the internal temperature of the car nice and cool. If your vehicle doesn’t have this, keep the windows slightly open to allow for air circulation.
- Try to park in the shade – if you stop along your drive, try to find a shady parking spot to avoid the sun heating up the car.
- Remotely cool the interior while on charge – If you have a battery electric vehicle, many have an app which allows remote control of the cabin temperature, so you can cool down your vehicle’s interior before you start your journey.
“If you don’t have breakdown cover, I’d also advise getting some because more car breakdowns occur in the hotter temperatures due to overheating.”