wellness

London's Park Lidos Attract Swimmers as July Temperatures Soar

London park lidos draw steady crowds for structured lap sessions as temperatures climb through July.

By London Wellness Desk · Published 10 July 2026

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Swimmers at the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park logged more than 1,800 lap sessions on 8 July alone, according to Royal Parks figures released that day.

The surge comes weeks after Labour MPs pressed water companies to restore disused lidos across Britain, a move that has renewed attention on existing outdoor facilities in the capital. With cycling superhighways already linking many neighbourhoods to green spaces, residents now combine commutes with early-morning swims before work.

Two established venues for timed lengths

The Serpentine Lido sits on the south shore of the lake in Hyde Park, offering a 100-metre course marked by buoys and supervised by lifeguards from 6am each weekday. A short ride south on the Cycle Superhighway 8 brings riders to Brockwell Lido in Herne Hill, where the 50-metre pool opens at 6.45am and charges £5.80 for a single adult session this season. Both sites accept advance online bookings through the Royal Parks and Lambeth Council portals respectively.

Parkrun UK volunteers in nearby boroughs have begun promoting combined run-and-swim routes that finish at these lidos, capitalising on the city’s established running culture to draw new users. NHS GP practices in Westminster and Lambeth have also started issuing leaflets listing the two pools among approved outdoor activity options for patients managing mild anxiety or joint stiffness.

Practical steps before heading out

Entry data from the 2025 season showed an average of 2,400 daily visitors across the two lidos between June and August. This year the Royal Parks introduced a £4.50 concession rate for over-65s and students, available on production of proof at the gate. Swimmers are advised to check the Royal Parks website the night before for any temporary closures linked to water quality tests, which occur every Tuesday and Friday morning.

Those new to outdoor swimming should start with the shorter 6am slot at Serpentine, when lane ropes divide the course into fast, medium and leisure sections. A quick call to the swimmer’s own GP remains the best route for personalised advice on any pre-existing condition before beginning a regular routine.

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