The UK’s best outdoor swimming pools and lidos in 2026

Looking for some cooler water this summer? Then an outdoor pool or lido can be a great training option to being stuck indoors. So grab your swimming goggles, swimsuit or jammers and a towel and head to one of these great UK options…

More than just somewhere for tourists to chill out, we have some great outdoor pools in the UK which are perfect for getting some quality training in as well. Many are at least 25-metres if not 50-metres in length, with water that is often cooler and more refreshing than the indoor option.

An outdoor pool can also feel closer to open-water swimming if you don’t have access to the coast or a lake, plus depending on the water temperature they can be a good place to get used to swimming in your wetsuit.

Check the timetable before you visit, as many outdoor pools will have dedicated lane swimming times which mean you won’t be crashing into dippers as you knock out your 100s. Some even have triathlon training sessions with a coach on poolside to offer advice and feedback.

The article below is based upon the results of an extensive study conducted by The AA Breakdown Cover which analysed online searches for swimming spots. The study reports Instagram tags for #WildSwimmingUK have hit 173,000, whilst Google searches for ‘lidos near me’ hit 74,000 in June, (up 309% year-on-year), and ‘outdoor pools near me’ queries reached 40,500 (up 400% year-on-year) – suggesting it’s now an even bigger trend than statistics reflected in 2025. It’s not just purpose-built pools being sought out either; online searches for tidal pools (+81%) and freshwater swimming (+53%) are also higher this year

I’ve added to the results with my own experience as a regular visitor to UK outdoor swimming pools and lidos though – as some are definitely more triathlete-friendly than others and you can’t beat a bit of real-world experience!

The best outdoor pools and lidos

1. Brockwell Lido, London

Placed at number 1, Brockwell Lido retains its 2025 crown as the UK’s best outdoor swimming spot. It is universally praised for its vibrant atmosphere and with 49,500 monthly Google searches – joint highest in the survey – and more Instagram tags (15,300) than any other outdoor pool, Brockwell Lido’s popularity is undisputed. 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.

2. Stoney Cove, Leicestershire

Renowned for its crystal-clear, spring-fed waters, Stoney Cove is a go-to destination for experienced open-water swimmers and jumps in at second place in the 2026 list. After tackling the 1,000 metre perimeter course, you can take advantage of the excellent shoreside facilities, including showers, changing rooms and an on-site restaurant. Swimming sessions cost £10 (with free parking), and include a rescue boat and qualified first aiders on constant standby.

3. Tooting Bec Lido, London

HW: I’ve done many a long swim here as it’s the UK’s longest outdoor swimming pool at 91-metres, so handy if you need to get some distance in without lots of cheaty tumble turns! A lane swim will cost you just under a tenner and there’s a café, a pavilion building running yoga and pilates classes and cute colourful changing cubicles. It has dropped one place this year to third but it’s still undoubtedly a top swim location.

4. London Fields Lido, London

HW: Another good option for triathletes, this is a 50-metre pool with lane swimming available all day every day during the summer (so no need to book your swim at the crack of dawn if you don’t want to!). An adult swim is £6.40 if you’re not a member.

5. Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset

The highest-ranked tidal pool in this year’s research, Clevedon Marine Lake, secured fifth place, moving up two places since last year. Dating back to 1929, the North Somerset attraction offers breathtaking estuary views and a peaceful salt-water experience away from strong currents. Wild swimmers, paddleboarders and families are drawn to its tranquil setting and strong sense of community. Providing sweeping estuary views, reviewers consistently praise the lake’s peaceful atmosphere, natural surroundings, and refreshing open-water experience. Many love the accessibility and how well-maintained it is, often calling it a “hidden gem” and a great spot for mindful, nature-connected swims.

6. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall

7. Sale Water Park, Greater Manchester

8. Dancing Ledge, Dorset

9. Greenland Dock, London

10. Tollesbury Woodup Pool, Essex

Holding on to tenth place in 2026 is Tollesbury Woodup Pool. Nestled on the Essex coast, the tidal saltwater pool is naturally replenished by the waters of the Blackwater Estuary, giving visitors a unique opportunity to swim in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Adding to its appeal, both entry and parking are completely free, helping to secure its place as one of the best-value locations in this year’s rankings. A favourite among wild swimmers and families alike, the pool is celebrated for its peaceful atmosphere and sweeping estuary views, while long summer evenings provide an idyllic setting for an invigorating dip.

11. Hampton Pool, Greater London

12. Havre des Pas Bathing Pool, Jersey

13. Cheltenham Lido, Gloucestershire

HW How this one didn’t make the 2025 list I will never know, so it’s great to see it here for 2026! It’s 50-metres long with lane swimming, a great café and pretty lawns to relax in with your cuppa. They often have a dedicated ‘training lane’ in the lane swimming sessions too, so if you want to go full hand paddles and fins you won’t upset anyone!

14. Hampstead Mixed Pond, London

15. Viking Bay Tidal Pool, Kent

New to the research, taking 15th place is Viking Bay Tidal Pool in Broadstairs, which is a small, man-made paddling pool exposed only during low tide.  

Set alongside the sandy shores of Viking Bay, the tidal pool offers a safe and scenic setting for a seaside swim and averages a really high 4.6 Google review score. During July the pool basks in average temperatures of 20℃ and averages six hours of daily sunshine, creating ideal conditions for a day by the water. Free to use and with parking nearby, the much-loved Kent destination combines convenience with traditional seaside charm. Visitors can easily pair a swim with fish and chips on the promenade, a stroll along the beach or an afternoon exploring Broadstairs, helping to cement its reputation as one of the South East’s best-value and most enjoyable coastal swimming spots. 

16. Guildford Lido, Surrey

17. Jubilee Pool, Cornwall

HW: Another one I was staggered not to see in the AA listing last year so it’s great to see it appear in 2026, the Art Deco Jubilee Pool is the UK’s largest seawater pool. There’s also an attached geothermal pool which is great for a warm dip after a long, cold swim and a great café where you can refuel and check out the classic architecture!

18. La Vallette Bathing Pools, Guernsey

19. Saltdean Lido, East Sussex

20. Lido Ponty, Wales

Placed at number 20 (down one spot from last year) is Lido Ponty in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, which is the highest-ranked Welsh destination in the index. This art deco gem first opened in 1927 and was beautifully restored in 2015 as the National Lido of Wales, retaining the outdoor changing booths and entry turnstile. It includes three heated outdoor pools as well as inflatable sessions and water zorbing. At just £3.50 to enter and free for under-16s, visitors frequently praise the affordability, excellent facilities, and welcoming atmosphere that offer something for all ages. 

More options to consider

So there you have it – the top 20 outdoor pools and lidos in the UK as decided by data compiled by The AA. However I’ve done an awful lot of open-water swimming over the years and just to give you a bit more choice, here are five more to add to your list that are particular favourites of mine!

• Thames Lido, Reading
  HW: One of my favourites, the Thames Lido is a classy affair and is a beautiful fully-restored 1902 swimming paths, but has dropped out of the list this year along with its sister pool, Bristol Lido. The pool is just under 25-metres (24.68 to be exact, so you’ll look really speedy if you forget to alter your Garmin!) and there’s a spacious hot tub, sauna and steam room. The accompanying restaurant is worth a visit too, plus there are treatment rooms for a well-earned sports massage. It isn’t cheap here (expect to pay around £25 for a guest swim) but look out for ‘swim and eat’ and spa packages and make a day of it.
• Portishead Open Air Pool, Portishead. It’s 33-metres long and painted garish shades of orange, but there’s a vintage charm about this community-run pool that I love for long swims. Plus they heat it over Christmas and New Year every year too, so you can get an outdoor swim in without freezing (and mulled wine and mince pies to refuel afterwards!).
• Clifton Lido, Bristol. The sister pool to Thames Lido, this is a little oasis tucked away in a residential area just outside Bristol city centre. Again there’s a restaurant and spa facilities and it’s not cheap, but as a treat once in a while I love it

• Hathersage Swimming Pool, Hathersage. Opened in 1936, this superb pool is situated in a small town and an unexpected treat. It’s 30-metres long and an adult swim will cost you £8, more than worth it to enjoy the water and help support this community-run facility.

Essential kit

If you’re planning on training in an outdoor pool or lido this summer, then there is some essential kit to take with you. First up (of course!) you’ll need either a swimsuit or a set of jammers.

The right goggles can make a big difference, too. Since you’ll be outdoors, you could use a set of open-water swimming goggles which will likely have tinted, mirrored and/or polarised lenses to cut glare.

As for more useful kit, a swimming watch can be useful to keep an eye on time and distance swum. Plus for cooler swimming pools and especially going into the cooler months when they may not be heated, a wetsuit is a must!