‘Dreamy’ London lido named one of the world’s best swimming spots for a cold dip

In this scorching weather, swimming slots at outdoor pools and ponds are going like hot cakes, with everyone eager to channel that flopped-next-to-the-pool holiday feeling.

And now, new research has revealed the best spots in the world for a refreshing cold water dip, and one South London spot has made the list.

Assessing the top 20 destinations across the globe, the study ranked each one based on the number of positive reviews, and Brockwell Lido in Brixton, South London, came in 19th place.

That’s right: not just in the UK, but the entire world.

Overall, there are three spots across the UK featured: Cairngorms National Park up in Scotland, of which 72% of online reviews were positive, and Bude Sea Pool down in Cornwall, with 52.4%.

They placed second and ninth, respectively, and Brockwell Lido was the only London spot to make the ranking.

The pool is a local favourite, built during the golden heyday of the lido in 1937.

Almost 100 years later, the Grade II listed spot still channels an Art Deco vibe, with an open terrace apt for a post-swim sun session.

The 50-metre pool is completely unheated, which is absolutely ideal during a heatwave. There are lane bookings if you’d like to swim with other speedy pros, but if you’re not a lightning-fast Lido McQueen, there’s an open, lane-free space for visitors to enjoy a casual dip too.

Just bear in mind that it’s more of a free-for-all in this area, so you might be subjected to a few splashes or two from enthusiastic children nearby.

Pizza chain 400 Rabbits also has a takeaway window right next to the pool, so if you want to get some delicious tomatoey carbs in afterwards, or even just an iced coffee, you can do so while catching a few rays.

A 50-minute slot costs £9.50, but during a hot spell, it’s best to get in there as early as possible. It’s open all year round, seven days a week, even on Christmas Day.

Taking a look at the advance bookings for the weekend, there aren’t any free lane spots available on Saturday, and Friday evening is also sold out.

Thinking about frosty temperatures might seem unthinkable at the moment, but if you’re planning ahead to the cooler months, Brockwell Lido introduced a poolside sauna last year. And yes, it’s still unheated during the winter, so you might want to think about packing your wetsuit.

The future of the lido was placed in uncertainty in April 2026, when its parent company, Fusion Lifestyle went into administration.

However, the lido lives on, after it was taken over by Lambeth Council.

It was welcome news for lovers of the iconic spot. Posting on TikTok, @katiehoylee described her visit as ‘dreamy.’ She praised the open section as a place to ‘chill and float around.’

@chewashere_ added: ‘On one of the hottest days of the year, I treated myself to one of the best solo dates in the city: a cold water swim at Brockwell Lido. The pool was bracing, but exactly what I needed to cool down when the city felt like it was running a fever.’

Some visitors do have some choice words to say about some of the facilities though. A fair share of the TripAdvisor reviews complain about the changing rooms being unclean.

After a visit in August 2023, VM-S wrote: ‘The pool is as clean as possible and a great size and temperature for swimming. Sadly, the state of the changing rooms have much to be desired.’

‘I was shocked at the state of the changing rooms, toilets, and communal areas. It feels like it is never cleaned,’ Louise C added.

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