London is an incredible place to live, but there is one major downside: it’s unbearable in the summer.
According to the Mayor’s website, this is because the city is ‘vulnerable’ to extreme heat and so ‘overheating is a challenge’.
As such, when a heatwave hits, many people will try their best to leave London, swapping skyscrapers for the sea.
But if you’re keen to cool off with a dip, you don’t have to get on a train to do so.
Instead, you could pay a visit to one of the several spectacular rooftop pools around the capital that don’t require a membership to swim.
Where’s London’s best rooftop pool?
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One of Metro’s favourite spots can be found at art’otel in Battersea.
The five-star hotel has a fabulous infinity pool on the roof, set against the dramatic backdrop of Battersea Power Station and its huge chimneys.
As well as the Power Station, the rooftop also boasts stunning panoramic 360-degree views across London, so everywhere you turn, there’s something new to see.
If you’re looking for somewhere to swim in the sunshine, while enjoying spectacular sights, this is the place.
The pool is open daily from 6am until 11pm, meaning that at the right time of year, you can enjoy a sunrise and a sunset.
But be warned, those who decide to take a dip at golden hour will be swimming with an audience, as the rooftop is also home to JOIA bar, which is a real hotspot in the summer months for food and drinks.
The earlier in the morning you go, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to enjoy a serene swim. Metro’s senior lifestyle reporter, Courtney Pochin, went at 7am on a Sunday during a stay at the hotel and was lucky enough to have the entire pool to herself for almost an hour – only one other person appeared during that time.
And you don’t have to worry if the sun disappears, as the pool is heated and there’s also a hot tub if you’re feeling chilly.
Can anyone swim in the pool?
Access to the rooftop pool is typically reserved for hotel guests only, with prices starting from around £130 for a night for a standard room.
However, people can swim for a much lower price if they book certain wellness classes at the hotel, such as aqua aerobics.
This particular class costs £25 and is running regularly for the next few months, right up until December 17.
As well as access to the pool, those attending the class will be given a complimentary hot drink or juice and a pastry at the TOZI Counter at the hotel.
Other fab rooftop spots
As well as art’otel there are a few other luxury London hotels with rooftop pools, but they’ll cost you a little more to get into.
The Berkeley in Knightsbridge has transformed its rooftop into a Capri-themed paradise for summer, with a menu filled with Aperol-led spritzes, citrus-forward Negronis, and other seasonal cocktails.
The rooftop bar is available for those wanting a drink, something to eat, and all the pool vibes, without actually getting into the water. You can book a visit here without staying at the hotel, but you’ll have to be willing to part with some cash, as there’s a minimum spend of £50 per person.
The bar is open Wednesday to Sunday from 7:30pm to 11pm, and bookings can be made up to 30 days in advance.
Which rooftop pool in London is your favourite spot for a summer escape?Comment Now
For those wanting to swim, The Berkeley’s pool is open daily until 7pm, but you’ll need to be a guest at the hotel (or know someone staying there), and a stay doesn’t come cheap, with rooms starting from £900.
You can occasionally find rooms for a lower price, or take advantage of promotional offers, but these will most likely be during low season (so not in the summer), and are subject to availability.
If this isn’t for you, there’s always the 45th & 7th rooftop pool at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch.
The pool is smaller than some of the others featured in this article, but it definitely does the job.
The catch is, as with the others, you’ll need to be a hotel guest to swim.
Prices for one night start from £145, but might cost more depending on when you stay.
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