There’s something wonderfully freeing about outdoor swimming in summer – the cool shock of water on sun-warmed skin, the breeze on your face and the simple pleasure of floating beneath an open sky.
And while wild swimming has its appeal, lidos and tidal pools offer all the joy of an alfresco dip without quite so much wondering what might be brushing past your legs beneath the surface. Add in cafés, hot showers, proper changing facilities and sunny terraces for lingering long after an alfresco swim and we’re in.
From Art Deco pools and saltwater lidos to dramatic tidal bathing spots carved into the coastline, Britain is full of beautiful places to swim outdoors when temperatures soar.
Whether you’re after a bracing dip, a family-friendly paddle or a scenic swim surrounded by countryside, these are some of the best wild swimming spots in the UK.
1. Jubilee Pool, Penzance
Overlooking the sea in Penzance, Jubilee Pool is one of Britain’s most striking lidos. Built in 1935 in a distinctive Art Deco style, the triangular saltwater pool sits dramatically beside the Cornish coastline. There’s also a geothermal pool heated using naturally warm water from deep underground – ideal if the Atlantic feels a little too brisk. Stay for lunch at the excellent café overlooking the water afterwards.
2. Tinside Lido, Plymouth
Perched on Plymouth Hoe with sweeping sea views, Tinside Lido is one of the UK’s most beautiful outdoor pools. The restored 1930s pool curves elegantly around the coastline and feels wonderfully glamorous on a sunny day. Wide terraces make it a lovely spot for lingering after a swim with an ice cream or coffee.
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3. Saltdean Lido, East Sussex
Nicknamed the ‘Brighton Riviera’, Saltdean Lido is famous for its curved white Art Deco building and colourful parasols. The heated outdoor pool sits just moments from the beach and has become hugely popular again thanks to extensive restoration work. There’s also a café, library and event space onsite, giving it a real community feel.
4. Jesus Green Outdoor Pool, Cambridge
Stretching almost 100 metres in length, Jesus Green is one of Europe’s longest outdoor pools. Surrounded by grassy parkland beside the River Cam, it’s particularly popular with dedicated swimmers looking to clock up lengths outdoors. There’s also a sauna for warming up afterwards during cooler weather.
5. Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset
This Victorian tidal infinity pool sits beside the Bristol Channel and offers a calmer alternative to open-water swimming. Filled naturally by the sea, it attracts swimmers, paddleboarders and kayakers throughout summer. Sunrise swims here have become something of a local tradition.
6. Hathersage Pool, Peak District
Swimming outdoors surrounded by Peak District hills feels pretty magical, particularly at Hathersage Pool. The 30-metre heated outdoor pool remains open year-round and is kept at around 28°C, making it especially inviting on chilly mornings when steam rises from the water.
7. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate
The UK’s largest tidal pool stretches across four acres beside Margate’s seafront. Built in the 1930s, Walpole Bay fills naturally with seawater and offers a calmer alternative to swimming in the open sea. Check tide times before visiting and bring swim shoes – the seaweed-covered floor can be slippery underfoot.
8. Stonehaven Open Air Pool, Aberdeenshire
Set beside the North Sea on Scotland’s east coast, this brightly coloured Art Deco pool combines heated water with dramatic coastal scenery. There’s also a paddling pool and café onsite, making it particularly popular with families during the summer holidays.
9. Chagford Swimming Pool, Devon
This community-run open-air pool sits on the edge of Dartmoor surrounded by rolling hills and woodland. Filled with soft river water filtered using minimal chlorine, it has a gentler feel than many traditional lidos. Picnic benches and grassy banks make it a lovely spot to spend a slow summer afternoon.
10. Shap Swimming Pool, Cumbria
At more than 900ft above sea level, Shap is England’s highest heated outdoor swimming pool. Run largely by volunteers, the pool has a wonderfully old-fashioned feel, complete with summer events, family sessions and spectacular Cumbrian views.
11. Nantwich Brine Pool, Cheshire
Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool is believed to be the only inland brine pool in Britain today. First opened in 1935, the naturally salty water gives swimmers extra buoyancy, while many locals still fondly remember school swimming lessons here decades ago.
12. Buckfastleigh Open Air Pool, Devon
Dating back more than 120 years, this heated outdoor pool sits on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and remains at the heart of local life. Alongside lane swims and family sessions, there’s a play area and poolside tuck shop serving snacks and ice creams.
13. Petersfield Open Air Pool, Hampshire
From spring to autumn, Petersfield’s heated outdoor pool attracts swimmers looking for a gentler introduction to outdoor swimming. Water temperatures are usually maintained at around 27°C, while hot showers, individual changing rooms and a large sun terrace make it especially comfortable for families.
14. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall
Built into the rocks beside Summerleaze Beach in the 1930s, Bude’s sea pool is refreshed naturally by the Atlantic Ocean. Families love the calmer water when the surf beyond becomes rough, while nearby beach cafés and rock pools make it easy to spend an entire day by the sea.
15. Gourock Outdoor Pool, Inverclyde
This heated saltwater pool sits right on Scotland’s west coast with sweeping views across the Firth of Clyde. Opened in 1909, Gourock remains one of Britain’s oldest heated outdoor pools and still feels gloriously retro, complete with waterslides and family sessions.
16. New Cumnock Pool, East Ayrshire
Scotland’s only public outdoor freshwater heated pool sits in the Ayrshire countryside and feels wonderfully unexpected. Open through the summer months, it’s particularly popular with local families looking to cool off during warmer weather.
17. Droitwich Spa Lido, Worcestershire
One of Britain’s few remaining inland saltwater lidos, Droitwich Spa combines a 40m outdoor pool with a wet play area, café and large sun terrace. The naturally salty water makes floating noticeably easier – ideal for lazy summer afternoons.
18. Portishead Open Air Pool, Somerset
Originally opened in the 1960s, Portishead’s heated outdoor pool sits beside the marina and has become hugely popular with local families and early-morning swimmers alike. There’s a café onsite for post-swim coffees and plenty of space to stretch out in the sunshine afterwards.
19. Ilkley Pool & Lido, West Yorkshire
Set beside the River Wharfe with views across the Yorkshire countryside, Ilkley Lido combines a large outdoor pool with grassy picnic areas and splash zones for children. On sunny days, it feels wonderfully old-fashioned in the best possible way.
20. Parliament Hill Lido, London
One of London’s best-loved outdoor pools, Parliament Hill Lido has attracted devoted swimmers since the 1930s. The unheated Olympic-size pool sits beside Hampstead Heath and is particularly popular on hot summer mornings, when locals arrive early to swim lengths beneath open skies before the city fully wakes up. There’s also a café overlooking the water for post-swim coffees and pastries.
21. Brockwell Lido, London
One of London’s most iconic outdoor pools, Brockwell combines a huge Art Deco lido with a lively café and devoted local following. Summer mornings here are wonderfully buzzy, with swimmers queuing for coffee and pastries after their lengths.
22. Clifton Lido, Bristol
Hidden behind high walls in Clifton, this restored Victorian lido feels like a secret oasis in the middle of the city. Alongside the heated outdoor pool, there’s also a spa, sauna and excellent restaurant, making it particularly good for a more grown-up day out.
23. Pells Pool, East Sussex
Claiming to be the oldest freshwater outdoor pool in continuous use in the UK, Pells Pool has welcomed swimmers since 1861. Fed by spring water and completely unheated, it attracts hardy regulars who return year after year for its old-fashioned charm and relaxed atmosphere.
24. Thames Lido, Reading
Housed within a restored Victorian bathhouse, Thames Lido combines a heated outdoor pool with Scandinavian-inspired spa facilities and waterside dining. Lanterns, tiled walkways and warm water give evening swims here a particularly atmospheric feel.
25. Lymington Sea Water Baths, Hampshire
Dating back to 1833, these historic sea-water baths are believed to be the oldest open-air sea-water baths in the UK. Today, alongside swimming, there’s paddleboarding, kayaking and inflatable obstacle courses, making it especially good for energetic family days out.
