London's best swimming pools

For a peaceful central London swim, hit up Serpentine Lido. This swimming spot is located smack bang in the middle of Hyde Park, amongst lush foliage and wildlife. There's also a café for pre- or post-swim snacks and drinks. It's worth noting that the the facility is open between May and September each year.

Take a step back in time at London Aquatics Centre in the heart of Stratford's bustling Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the very pool where the 2012 swimming Olympics took place. The architecture of the building is also pretty cool and is inspired by the geometries of water when it's in motion.

Hampstead Heath is home to some of the best outdoor swimming spots in the whole of London. Although not technically a swimming pool, these open-air ponds have been around for many years and some of them have remained a constant on the London swimming scene since the 1800s.

This Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool in the heart of Hackney is open all year round for lane swimming and lessons. There's also a café as well as a sundeck and sunbathing area. You're welcome to swim for leisure but swimming lessons for kids and adults, as well as one-to-one coaching and advice, are available too.

If you prefer to steer clear of the wild swimming at Hampstead Ponds, then try Parliament Hill Lido instead. This pool has been around since the 1930s and is open all year-round for morning, afternoon and evening swims.

Balham Leisure Centre is the ideal spot for those who prefer to be indoors but still with plenty of natural light. The pool is set inside a grand buidling with incredible high ceilings further complemented by ample natural light filtering through.

This beautiful pool is set in lush Brockwell Park in Herne Hill and is surrounded by stunning art deco buildings. People flock here for a swim on a hot summer's day (or any day, really) as well as using it as a space to sunbathe throughout the hotter months.

Head along to Greenwich and plonk yourself into the 25-degree Charlton Lido for a quick dip. This 50-metre outdoor pool is open all year round and is the ideal place to brush up on your swimming skills or get a few lengths under your belt.

Whether you want to brush up on your breaststroke or enjoy an aqua-fit pool class, you can do all of this and more at Richmond Pools on the Park, a Grade II listed swimming pool and leisure centre set in Old Deer Park in the charming borough of Richmond.

Hampton open-air swimming pool in Richmond is set in two acres of woodland right next to Royal Bushy Park. You can swim surrounded by nature here in water heated to 28 degrees 365 days a year. There's also a dedicated pool for learners that both children and adults are welcome to use.

Camberwell Leisure Centre is set in a beautiful Victorian building with original ironwork still intact. There's also plenty of natural sunlight filtering through from the huge skylights that cover the entire space. As well as having two different swimming pools to choose from, the venue is home to a large gym and fitness centre.

This swimming pool in the heart of Tooting Bec is well-known for its vibrant, multicoloured changing rooms. It's also the largest freshwater pool in the entire UK, as well as being the oldest having opened back in 1906. Swim here from spring all the way up until September.

Whether you want to enjoy the range of watersports activities on offer here or simply go for a cold open-water dip, West Reservoir N4 is the place to go. This reservoir in the heart of Hackney is relatively new compared to other London swimming spots and has a lovely café overlooking the water for some post-swim snacks.

You can experience the unique feeling of swimming in an urban environment thanks to Love Open Water, a project that establishes open-water swimming venues with regularly tested water and safety staff. You can find them in Canary Wharf under the MacKenzie Walk bridge, as well as on the Royal Docks.

Repton Park, once a psychiatric hospital established in 1892, now offers a peaceful well-being centre complete with a 24m pool. The stunning vaulted chapel provides a perfect sanctuary in which to indulge in R&R, evoking a Hogwarts-like ambience with its gothic arches and stained-glass windows. In addition, the site boasts a fully-equipped health club featuring steam rooms, jacuzzis, a sauna, and a gym.

Marshall Street Leisure Centre, renowned for its unique 1930s design, comes equipped with cutting-edge facilities and a well-equipped gym that boasts state-of-the-art equipment. Take advantage of their fitness classes, which include restorative hot yoga sessions. There's also a huge 30m pool, featuring its original marble floor, which provides the perfect setting for getting in your laps.