Outdoor Swimming London - wild swims & lidos book

140 best wild swims and lidos within easy reach of the capital

Discover the best lidos, river beaches, wooded lakes and hotel pools - all about an hour from central London on public transport. Perfect for anyone who loves to swim outdoors under a big open sky.

Combining lavish photos, enticing travel writing and all the practical information you’ll need to choose and plan your next adventure, including local eateries, river walks, places of interest and accessibility information. Encompassing more than 140 beautiful and varied venues where you can swim wild, paddle board, picnic or take the family for an unforgettable day out. It also includes information on winter swimming, local swimming groups and events.

Outdoor Swimming London takes you on an aquatic tour of the region’s finest rivers, lakes and outdoor pools.

• Discover hidden beaches and secret islands
• Cycle and walk along bucolic riverside meadows
• Swim in sparkling lakes within secluded woods
• Glide through turquoise water and chalk pools
• Visit some of the region’s finest art deco lidos
• Enjoy poolside cocktails and sushi
• Treat yourself to luxury spa and swim breaks
• Jump and slide in outdoor aqua parks
• Test yourself on longer circuits at some of the best training lakes

Table of Contents - Outdoor Swimming London

Overview map 6
Introduction 9
Getting about and prices 10
Swimmer’s kit and safety 12
Cold-water swimming 14
Staying legal and respecting others 16
Open-water swimming with a disability 17
Best for… 18

THE REGIONS
Greater London 28
Surrey & Sussex 78
Berkshire, River Thames & Oxfordshire 120
Bucks, Beds & Cambridgeshire 166
Hertfordshire & Essex 186
Kent 224

Swim safety 252
Water quality 253
Index 254
Copyright & acknowledgements 256