Britain’s best lidos crowned with ‘dreamy’ London spot taking first place

Britain’s best lidos have been named (Picture: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) Sometimes, when the sun’s out and it’s getting a bit much, closing all the curtains and employing a tiny handheld fan just won’t do. Now, if you’re seeking out a cool dip as the weather stays nice and sunny, Britain’s top lidos and outdoor swimming spots have been named. New research has looked at all the important stuff to determine the picks, including the number of Google searches, average Google score, the cost of adult entry, and the average hours of sunshine received during July. Right at the top is the unrivalled Brockwell Lido, which sits in a glorious, sun-trapped corner of Brockwell Park (where else?) in South London. It’s an art deco spot with an unheated pool and ample space to sunbathe, and it’s a prime location for locals to pretend they’re enjoying a Eurosummer when, really, they’re just in Costa Del Brixton. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. 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. Brockwell Lido has been crowned the best in Britain (Picture: METROGRAB/@brockwell_lido) Latest London news 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. And with an average of 49,500 Google searches each month, it’s clearly hugely popular. It’s also received 15,300 tags on TikTok, while it was also praised for its free parking and six hours of sunshine, landing it an overall score of 72.58. The top lidos and outdoor pools across the UK in 2026 Wanting to seek out a swim this week while it’s warm? Here’s the full list: Brockwell Lido, London (average monthly Google searches: 49,500, average hours of sunshine in July: six, lido score out of 100: 72.58) Stoney Cove, Leicestershire (14,800, six hours of sunshine, 67.18) Tooting Bec Lido, London (40,500, six hours of sunshine, 65.55) London Fields Lido, London (49,500, six hours of sunshine, 64.77) Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset (22,200, six hours of sunshine, 64.61) Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall (6,600, seven hours of sunshine, 63.59) Sale Water Park, Greater Manchester (33,100, five hours of sunshine, 62.70) Dancing Ledge, Dorset (14,800, seven hours of sunshine, 59.81) Greenland Dock, London (3,600, six hours of sunshine, 57.66) Tollesbury Woodup Pool, Essex (40, six hours of sunshine, 56.70) Hampton Pool, London (22,000, six hours of sunshine, 56.50) Havre des Pas Bathing Pool, Jersey (140, eight hours of sunshine, 56.15) Cheltenham Lido, Gloucestershire (27,100, six hours of sunshine, 56.06) Hampstead Mixed Pond, London (5,400, six hours of sunshine, 55.86) Viking Bay Tidal Pool, Kent (70, six hours of sunshine, 55.61) Guildford Lido, Surrey (33,100, six hours of sunshine, 55.60) Jubilee Pool, Cornwall (12,100, seven hours of sunshine, 55.45) La Vallette Bathing Pools, Guernsey (260, eight hours of sunshine, 54.73) Saltdean Lido, East Sussex (18,100, seven hours of sunshine, 54.49) Lido Ponty, Wales (14,800, six hours of sunshine, 54.45). Source: AA’s Lido League. While lidos might feel like a distinctly London trend at the moment, you don’t need to live in the capital to soak up a few lengths. The study, commissioned by the AA as part of its ‘Lido League,’ identified 20 prime locations for a paddle, many of them outside London. Stoney Cove, in Leicestershire, came second, also receiving six hours of sunshine, with an impressive 14,800 monthly Google searches. A deep, cold water swimming nook, it offers a 1,000-metre perimeter course in some of the county’s cleanest water. It’s not for a casual frolick, though, as you’ll need to be a competent, strong swimmer. In third and fourth place came Tooting Bec and London Fields, both also in London, and racking up an average of six hours of sunshine each day, while fifth place highlighted Clevedon Marine Lake in Somerset. It’s open year-round, and as well as swimming, you can also try out paddleboarding and kayaking. ‘Filth spinners’ are the swimmers guilty of this germ-ridden pool habit Hopping out of the swimming pool, you’ve just finished your 40 lengths, and subsequently, you’re dripping wet. After stopping off for a shower on your way back (the second one since you’ve arrived, so you can firmly avoid accusations of being a ‘dry stroker’), you head to the cubicle to change into your comfies. But before you leave, there’s one thing left to do: stick your cozzie in the spinning dryer. These devices are an efficient way to rid your swimsuit of water before popping it back in your bag. For some, however, that’s where it stays until their next trip to the pool. However, while spin dryers may be handy, they’re no substitute for a washing machine. And putting your costume back on without proper cleaning means you’re — however inadvertently — spreading germs to your fellow swimmers. It’s not the only poor swimming habit we’ve reported on, either. There’s also toe touching, dry stroking, the lot. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Andy Burnham urged to make clubs and pubs ‘cultural assets’ like opera houses Arrow MORE: London is not a ‘dystopian hellhole’ despite Farage’s comments, mayor says Arrow MORE: Ariana Grande fans won’t get into her London concerts if they break new rule