Wild places for outdoor swimming

The Serpentine

The best place to test the waters of outdoor swimming must be Hyde Park’s lake. It is open for swimming daily from 6.30am until 9pm. Until September the Serpentine welcomes all levels and is a great place to build up your confidence.

Hampstead Ponds

Hampstead Ponds offer swimming with a difference and you will definitely forget you are in the city of London. There is Kenwood Pond for the ladies, Highgate Pond for gents and Hampstead Pond for all. Absolutely addictive as long as you do not mind cold water.

King’s Cross Pond

Recently completed, King’s Cross Pond is the UK’s first man-made fresh water pond. Space is slightly limited with 40 people being able to use the lake at a time (book you place at www.kingscrosspond.club ). Facilities such as changing rooms, lockers and loos are on offer which makes swimming outdoor much more accessible.

Royal Victoria Dock

Docks used to be popular with ships supplying London in the past. Currently, they are a place for London’s aquatic events. The Great Newham London Swim is taking place here on 18^th of July in aid of Macmillan Cancer Charity. The River Rat Race on 25^th of July is the wettest 10 km event in London raising money for good cause.

The Thames

This is one for strong adventurous swimmers only. Come and test your skills at The Great River Swim on 11^th of July starting from Chiswick Pier. Only apply if you can swim a mile in 40 minutes. If yes, you should be able to make until the end.