Outdoor
Swimming
£5-10
1/5
Tooting Bec Lido is one of London's oldest and largest outdoor swimming pools, offering a refreshing escape from the city heat. Opened in 1906, this historic lido boasts a stunning 91-meter (100-yard) pool with distinctive blue water and is famous for its iconic row of brightly colored changing cubicles that create a rainbow effect along one side.
The lido is perfect for serious swimmers looking to do laps in the designated lanes, families seeking a fun day out, or anyone wanting to relax and soak up the sun on the surrounding grassy areas. The pool is unheated, making it particularly invigorating in the warmer months, while dedicated winter swimmers brave the colder temperatures year-round.
Facilities include clean changing rooms, hot showers, a café serving refreshments and light meals, and lifeguards on duty during all opening hours. The historic Art Deco entrance building adds to the nostalgic charm of this beloved community space.
Tooting Bec Lido is run by Places Leisure in partnership with Wandsworth Council and has been a fixture of South London life for over a century. It's the largest freshwater swimming pool by surface area in the UK and has featured in numerous films and television programs.
The lido hosts various events throughout the year, including the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships in winter and family fun days during summer. The South London Swimming Club, based at the lido, organizes regular swimming competitions and social events for members.
The pool is accessible for all abilities with gentle sloping steps at the shallow end. Swimming lessons are available for children and adults, and early morning sessions are popular with local swimmers looking to get their exercise before work. The surrounding Common offers additional recreational opportunities, making it possible to combine your swim with a walk or picnic for a full day out.
One of the largest in the UK
Open since 1906
Colorful and Instagram-worthy
Refreshments and clean amenities
Tooting Bec Road, London SW16 1RU
Tooting Bec Station (10 min walk)
Routes 155, 249, 355
Limited street parking nearby
Tooting Bec Lido is an absolute gem in South London! We visited with our 8 and 10-year-old children on a warm Saturday and had the most wonderful day. The pool is impressively large and clean, with plenty of space even on a busy day. The colorful changing cubicles add such a charming touch - my kids loved choosing their "favorite color" door. The water was refreshing (a bit chilly at first but perfect once you get moving) and crystal clear. The café serves good quality snacks and drinks at reasonable prices. The staff were friendly and attentive, with lifeguards keeping a watchful eye without being intrusive. The grassy areas around the pool are perfect for picnicking between swims. Facilities were clean and well-maintained. It's such a unique London experience that feels like a proper escape from the city without leaving it. Highly recommend for families looking for a fun summer day out!
As a regular swimmer, I've been coming to Tooting Bec Lido for early morning swims for years, and it remains one of London's greatest treasures. The 91-meter length makes it perfect for serious lap swimming - you can really get into a rhythm without constant turns. The early morning sessions (6-9am) are ideal for dedicated swimmers, with well-maintained lane divisions and respectful fellow swimmers. The unheated water provides an invigorating start to the day, though be prepared for it to be quite bracing outside of high summer! The changing facilities are basic but clean, with hot showers that are very welcome after a cold swim. My only criticism would be that the lockers could use an upgrade, and occasionally the pool gets very busy during peak times and weekends. The staff are knowledgeable and many are swimmers themselves, which makes for a great community atmosphere. If you're a serious swimmer looking for a unique outdoor experience, this is the place to come.
Visited Tooting Bec Lido with a group of friends on one of the first warm days of spring, and it was the perfect way to spend a Saturday! The iconic rainbow-colored changing cubicles are just as Instagram-worthy as they appear in photos, and the atmosphere was buzzing without feeling overcrowded. The pool itself is massive - you really appreciate the 91-meter length when you're swimming in it. The water was chilly but refreshing, and there's something special about swimming outdoors in London. We spent about 3 hours alternating between swimming and sunbathing on the grass. The café serves good coffee and tasty snacks, though the queue gets long during peak times. Facilities are clean but fairly basic - this is more about the swimming experience than luxury amenities. Entry price is very reasonable for London (around £8 for adults), making it great value for a full day out. The only slight negative was the changing rooms getting quite busy, but that's to be expected on a sunny weekend. Would definitely recommend for a unique London experience!
£5-10 per person
Varies by season and time of day
Concessions available
All ages welcome
Children under 8 must be supervised
Shallow end available for younger swimmers
Early morning swim sessions available
Winter swimming for club members only
Tooting Bec Road, London SW16 1RU
Located in Tooting Bec Common