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Measuring 90m x 30m, this South London treasure is the largest freshwater open-air swimming pool in the UK and has been a popular spot for bathers and leisure seekers since 1906. The lido's colourful changing cubicle doors (red, yellow, green) lend character and distinction. There’s a café too if you don’t want to spend all your time in the water.

Getting there: by Tube to Tooting Bec or rail to Streatham

Hampstead Heath Ponds; Hampstead Heath, NW3

Waiting to dive in at the Men's Pond, Hampstead Heath. Image: Gavin Rodgers / Alamy

My personal favourite. There are three ponds set aside for swimmers on the Heath – two (the Men’s and Ladies’ Ponds) are on the Highgate side, the other (Mixed Pond) is closer to Hampstead/Belsize Park. Beautiful settings, bracing temperatures and a quirky, dedicated troupe of regulars, including the ducks and swans, all set this one apart. If you're willing to brave the cold, winter swimming is possible too.

Getting there: by Tube to Golders Green, Hampstead or Kentish Town; by Overground to Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak.

Brockwell Lido; Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, SE24

Image: Gianni Muratore / Alamy

Located in Brixton’s Brockwell Park, this 50-metre-long pool is another 1930s Art Deco classic that was almost lost to London. In 1990 the swimming pool was closed but pressure from a users’ group led to its reopening four years later. The lido is now Grade II listed and includes an award-winning café; a health and fitness centre adds to its appeal.

Getting there: Tube to Brixton; rail to Herne Hill

London Fields Lido; London Fields Westside, E8

London Fields Lido: London's only heated 50m outdoor pool. Image: London's only heated 50m outdoor pool

Perfect for those with little tolerance for chilly temperatures, London Fields Lido is London’s only 50-metre-long heated outdoor pool. This one too was only kept open thanks to the efforts of a dogged pressure group - now it is one of the most popular public venues in Hackney. It gets packed on warm days but there’s a nice sun terrace on the site as well as two cafes if you find the pool too crowded.

Getting there: by Overground to Haggerston or Hackney Central; rail to London Fields

Parliament Hill Lido; Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road, NW5

Another Grade II listed Art Deco classic, the beautiful Parliament Hill Fields Lido, at the southern tip of Hampstead Heath, was originally built in 1938. Looking worn at the edges, it underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2005 and now boasts a swanky stainless steel liner (the only one of its kind in an outdoor pool in the UK) which gives the water an extra shimmer. It’s a relatively large pool (61 × 27m) and notoriously chilly. Mercifully there are piping hot showers and a café.

Getting there: by Overground or rail to Gospel Oak

Oasis Sports Centre; 32 Endell Street, WC2H

As the name suggests, the Oasis Sports Centre is a genuine outdoor oasis in a very central part of London and a popular spot for those wanting to cool off before or after work in Holborn or in between shopping sprees in Covent Garden. The pool is well heated but rather small (only 27.5 metres long) so better for those wanting a quick splash rather than a serious swim. A sun terrace, café and adjacent indoor pool complete the picture.

Getting there: by Tube to Covent Garden

Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, W2

Hardy members of a swimming group visit the Serpentine Lido in winter. Image: Homer Sykes / Alamy

It doesn’t get much more central than this: a swimming area carved out of the main pond in Hyde Park. As with the ponds in Hampstead, you share the unheated, unchlorinated waters of the Serpentine Lido with plenty of wildlife - and dedicated fans of wild swimming. Some of the most committed swimmers are permitted to come here all year round, including on Christmas Day to participate in the annual ‘Peter Pan Cup’ race, but otherwise public access is generally restricted to the summer months. When you do visit, a nearby playground, paddling pool and deckchairs all extend an invitation to linger. It’s a unique slice of London life.

Getting there: by Tube to Hyde Park Corner, Knighstbridge or Lancaster Gate

Pools on the Park Richmond; Old Deer Park, Surrey, TW9

This much more recent addition to London’s outdoor swimming scene was built in the 1960s and is part of a wider complex which incorporates a gym and fitness centre, indoor pool and a spa. A session here can be combined with a visit to the deer park at Richmond and a walk along one of the most attractive stretches of the River Thames (complete with characterful waterside pubs and restaurants).

Getting there: by rail or Tube to Richmond

Finchley Lido; Great North Leisure Park, Chaplin Square, London N12 0GL

Another modernised take on a 1930s art deco classic, the lido at Finchley is also part of a wider sports complex, this one containing a bowling alley, cinema, restaurants and an indoor pool with a special effects wave machine. Ideal for the less robust, the outdoor pool here doesn’t open if the outdoor temperature is less than 20 degrees celsius.

Getting there: by Tube to Finchley Central or East Finchley

The Berkley Hotel; Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1

This elegant hotel has a stylish outdoor pool with great views across to Knightsbridge and Hyde Park (and for those concerned about the cold, there’s a sliding roof that comes into play when it turns chilly). In addition to hotel guests, the pool is open to visitors (it costs £65 for a full-day pass), but if you visit plan for a day's relaxation rather than strenuous swimming. The pool is modestly sized but guests are invite to linger on loungers as they sip complimentary teas and soft drinks. This summer there's another way to experience the space by participating in a synchronised swimming masterclass. In keeping with the Olympic spirit, the classes will run over the summer period and are given by Britain’s Got Talent finalists Aquabatique. At £125 for a 90-minute lesson it's a pricey but unique opportunity.

Getting there: by Tube to Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge