The Best Places to Go Outdoor Swimming by Train

Come on in, the water’s lovely!

Take the plunge with these 10 great destinations for an al fresco dip

Nothing says summer quite like an outdoor swim. (Or the rest of the year if you’re willing to brave the weather!).

From cooling off in a historic lido, to taking a dip in a tidal pool by the sea or swimming beneath open skies in a natural bathing pond, these 10 outdoor swimming spots are perfect for a day out by train. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon swim or making a full day of it, our picks are all easy to reach by train – with many just a few minutes away from a station.

Don’t forget, if you use a Railcard you could save 1/3 on rail travel, so you can spend less getting there and more enjoying your summer adventure.

So, pack your swimsuit, towel and sun cream, hop on the train and discover some of Britain’s best outdoor swimming destinations.

1. Hampstead Heath Ponds, London

A unique London swimming experience, the famous Hampstead Heath Ponds(external link, opens in a new tab) offer year-round open-water swimming in beautiful natural surroundings. Choose from the Men’s Pond, Ladies’ Pond or Mixed Pond before relaxing on the surrounding heath.

Booking/price: Adult swims typically from £5
Nearest stations to Hampstead Heath Ponds: Hampstead Heath, Gospel Oak (around 10 minutes’ walk)

2. Tooting Bec Lido, London

Tooting Bec Lido(external link, opens in a new tab) is one of the best-loved outdoor pools in Britain. Its colourful changing cubicles and 91-metre pool make it a summer favourite. Members of the South London Swimming Club(external link, opens in a new tab) can swim all year round.

Booking/price: Adult swims typically from £6 to £8
Nearest stations to Tooting Bec Lido: Streatham, Balham (around 20 minutes’ walk)

3. Jesus Green Lido, Cambridge

Stretching over 90 metres, Jesus Green Lido(external link, opens in a new tab) is one of the UK’s longest outdoor pools. Located beside the River Cam, it’s perfect for combining a swim with a day exploring Cambridge.

Booking/price: Adult swims typically from £7.50
Nearest station to Jesus Green Lido: Cambridge (around 30 minutes’ walk)

4. Jubilee Pool, Penzance

Overlooking Mount’s Bay, Jubilee Pool(external link, opens in a new tab) is an iconic Art Deco seawater lido and one of Cornwall’s standout attractions. Alongside the main saltwater pool, visitors can enjoy the geothermal pool, heated naturally to around 30 to 35°C.

Booking/price: Main pool tickets from £4 to £7 for adults
Nearest station to Jubilee Pool: Penzance (around 10 minutes’ walk)

5. National Lido of Wales, Pontypridd

Lido Ponty(external link, opens in a new tab) is a beautifully restored 1920s outdoor pool complex featuring 3 heated pools, splash play areas and spacious sunbathing lawns, making it ideal for families.

Booking/price: Adult swims typically from £4 to £6
Nearest station to National Lido of Wales: Pontypridd (around 10 minutes’ walk)

6. Gourock Outdoor Pool, Inverclyde

Scotland’s oldest heated outdoor swimming pool, Gourock Outdoor Pool(external link, opens in a new tab) enjoys spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde. The heated seawater pool is open seasonally and is a popular destination for swimmers of all ages.

Booking/price: Adult swims typically from £6 to £8
Nearest station to Gourock Outdoor Pool: Gourock (around 5 minutes’ walk)

7. The Old Bathing Place, Statford-upon-Avon

Located beside the River Avon, this historic riverside bathing spot combines open-water swimming with a relaxed cafe and sauna, making it a great place to unwind after exploring Stratford-upon-Avon.

Booking/price: Free – no booking required
Nearest station to The Old Bathing Place: Stratford-upon-Avon (around 20 minutes’ walk)

8. Hathersage Outdoor Pool, Peak District

Swim surrounded by Peak District scenery at Hathersage Outdoor Pool(external link, opens in a new tab), open throughout the summer. It’s an ideal stop after a countryside walk or before exploring nearby Stanage Edge.

Booking/price: Adult swims typically from £8
Nearest station to Hathersage Outdoor Pool: Hathersage (around 10 minutes’ walk)

9. Pells Pool, Lewes

Claiming to be the oldest freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the Great Britain, Pells Pool(external link, opens in a new tab) has welcomed swimmers since 1861. The charming riverside setting and heated water make it a popular summer destination.

Booking/price: Adult swims typically from £6 to £8
Nearest station to Pells Pool: Lewes (around 15 minutes’ walk)

10. Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate

Walpole Bay Tidal Pool (external link, opens in a new tab)offers a unique sea swimming experience. Filled naturally by the tides, it’s home to a rich variety of marine life and is free to enjoy whenever conditions allow.