Brockwell Lido

Take the kids for a dip in this outdoor swimming pool set within an Art Deco, Grade II listed building.
Work on your fitness with one of the classes at the Fusion Lifestyle gym on site.
Enjoy the wide expanse of Brockwell Park, the ideal spot for a picnic.
Grab a bite to eat at the Lido Cafe, a popular eatery for swimmers and locals alike.

Located just off the Herne Hill entrance of Brockwell Park in South London, Brockwell Lido is the ideal spot for a family day out. As well as creating a haven for swimmers all year round, the Lido is an incredibly popular location during the summer months in particular, when the heat rises in London and everyone is ready for a dip. Because of its central location in the park and close proximity to Brixton, Brockwell Lido and the facilities and classes it offers are a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. Often affectionately nicknamed 'Brixton Beach', children and adults alike flock to the Lido in the summer months, with queues often snaking around the exterior building.

While the pool at Brockwell Lido is unheated, it is open all year round, so more adventurous swimmers can certainly take a dip in the cooler months. However, the peak time for a swim is in mid July, when the Brockwell Lido temperature is at its warmest. There are plenty of sessions and classes on offer at the adjoining gym run by Fusion Lifestyle, plus there is a crèche if you're taking the kids along while you work out. During the school holidays make sure to keep an eye out for kids activities on offer, which range from creative arts sessions to performance workshops. The pool itself is generally open for public use and doesn't have a large amount of classes on offer, but is home to a number of clubs that use the pool for water polo, synchronised swimming and even triathlon training. Generally, there is enough space to take the kids along as there is an area dedicated to lane swimming, and the rest of the pool is dedicated to open swimming. Plus, Brockwell Lido is a great place to come for kids and adults who are learning to swim or are interested in working on their abilities, as there are regular coaching classes put on by Mike from Streamline Swims.

Whether you're keen on improving your fitness or taking the kids for a splash, this Herne Hill Lido has everything you need for a top day out. History and design lovers will also be interested to learn about the Art-Deco style Grade II listed building that houses Brockwell Lido, which was built all the way back in 1937. As you enjoy the water or practice your strokes in the lane swimming area, it's definitely fun to think about how people would have enjoyed the Lido in exactly the same way over 80 years ago. As a 50m-long Olympic sized pool, there is plenty of room to stretch out as you swim, and there are stepped areas for little swimmers who are still getting used to the water.

Finding a great outdoor swimming pool can be a task, especially when you're in London, so the Lido, Brockwell Park and the surrounding areas can get very busy. We recommend getting there as early as possible in the summer, so you can escape the heat, as well as the queues. The huge expanse of Brockwell Park surrounding the pool is a great spot to enjoy the local area once you've been for a dip. Popular with runners, dog walkers and tennis fans (you'll see the courts up on the hill), Brockwell Park is also home to a range of great family facilities, including a brilliant adventure playground that the kids are bound to love.

The neighbouring areas of Brixton, Herne Hill and Dulwich are top spots for local shopping, cafes and more. If you feel like something to eat on your trip, make sure to check out the Brockwell Lido Cafe. Known for its seasonal menus that change monthly, here you'll find everything from tea and cakes to a hearty and healthy lunch. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area if you take the Dulwich Road exit from the park, with a Pizza Express on the corner, the Half Moon pub opposite, and a selection of cafes as you wander along in the direction of West Dulwich.

If you had a fabulous day swimming and splashing at Brockwell Lido and are looking for some more top family activities in this popular area of London, head to Dulwich Picture Gallery. Just a five minute drive away, here you'll find a selection of famous paintings to round off your day with a taste of history and culture.

What to know before you go

Brockwell Lido opening times vary depending on the season, so keep an eye on the website for updates, but mostly the Lido is open from 6.30am to 7.30pm from Monday - Friday and 8am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays, plus 8am to 4pm on bank holidays. Brockwell Lido gym opening times are the same.
There are toilets, accessible toilets, and accessible shower facilities available on site. You can find baby changing facilities at the public toilets in Brockwell Park.
The site is largely accessible with ramps and access routes into the building and facilities.
Make sure to arrive early, ideally before 10am in the summer months, to make sure you avoid the bulk of the queues.
Taking your own food inside isn't allowed and there are often bag searches during the busier season, but there are options available inside.

Getting there

If travelling via public transport, the closest station is Herne Hill (overground), just a short walk away. Brixton is not too far, either, served by the Victoria line.
If travelling via car, go via the A23 from central London. From south of Brockwell Lido, coming from Croydon, go via the A212. From West, like from Richmond, go via the A3. From East, like from Blackheath, go via the A2214.
Brockwell Lido is easy to get to either on foot or by bike, from the surrounding areas of Brixton, Herne Hill, Dulwich, Tulse Hill and even Camberwell.
There is a car park onsite. Alternatively, look here for NCP parking nearby.