We all love a dip, or at least a bit of splashing about when the sun shines. So don’t forget about the wonderful lidos on offer in London. A lot of them close at the end of August, some lasting through to September, but while it is still term time and relatively quiet, go and hang out in our favourites.


Brockwell Park Lido:  in Dulwich is known locally as Brixton’s Beach. Open untill 30th August 020 7274 3088. http://www.brockwell-lido.com/

Tooting Bec Lido: This one is the biggest open air swimming pool in Europe. 90m main pool and kids paddling area.  Good café. Open till 31st August. 020 8871 7198

Parliament Hill Lido, otherwise known as the Hamptead Heath Ponds. Beautiful setting and great for picnics, they have just completed their first stage of refurbishment, and it is much slicker with changing facilities etc. Open untill end September 020 7485 5757

Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park. The ultimate lido in a lake and the nicest in London. There is a great paddling pool for kids, with play area, sandpit and slide and sometimes a kid’s entertainer.  Open untill end Sept 0207 706 3422 http://www.serpentinelido.com/

Richmond Lido. Grade II listed venue. Lawns to lie on, perfect for picnics. Open through the summer. 020 8940 0561.