London is home to some of Britain's finest outdoor water play spaces, from free neighbourhood splash pads and traditional paddling pools to beloved outdoor lidos with nearly a century of history. Whether you want a quick after-school splash or a full day at a heated outdoor pool, this guide covers the best splash pads, paddling pools and lidos in London for families in 2026.
May 2026 update: We've verified opening dates, prices, postcodes and parking for each venue but we always recommend checking before making a special trip as hours and conditions can change, especially during hot weather when popular spots get busy fast.
Good to know: Most splash pads and paddling pools in London are completely free. Lidos charge admission, typically between £3 and £11.50 per person. Pre-booking is strongly recommended for Tooting Bec Lido, Parliament Hill Lido, Charlton Lido and Hillingdon Lido.
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South London Splash Pads and Paddling Pools
South London has a brilliant range of free splash pads and paddling pools, with Merton Council running several well-maintained sites through the summer.
Wimbledon Park Splash Pad Free
One of South West London's most popular splash pads, with interactive jets and plenty of space nearby for picnics and park games.
Open: 15 June to 6 September 2026, 10am to 5pm
Address: Home Park Road entrance, SW19 7HU
Cost: Free
Website: merton.gov.uk
Tamworth Recreation Ground Splash Pad Free
A popular free splash area in Mitcham with fountains and sprays, ideal for younger children.
Open: 15 June to 6 September 2026, 10am to 5pm
Address: London Road, Mitcham, CR4 3LB
Cost: Free
Website: merton.gov.uk
Colliers Wood Recreation Ground Paddling Pool Free
Traditional paddling pool surrounded by green space and playground facilities, perfect for younger families.
Open: 18 July to 31 August 2026
Address: South Gardens, SW19 2NT
Cost: Free
Morden Park Water Play Area New 2026
A brand new interactive water play area expected to open for summer 2026. Check the Merton Council website for confirmed opening dates closer to the time.
Address: London Road, SM4 4SF
Cost: Free (expected)
Website: merton.gov.uk
Brockwell Park Wet Play Area Free
One of the most unique splash parks in London, designed with natural-style streams, rocks and fountains. Set within the popular Brockwell Park, it is a lovely choice for families visiting the lido area.
Open: Typically late May to late September
Address: Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA
Cost: Free
Parking: Limited street parking on Dulwich Road; Herne Hill station is a short walk
Elephant Springs Free
A stunning modern urban water play space in Elephant Park with jets, cascades, sand and rocks. A great pick for all ages, and open late into the evening in summer.
Open: 8:30am to 10pm (summer hours)
Address: Elephant Park, SE17 1FR
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Elephant and Castle
Website: elephantpark.co.uk
Ruskin Park Paddling Pool Free
A classic South London paddling pool set beside a large playground in Denmark Hill. A reliable neighbourhood favourite through the summer months.
Open: Usually late May to mid-September
Address: Denmark Hill, SE5 8BX
Cost: Free
Nearest station: Denmark Hill
Rookery Paddling Pool Free
A historic open-air paddling pool dating back to the 1930s on Streatham Common. A charming spot with a classic feel.
Open: Usually late May to mid-September
Address: Streatham Common, SW16 3BX
Cost: Free
Winn's Common Paddling Pool Free
A large paddling pool popular with South East London families, set in the open green space of Plumstead Common.
Open: Summer months (check before visiting)
Address: Plumstead Common Road, SE18 2UX
Cost: Free
North London Splash Parks and Water Play
From Hackney to Haringey, North London is packed with free water play spots for families across the summer.
Clissold Park Splash Pad Free
An interactive splash pad with sprays and fountains in one of North London's best family parks. Combine with a visit to the park's animal enclosures.
Open: Seasonal, May to September
Address: Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 9HJ
Cost: Free
Nearest station: Stoke Newington Overground
Finsbury Park Splash Park Free
Ground-level water jets located in the main playground at Finsbury Park. Easy to reach by tube and a handy stop on a warm day.
Open: Through summer months
Address: Seven Sisters Road, N4 2DF
Cost: Free
Parking: On-site car park (paid)
Hampstead Heath Paddling Pool Free
A shallow paddling pool perfect for toddlers and younger children, set within the iconic Hampstead Heath. Managed by the City of London Corporation.
Open: From June 2026, daily 10:30am to 5pm
Address: Hampstead Heath, NW3
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Hampstead (Northern line) or Gospel Oak Overground
Website: cityoflondon.gov.uk
Lordship Recreation Ground Paddling Pool Free
A large family park in Haringey with a free paddling pool and excellent playground. Restricted to under 8s in the pool area.
Open: May to September
Age: Under 8s only in the pool
Address: Lordship Recreation Ground, N17 6RT
Cost: Free
Website: haringey.gov.uk
Lewis Cubitt Square Fountains, King's Cross Free
Kids love running through the dancing fountains at Coal Drops Yard and Lewis Cubitt Square. A great option if you are already in the King's Cross area.
Open: Seasonal
Address: Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DB
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: King's Cross St. Pancras
East London Splash Pads and Pools
East London combines free community splash pools with a heated outdoor lido open all year round.
Victoria Park Splash Pool Free
One of London's biggest and best splash pools, with fountains, sprays and shallow water in a large gated area with clean facilities. Located next to the East Side Playground in Tower Hamlets' most popular park.
Open: Daily 11am to 5pm, from Spring Bank Holiday to end of summer holidays
Address: Victoria Park, Grove Road, E3 5TB
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Mile End (Central line) or Hackney Wick Overground
Website: towerhamlets.gov.uk
Waterworks Fountains, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Free
Interactive fountains and jets near the Olympic Park playgrounds. A brilliant free option in one of London's most impressive family parks, with cafes and activities nearby.
Open: Usually March to October
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2AD
Cost: Free
Parking: Westfield Stratford City car park nearby (paid)
Website: queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
London Fields Lido Heated
The only heated 50-metre outdoor pool in London open all year round. Set in the heart of Hackney's London Fields Park, it offers lane swimming, lessons, outdoor yoga (May to October) and a cafe with a sun terrace. A brilliant option for older children and adults whatever the weather.
Open: All year round
Address: London Fields West Side, E8 3EU
Cost: From £6.40 adults, £3.50 children
Parking: No on-site car park; on-street parking Mon to Fri 8:30am to 6:30pm at around £3.80 per hour
Website: better.org.uk
West London Splash Parks
West London has a cluster of well-maintained free splash parks, particularly along the Thames in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Ravenscourt Park Paddling Pool Free
A hugely popular free paddling pool for under 8s in one of West London's most loved parks. Booking may be required during busy periods.
Open: Summer sessions
Address: Ravenscourt Park, W6 0UL
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Ravenscourt Park (District line)
Bishops Park Splash Park Free
Water jets, sandy play and loads of nearby family facilities alongside the Thames at Bishops Park. A full afternoon out without spending a penny.
Open: Through summer
Address: New Kings Road, SW6 6SA
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Putney Bridge (District line)
Dukes Meadows Splash Park Free
A fantastic riverside splash park in Chiswick with adventure play and picnic space. Free on-site parking makes this an easy option for families driving in.
Open: During summer
Address: Dukes Meadows, W4 2SH
Cost: Free
Parking: On-site car park (free)
Kensington Memorial Park Water Play Free
A brilliant splash park with timed sessions and a huge playground in North Kensington. Very popular with local families through the warmer months.
Open: Throughout summer months
Address: St Mark's Road, W10 6NN
Cost: Free
Nearest tube: Ladbroke Grove
The Best Lidos in London
London's outdoor lidos are among the finest in the country. From Art Deco landmarks to heated pools open 365 days a year, here are the ones worth booking for a full day out.
Parliament Hill Lido, Hampstead Heath From £4.80
One of London's most iconic outdoor pools, open 365 days a year. The Grade II-listed lido measures 61m by 27m and has the only stainless steel liner of any outdoor pool in the UK, giving the water a distinctive metallic shimmer. There is also a paddling pool for under-5s. The pool is unheated, so wetsuits are permitted at the lifeguard's discretion.
Address: Gordon House Road, NW5 1LP
Cost: Adults from £4.80 (off-peak) to £8.40 (peak); concessions £2.90 to £5; juniors from £1.40
Booking: Book online; walk-up sometimes possible at quieter times
Parking: Limited street parking on Gordon House Road; Gospel Oak Overground nearby
Website: parliamenthilllido.org | cityoflondon.gov.uk
Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill From £9.50
2026 Update: Following operator Fusion Lifestyle entering administration on 1 April 2026, Lambeth Council confirmed the lido will transfer to its Active Lambeth service from 1 July 2026. The pool has remained open throughout the transition. Prices may change from July 2026, so check the website before visiting.
Recently named the UK's best lido by the AA, this Grade II-listed Art Deco 50m outdoor pool in Brockwell Park has been drawing swimmers since 1937. It features tiled changing rooms, period loungers, sunbathing lawns, a gym, and a cafe serving sourdough pizzas from local favourite 400 Rabbits. Open all year round.
Address: Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, SE24 0PA
Cost: From approx. £9.50 adults, £6 children (check for updated prices post-July 2026)
Parking: Limited street parking; Herne Hill station is a short walk
Website: brockwelllido.com
Tooting Bec Lido £9.40 adults
The largest outdoor lido in the UK at 90 metres long. The pool is unheated and spectacular in scale, with colourful Victorian-era changing huts, a 19m children's paddling pool, a cafe and sunbathing area. Pre-booking is essential. The public season runs May to September.
Open: 1 May to 30 September 2026 (plus special April sessions); two sessions per day
Address: Tooting Bec Road, SW16 1RU
Cost: £9.40 adults, £5.20 children; pre-booking required
Parking: On-street parking on surrounding roads; Tooting Bec tube (Northern line) is walkable
Website: placesleisure.org
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park From £5.95
Outdoor swimming in the middle of Hyde Park, roped off from the main Serpentine lake. Unheated and unchlorinated in the main swim area (the children's paddling pool area is chlorinated). There is also a sandpit, swings and a cafe bar on site. A walk-up is usually possible at quieter times, though booking online is recommended.
Open: Weekends from mid-May; daily June to mid-September, 10am to 6pm
Address: Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Cost: Full day £7.50 adults, £3.25 children (over 3), £16.30 family; session tickets from £5.95 adults. Under-3s free.
Parking: Paid parking available within Hyde Park; nearest tubes are Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate, or Knightsbridge
Website: royalparks.org.uk
Charlton Lido, Greenwich Heated
London's second heated 50m outdoor pool, set in Hornfair Park and heated to 22 degrees. Open all year round with lane swimming, a gym, spin studio, group fitness classes and floodlit tennis courts on site. Pre-booking is recommended.
Open: All year round
Address: Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Road, SE18 4LX
Cost: From £11.50 adults, £5.50 children
Parking: On-site car park available
Website: better.org.uk
Hampton Pool, Richmond Heated
Known as South West London's best-kept secret, Hampton Pool sits on the edge of Royal Bushy Park and is open every single day of the year, including Christmas Day. The main pool is 36 metres long with a 12.5m learner pool. A charity-run site with a genuinely friendly community atmosphere.
Open: 365 days a year
Address: High Street, Hampton, TW12 2ST
Cost: From £9 adults, £6.50 children; under-3s free. Cashless site only.
Parking: On-site parking available
Website: hamptonpool.co.uk
Hillingdon Lido, Uxbridge From £5.50
Formerly known as Uxbridge Lido, this Grade II-listed Art Deco 50m outdoor pool was recently restored to its 1930s glory, complete with cascading fountains at either end and a new heated shallow splash pool for children. Located within the Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex just off the A40. All sessions must be pre-booked.
Open: 4 April to 31 October 2026
Address: Gatting Way, Park Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1NR
Cost: £11 non-residents; £5.50 children aged 4 to 15
Parking: On-site car park at additional cost; free for Blue Badge holders
Website: better.org.uk
Quick reference: splash pads, paddling pools and lidos in London
| Venue | Area | Cost | Heated | Open |
|---|
| Wimbledon Park Splash Pad | South | Free | No | Jun to Sep |
| Tamworth Rec Splash Pad | South | Free | No | Jun to Sep |
| Morden Park Water Play | South | Free | No | Summer 2026 (new) |
| Brockwell Park Wet Play | South | Free | No | May to Sep |
| Elephant Springs | South | Free | No | Year-round |
| Ruskin Park Paddling Pool | South | Free | No | May to Sep |
| Rookery Paddling Pool | South | Free | No | May to Sep |
| Clissold Park Splash Pad | North | Free | No | May to Sep |
| Finsbury Park Splash Park | North | Free | No | Summer |
| Hampstead Heath Paddling Pool | North | Free | No | Jun to Sep |
| Lordship Rec Paddling Pool | North | Free | No | May to Sep |
| Lewis Cubitt Square Fountains | North | Free | No | Seasonal |
| Victoria Park Splash Pool | East | Free | No | May to Sep |
| Olympic Park Fountains | East | Free | No | Mar to Oct |
| London Fields Lido | East | From £6.40 | Yes | All year |
| Ravenscourt Park Paddling Pool | West | Free | No | Summer |
| Bishops Park Splash Park | West | Free | No | Summer |
| Dukes Meadows Splash Park | West | Free | No | Summer |
| Kensington Memorial Park | West | Free | No | Summer |
| Parliament Hill Lido | North | From £4.80 | No | All year |
| Brockwell Lido | South | From £9.50 | No | All year |
| Tooting Bec Lido | South | £9.40 | No | May to Sep |
| Serpentine Lido | Central | From £5.95 | No | Jun to Sep |
| Charlton Lido | South East | From £11.50 | Yes | All year |
| Hampton Pool | South West | From £9 | Yes | All year |
| Hillingdon Lido | West | From £5.50 | No | Apr to Oct |
Tips before you visit
- Bring swim nappies for babies and toddlers; most venues require them for young children in the water.
- Pack towels, water shoes and a complete change of clothes, including for parents who may get splashed.
- Many splash pads and paddling pools close during bad weather or cold spells, even in summer. Always check on the day before travelling.
- Arrive early during heatwaves. Victoria Park, Parliament Hill and Brockwell Lido in particular get very busy by mid-morning.
- Pre-booking is essential at Tooting Bec Lido and strongly recommended at Parliament Hill Lido, Charlton Lido and Hillingdon Lido.
- Most lidos are now cashless. Bring a card or set up contactless on your phone before you go.
- Many of the free paddling pools are for under 8s only. Check the age restrictions before you travel with older children.
- Brockwell Lido is in transition to new management from 1 July 2026. Prices and booking may change, so check the website for the latest.
- Always supervise children closely around water, including at splash pads.
Prices, postcodes and opening dates verified May 2026. Information is subject to change; always check directly with the venue before travelling, particularly for venues with seasonal or weather-dependent opening.
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