London's open-air pools are some of the finest in Britain. These are the four most beautiful.
Tooting Bec Lido
Opened in 1906, this 100-yard giant is the UK's largest open-air pool — a million gallons of water with room for 1,400 swimmers. Small credit: Photo: PGibbons, public domain.
Brockwell Lido
Herne Hill's 1937 Moderne beauty is Grade II listed. Closed in 1990, it reopened four years later — locals still call it Brixton Beach. Small credit: Photo: Matt Seppings, CC BY 2.0.
Parliament Hill Lido
Opened in 1938 on Hampstead Heath, this Grade II listed lido was relined in stainless steel in 2005. Unheated — and open all year. Small credit: Photo: Tom Page, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Serpentine Lido
The partitioned swimming area on the Serpentine's southern bank opened in 1930 — and the same lake hosted the 2012 Olympic triathlon swim. Small credit: Photo: Palickap, CC BY-SA 4.0.