Serpentine Lido

The Serpentine Lido has been a London summer institution since the 1930s, offering families the rare thrill of open-water lake swimming right in the heart of Hyde Park. Open from June to mid-September, the lido encompasses a designated swimming area within the Serpentine lake, complete with a sandy beach, sun deck, changing facilities, and a cafe.

Children aged five and above can enter the water with a responsible adult. The swimming area is clearly marked and supervised by lifeguards, giving parents confidence while kids splash around in genuinely natural water. The sandy beach area along the edge is a hit with younger children who prefer to paddle rather than swim out into deeper water.

The wider lido compound includes sun loungers, a paddling area, and the boathouse cafe where families can grab sandwiches, ice creams, and cold drinks. Changing rooms are basic but functional, with lockers available for valuables.

Beyond the swim, the surrounding Hyde Park offers playgrounds, wide open lawns for a post-swim picnic, and the Diana Memorial Fountain — a shallow water play feature that younger children adore. Combining the lido with a park afternoon gives families a genuinely full and affordable London summer day out.

The lido gets busy on hot summer days, so arriving at opening time is the best strategy for securing space on the deck. Weekday visits offer a noticeably calmer experience than weekends.