Serpentine Lido image

Serpentine Lido

Swim club

Swimming in a 100-metre stretch of the Serpentine, with changing facilities, sun terrace and cafe. People often mention swim, water, good, swimming, Great, London, people, experience, great, coffee,


Address

Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, United Kingdom

Website

www.royalparks.org.uk

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (494 reviews)

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Working Hours

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: swim (19) water (15) good (10) swimming (9) Great (9) London (9) people (7) experience (6) great (6) coffee (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Pietra M. 1 year ago on Google
    Only a one star because it’s closed at the moment sadly due to an algae problem that’s toxic but it didn’t say so on Google maps:( should be ‘maybe’ open by Wednesday I’ve just been told 🙏
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jonathan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Doesn't allow people in because they are at "full capacity" while the swimming part is almost completely empty. They should separate the capacity of the Serpentine lake from the children's pool so capacity for one doesnt prevent people from going in the other. Seems like a no brainer..
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Radek B. 1 year ago on Google
    Terrible service, no organisation, no online booking system. Staff not able to give any useful information , about way to the enter fecility. Que long for 2h when outside is 30 degrees 😳
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris C. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely spot for a swim and the water is surprisingly clean given its location!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 dean w. 1 year ago on Google
    A decent swimming experience, even if the changing room is too small. But why is it not open year-round!? It's July and it's still not open. A wasted resource if you ask me
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ronnie S. 1 year ago on Google
    Even though it is a natural and beautiful lido with the chill and freshness of the river Thames the water has not been cleaned of seaweed and other sea vegetation and the ground is slippery and dangerous because if the algae. Despite this it does have an area for diving which is always fun.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kevin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Confronted with an overtly hostile unwelcoming female “attendant” who was fawning over the off-duty Guardsmen at the poolside and grudgingly and fairly offensively regarded me as not sufficiently “up-market” to warrant a welcome swim there. Really embarrassing me and my friends. Gratuitously offended us and I should have challenged her behaviour at the time. I thought that Class Distinction and prejudice died in 60’s UK! This “lady’s” servile disposition to those swimmers had to be seen to be credited!!! This all happened when I was working in St James in the Naughties: I wonder if the old cow has retired by now?
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jimmy R. 4 years ago on Google
    Swimming here is so Invigorating. Such a wonderful experience. Worth every penny.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Minty W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to swim.Showers at the side of the pool, which is great. If they sell all the available tickets they have to act like they are full, it isn’t difficult. Lockers are a bit small, would be my only gripe. I will be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 kevin b. 1 year ago on Google
    Shockingly slow til system....divert even 1 other member of staff to help speed it up, or another til maybe??. Had an hour wait both the last two mornings.....an hour lost being inside the lido! I realise it's a busy time, but it's was such a painful wait in the heat T
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Wiktoria W. 1 year ago on Google
    Awful place, fully booked up and yet theres three people in the water. Found out people show up early to get a spot and they don't bother coming back or leave quickly and yet they're "full". Don't bother showing up.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sam H. 2 years ago on Google
    Arbitrary service. No last call for orders. Waited several minutes to place food order only to be told at 1928 they closed for orders at 1923 despite closing at 8pm. Kitchen still cooking and putting out orders as i could see the chef was not scrubbing but was cooking. When I recommended they call out for last orders to help avoid disappointment it looked like the waitress was sucking on sour food, denied it was good advice and shut down. Well done on losing food and drinks order X 2 which would have come to about £50 (£12x2 + £14x2).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna A. 3 years ago on Google
    Chillax watch paddle boats. Cafe ice cream available. What wish more?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martin M. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice and different swimming experience if you are used to go to indoor pools only. Staff were helpful and £5 entry is not much. Just do not expect the cleanest water ever, after all, you are in a lake!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Stacy M. 2 years ago on Google
    Gutted they have put a bar on top of the kids paddling pool and now can only stay 45m block of time. Used to be a lovely day out to have the kids play on the newly built playground and splash pool for the whole day. Ruined a wonderful spot for families and children
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jimmy K. 4 years ago on Google
    Rather Swanny, but good assortments of Ducks and other Birds.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tet1972 11 months ago on Google
    Kiva levähdys paikka. Mukava paikka istu ja nauttia kahvit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Russ B - Endless k. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a fab space on the Serpentine for very brave swimmers There is a magnificent 100Metre dash on Christmas day morning and I keep promising myself I will get there one year as an enthusiastic spectator
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Florence G. 2 years ago on Google
    Unfortunately there isn’t much other choice in London for outdoor swimming in a vaguely natural environment, but if you’re used to swimming anywhere else , e.g. in mainland Europe, you’ll be shocked to see how dirty the water is here. It’s also rather pricey, £5 for a 45 min session. On the plus, it is a very nice location and they have small lockers to leave your valuables. Changing rooms could do with a bit of extra TLC. They have 2 cabins but then nothing inside the cabin to put your bag or towel and clothes on, no bench or anything.

  • 3/5 Twiggy W. 2 years ago on Google
    I didn't swim here I visited the Lido for a lovely BBQ on the terrace. There isn't much of a choice in the way of food - it's a beef burger, a chicken thing or a halloumi burger (no chips) and that's it. The staff looked rather fed up but the outdoor space is ideal at the moment and its an ideal meeting place to see friends for a catch up. There are steps up to the Lido terrace so I don't think any one with severe mobility issues or in a wheelchair are welcome here; but hopefully there is an alternative entrance with a ramp or a lift.

  • 5/5 Robert H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful, I love it, it is a great tour of nature and for sports (Original) Preciosa, me encanta, es un genial recorrido por la naturaleza y para hacer deporte

  • 5/5 Alice G. 4 years ago on Google
    I love Hide Park😎☀️ and have water in town is energetically refreshing too me

  • 4/5 Johan Van Den B. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely place to spend an afternoon relaxing and soaking up the sun.

  • 5/5 Andrew K. 4 years ago on Google
    When it comes to parks London ticks all the boxes. Well done!

  • 5/5 Dana D. 4 years ago on Google
    👍

  • 5/5 Ariel Martín G. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place to take the children during hot summer days.

  • 4/5 Philip 4 years ago on Google
    Fairly expensive (what did you expect) cafe with a wide range of drinks and food (including flat pizzas, breakfast and so forth), in peak times finding a table is difficult, free toilets next door are basic, smelly but free.

  • 5/5 Sara W. 2 years ago on Google
    A warm welcome with lovely cold water. Such a privilege to swim in such an iconic setting ☀️🏊🏻‍♀️❄️

  • 4/5 Gregory D. 2 years ago on Google
    All very nice but the cafe is very expensive the coffee is more expensive than Partridges and that is saying quite something and inside can get very.loud with.noisy people

  • 1/5 Karol 1 year ago on Google
    Ridiculous. Always closed. Sort yourself out, guys. London is melting and there is barely any choice to cool down and refresh. You are so behind the rest of the Europe.

  • 5/5 Voislav A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food and great service the staff was very helpful i had no battery my phone was dead and the chef in the kitchen his name was Kasim he helped me he gave me a charger to charge my phone and the manager was very helpful.

  • 5/5 Dan F. 1 year ago on Google
    To swim as a guest of the club write in advance or come bearing baked goods as cakes and treats are much appreciated by the wardens.

  • 5/5 Rachel N. 1 year ago on Google
    Great personnel, awesome water with ducks joining in and couple of swimming miles behind me. Definitely coming back soon. 5 stars deserved.

  • 2/5 lurch1e 1 year ago on Google
    On a hot sunny afternoon our children wanted to swim. After 4pm the price drops to £1.50 each for kids, but adults need to pay £2 each to accompany them. Sun loungers are available to rent, which all makes it a bit expensive!

  • 5/5 David W. 1 year ago on Google
    As the late August day was very warm, the lido was very warm and busy. Very pleasent plenty of cafes and quiet reasonable in price pleasent staff and outside great views of the serpentine and views of hyde Park.

  • 4/5 I A. 9 months ago on Google
    Perfect stop for those crossing Hyde Park. Great location by the water with lots of tables outside with some right by the water. There's also seating inside. Decent food options (burger on the dry side), although they are more like a museum cafe, focusing on sweet baked products and lots of coffee drinks. Plenty of drinks options, although the manager was unpleasant insisting that the apperol must be full of ice despite customer requests. (He actually threw the ice cubes into the drink). Very strange. Service is otherwise friendly and efficient. I think they have PIMMS on tap. There is a cream and coffee van outside for those passing through quickly. Lots of waterfowl birds staring in your plate - don't feed them or they start fighting each other.

  • 5/5 Nathalie F. 10 months ago on Google
    Hyde Park is my local so many glorious sights to see the ducks, swans, birds, etc. Paddling for the kids, two restaurant's, boat hire, coffee stands. Concerts in the park, rollerblading, biking, etc.

  • 5/5 Bobby P. 7 months ago on Google
    Iconic place, it homes a lot of different bird species and wildelife.

  • 3/5 Allan C. 10 months ago on Google
    Surrounded by lush greenery, the tranquil atmosphere and friendly staff created a welcoming environment. While there were some cleanliness concerns due to the presence of ducks and swans, the overall experience was still enjoyable. The facilities, although not perfect, were functional and met my basic needs. The opportunity to swim in such a picturesque location made it a memorable experience. If you're looking for a serene place to take a dip and don't mind the occasional wildlife encounter, the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park is a pleasant option to consider.

  • 5/5 Anna M. 8 months ago on Google
    There is nothing better than the Serpentine Lido, I spent all my summers here and always visit when in London. Those murky, silky slightly poo tasting waters are an elixer for life itself. As I round the corner the smells of the past come back to revisit me, ice cream mixed with a damp straw hessian matting smell coming from the tents add in the smell of suntan oil and that is a smell of happiness within my childhood. If you find yourself close by pop in and watch the world go by

  • 5/5 Zoltán N. 7 months ago on Google
    Its almost a joy to eat some good desert and talking to various starlings. 😀

  • 5/5 Matt H. 9 months ago on Google
    The swimming was closed but we had drinks at the outdoor patio that overlooks the lake. Busy but great people watching. It was such a nice day when I was there in August.

  • 5/5 Backs 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful location. Didn't swim but it looked so much fun

  • 5/5 Leonardo G. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place to go in the summer

  • 5/5 Oisin R. 3 years ago on Google
    Good for a swim

  • 4/5 Giannis K. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place.

  • 5/5 S and R. 3 years ago on Google
    Fun trip

  • 4/5 Hong S. 3 years ago on Google
    Associated with land, uraeus (serpent, Latin origin serpens) is a symbol for the serpent goddess Wadjet, the protector of lower Egypt, kings, and pregnant woman. The Egyptian term signifies blue and green and symbolises 'Eye of the Moon (Hathor, Horus, Ra)'. Pharaoh crown displayed with an uraeus encapsulated claim over land, legitimacy to rule, royalty, and suzerainty. Setepenre is a frequently-utilised royal title of Egyptian pharaohs, meaning elect of Ra, chosen by Ra, strong is the justice of Ra, God's carpenter or artisan, or son of God. It was also the official names of two pharaohs: Setepenre (Princess Sotepenre), the youngest daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti (18th Dynasty) and Usermaatre Setepenre Ramesses II or Ramesses the Great (19th Dynasty). One of the longest regents, the third pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty, Usermaatre Setepenre Ramesses II, was known as 'Montu in the Two Lands' and was depicted as a 'strong bull', associated with the bull cult founded on the astrological precession of Taurus. The genealogy of Montu can be traced to Montuhotep I, whom united Upper Egypt (represented by Montu-Ra) and Lower Egypt (represented by Atum-Ra) in the 11th dynasty. Montu acted as protector of household advocating commitment and aided sun god Ra on nightly underworld journeys combatting the serpent of Chaos (Apep or Apophis).

  • 5/5 Emanuel Rea L. 3 years ago on Google
    Strong experience, beautiful people.

  • 5/5 A J. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place. I normally run around the park and along the water so was nice to walk around it and appreciate it more. Good facilities for coffee and clean and free toilets

  • 5/5 Maureen H. 3 years ago on Google
    Members only at this time but worth a visit when open to the public again

  • 5/5 Mert A. 3 years ago on Google
    Good mulled wine 🍷 in the winter with a good atmosphere inside the park

  • 1/5 David J. 3 years ago on Google
    Helena Horton.

  • 5/5 martin k. 3 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous place to swim. Forget tyranny of the lanes, and relax into a beautiful swim among the birds and trees.

  • 5/5 Gionatan D. 4 years ago on Google
    A peaceful and refreshing place in the heart of London

  • 5/5 Paddy W. 4 years ago on Google
    Should go more often as it really does set you up for the day. Water today was lovely. Mixed changing rooms are very cramped but everyone manages with good cheer. Strong community spirit.

  • 4/5 Ca K. 7 years ago on Google
    Usually crowded when the weather is fine. Unfortunately, the water then gets really dirty with lots of algae, mud and possibly duck poo floating around. Still one of the most easily accessible open air lidos in central London.

  • 3/5 ChiMaster 5 years ago on Google
    Great place to swim, you get small lockers and I had an amazing view of the sculpture in the serpentine! The changing rooms are small and the water is from the lake so not the cleanest, but you get to swim with ducks!

  • 5/5 Kyriako B. 4 years ago on Google
    As always, beutiful

  • 5/5 Anja J. 6 years ago on Google
    Excellent outdoor swimming venue. Early morning swims with the swim club from 6 to 9:30 also available.

  • 4/5 Marga D. 5 years ago on Google
    A great place to get a deink or some food at the serpentine in hyde park. They have outdoor and indoor seating. We ordered a burger that was good. Meat was good quality although too cooked for my taste. The fries were awesome though. It gets quite busy on sunny days and you might need to share your table with other customers. Nice place to relax.

  • 5/5 John M. 4 years ago on Google
    Good to swim in dirty water with ducks in hyde park

  • 5/5 Catarina F. 4 years ago on Google
    Great swimming spot in London to go for a swim during the summer. However it can get quite busy on weekends.

  • 5/5 Tim W. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic spot to swim

  • 3/5 Hipatia Roger R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Cleaning is improved and is very massive (Original) La neteja és millorable i està molt massificat

  • 5/5 Davide B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A haven of peace in London .. (Original) Un oasi d pace a Londra..

  • 5/5 Dave K. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely area to walk

  • 5/5 Kat f. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to swim all year round

  • 5/5 Ibrahim A. 4 years ago on Google
    Very good place

  • 3/5 Sorin B. 4 years ago on Google
    I'm not sure the water is clean enough with all the birds around.

  • 5/5 Jan G. 4 years ago on Google
    Pleasant and serene

  • 5/5 sponge b. 4 years ago on Google
    Good cool place to have puck bucks in or just to enjoy best view and natural beauty

  • 5/5 David M. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent hamburgers

  • 5/5 George K. 4 years ago on Google
    Best lake ever

  • 5/5 Tomas Magan E. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) We ate the typical fish and chips. Other dishes also good. The terrace overlooking the park ideal for coffee ... Be careful with pigeons ..... (Original) Comimos el típico fish and chips. Otros platos también buenos. La terraza con las vistas al parque ideal para hacer el café... Ojo con las palomas.....

  • 5/5 Mackenzie C. 4 years ago on Google
    Oasis in London but be aware you need to be a member

  • 5/5 Max X. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place

  • 5/5 Mazin B. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good

  • 1/5 Andrew G. 3 years ago on Google
    It's still closed dew to COVIDE19

  • 5/5 Kevin M. 3 years ago on Google
    Wet and warm

  • 5/5 Enzo's Fun P. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park

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