Browse the siteWhen warmer days approach, if feels good to go for a swim outdoors or to spend some time with the family. Here I look at the outdoor pools in Hertfordshire and slightly further afield which are perfect for the hot summer days or if you are having a staycation. Some are also open through the year for cold water swimming as well!
Everyone active, Hemel Hempstead.: Hemel outdoor pool
Enjoy a swim in the 25m outdoor pool at any time of the year. In the Summer, the pool is open for visits, including a smaller paddling pool next to the main pool. There are grass areas to the side of the pool for enjoying a picnic and sunbathing.
In the winter months, the pool is open at scheduled times (for over 16’s only) and is unheated for cold water swims – understandably wet suits are recommended!
Booking in advance is recommended, particularly when it is hot.
Hitchin Swimming Centre: Hitchin Swimming Centre
Hitchin swimming centre has a fabulous 50m heated outdoor lido which is ideal for both leisure and fitness swims. There is a smaller, shallower pool for the kids to enjoy. This lido will be open from 23th May 2026.
Letchworth Lido; Letchworth Lido
Letchworth Lido is a great 50m heated swimming pool which will be open for the summer from the 23rd May 2026. There is also a smaller teaching pool along with plenty of space for relaxing. An on site café provides the perfect opportunity for a snack or drink, making it a great day out.
Ware Priory Lido – Ware priory Lido
Ware Priory Lido is a 30m heated pool, which has a smaller teaching pool to the side (closed in the summer holidays). There is seating on grassed areas where a picnic can be enjoyed. Sun loungers are also available on a first come, first served basis. The Lido has indoor changing rooms refurbished in 2025, with new hot showers, toilets, as well as heated poolside showers. There is a small 'on-site' shop in the lido reception selling a range of swimming accessories including goggles, swim hats, arm bands and light snacks.
Chesham Moor outdoor pool.- Chesham Moor Lido
This 25m outdoor pool is open all year round from 6am weekdays and 8am weekends. They also hold various classes including aqua fitness and have an inflatable session.
Wycombe Rye Lido- Wycombe Rye Lido
Wycombe Rye lido is open all year round. There is an onsite café for refreshments during or after your swim.
Hillingdon Lido - Hillingdon Lido
Hillingdon Lido is a 50m grade 2 listed outdoor pool. The pool offers fitness swimming, Aqua aerobics classes and also leisure swimming. In the summer months there is also a children’s splash pool which is heated. Free sun loungers are available on a first come first served basis and refreshments are available at the on site café.
Check out more things to do, events and activities or add your own listing at Mum's Guide to Hemel Hempstead
