Hyde Park, Central London ranks first in the list of the best places in London to stay cool in a heatwave. Hyde Park has a long history as a site of protest, and still hosts rallies and marches today. Visit Speakers’ Corner on a Sunday morning to hear people from all walks of life share their views. Hyde Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of 350 acres.

With the most trees of any park in London, Hyde Park is the place to go for some outdoor shade lounging. If a picnic beneath the canopy appeals, there are plenty of supermarkets and delis on both sides of the street. There's also a bar-restaurant with outdoor tables and views of the Serpentine lake where you can unwind. If the weather gets too hot, you can cool off in the lake's lido or dip your feet into the shallow flowing waters of the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Location: London, UK
Phone: +44 300 061 2000
Website: better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/west-reservoir-centre

Ice-skating? In the summer? There are several ice rinks in London that are open all year, proving that the activity isn't just for Christmas. If swooping around what is essentially a large freezer sounds like the ideal way to cool off in the summer, the Alexandra Palace rink welcomes all levels of skater, from seasoned pros to complete newcomers (lessons are available for the latter). The Phoenix Bar's terrace, at the other end of the hill on which the palace sits, is a great place to watch the sun set over London while sipping a cold beer.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit their ice rink. They have regular skaters ranging in age from 3 to 90 years old and cater to every level imaginable, from first timers to seasoned pros and national champions. It's ideal for groups of friends, families, fitness, or a day out. Skating has even been described as the closest thing to flying without actually leaving the ground! In short, it's a lot of fun, so come on down and try it out!

Google rating: 4.4/5.0
Address: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY, UK
Phone: +44 20 8365 4386
Website: alexandrapalace.com/the-ice-rink/book-now/

West Reservoir Center ranks 3rd on the list of the best places in London to stay cool in a heatwave. West Reservoir Centre is a hidden gem in the London Borough of Hackney, with 23 acres of water on a 30-acre site. The Centre is Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) accredited and recognized by both British Canoeing (BC) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), allowing adults and children to participate in certificated sailing and kayaking courses under the supervision of their expert instructors.

The Centre also runs a Youth Club that provides young people with the opportunity to participate in watersports, working towards National Governing Body proficiency awards as well as hosting school holiday multi-activity weeks, private and small group sessions along with Open Water Swimming in the heart of the London in the Borough of Hackney. Why not watch these activities in this tranquil corner of Hackney from their waterside café or hire a room for that important business meeting or wedding reception.

Google rating: 4.4/5.0

Address: West Reservoir Water Sports Centre, Green Lanes, Woodberry Down, London N4 2HA, UK

Phone: +44 20 8442 8116

Website: better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/west-reservoir-centre

This outdoor swimming spot between the commercial buildings of Canary Wharf is new for summer 2022. A section of Middle Dock, overlooking the iconic One Canada Square tower, has been designated for swimmers until the end of September. Where ships used to moor to unload their cargoes of sugar, rum, and coffee, there is now 600 square metres of clean Thames water to play in. It's ideal for extroverts because you'll almost certainly be watched over by jealous employees from the surrounding office buildings.

Love Open Water, which is supported by NOWCA, the UK's largest network of safe open water venues, ensures that the water at Canary Wharf is regularly tested and reaches high levels of cleanliness using cutting-edge technology, ensuring that it is completely clean and safe to swim in. Every session is lifeguarded and open to people of all ages and skill levels over the age of ten. Swimmers can access the water from the pontoon next to Humble Grape on Mackenzie Walk, where they will find changing huts.

To enjoy the new spot, swimmers just need to purchase a NOWCA membership for £15 per year – granting them access to all 40 NOWCA UK locations – with sessions running throughout the week including weekends. Open water swimming sessions are charged at £8 per three-four hour session, or you can take part in the free NOWCA Swim event that will be offered regularly. Members can also benefit from the ACTiO app which allows swimmers to book and pay online, check their swim stats and update emergency contacts and medical information.

Google rating: 4.3/5.0

Address: London E14 5AB, UK

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 2000

Website: k-west.co.uk

Granary Square is located at the top of King's Boulevard, on the banks of Regent's Canal. This magnificent public square serves as the beating heart of King's Cross. The square, built where barges once unloaded their cargo, is animated with over 1,000 choreographed fountains, each individually controlled and lit! The fountains are breathtaking, especially at night.

If you don't have children, you could offer to babysit so you can join them in the 1,000 spouting fountains. On a sunny day, the site is packed with children who run and jump through the dancing water jets. There are restaurants all around the square with outdoor terraces, and Ruby Violet, a fantastic ice cream and sorbet shop, is just a short walk away. If you're in town until August 7, keep an eye out for free showings at the canal-side open-air cinema.

From the square, wide, south-facing steps lead down to the canal. During the summer, this area is carpeted in green, making it the ideal place to relax and watch the boats go by. Visit to have lunch with friends at one of the fantastic restaurants that line the square. Bring the kids, or simply sit back and watch the ins and outs of the world-renowned art school, Central Saint Martins.

Google rating: 4.3/5.0
Addess: 1 Granary Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AA, UK
Phone: N/a
Website: kingscross.co.uk/granary-square

Tooting Bec Lido has been a fixture on the London swimming scene since 1906, and it continues to set the standard for lidos in the city. The freshwater pool is 91.5 metres long, nearly twice the length of an Olympic pool, and is flanked by changing huts painted in bright, cheerful colors. When you come here, you immediately feel like you're on vacation. Out of the water, there's an art deco-style café selling sandwiches, cold drinks, and the like — spread them out on the lido's grassy picnic area or take them beyond the gates to Tooting Common.

By reading their philosophy and values, you can learn about what they hope to achieve at Places Leisure. Then, learn about the services they provide as they continue to promote healthy and active lifestyles. In addition, read about their teams across the country and check out their current openings to see if you could be the newest member of their Places Leisure team.

Google rating: 4.3/5.0

Addess: Tooting Bec Rd, London SW16 1RU

Phone: +44 20 8835 0768

Website: placesleisure.org/centres/tooting-bec-lido/

K-West Spa ranks 7th in the list of the best places in London to stay cool in a heatwave. If you prefer to be properly frozen rather than just cool when the temperature rises, you should look into the K-West Spa in West London. Skip the steam room and sauna and go straight to "Snow Paradise." The cabin is set to a bracing -15C, following the Finnish spa principle of combining hot and cold treatments. It is also covered in snow, as the name implies. During a heatwave, it may be the only place in London where you feel the need to warm up.

This 4-star boutique hotel in Shepherd's Bush has a chic restaurant and a chic spa area and is just a 5-minute walk from Shepherd's Bush Underground and overground stations as well as Westfield London shopping centre. Handmade mattresses and luxury linens are provided in the rooms. K SPA, an award-winning spa, offers a variety of luxurious treatments. Guests can unwind in the herbal steam room, hydrotherapy pool, or fragrant foot baths for an additional fee. You can also cool off in the innovative snow room. The spa must be reserved in advance.

Google rating: 4.1/5.0
Address: Richmond Way, London W14 0AX, UK
Phone: +44 20 8008 6600
Website: k-west.co.uk

Getting into one of Hampstead's natural bathing ponds and bobbing around with the coots and moorhens may be the most bucolic way to cool off in London. There are three ponds to choose from (mixed, women's, and men's), each with its own distinct personality. The timeless pleasure of gently swishing through the water, with trees surrounding you and a bright blue sky above, is shared by all. The ponds are open from 7 a.m. to 8.15 p.m. during the summer, and reservations are required between midday and 4.45 p.m.

Swimming lessons cost £4.05, or £2.43 for a concession (cash or card payments are accepted). Most sessions require reservations. If the ponds reach maximum capacity during the 'free flow' sessions, they will operate on a one-in-one-out basis to avoid overcrowding. If you're not used to swimming in cold water, check out this article on cold water habituation. Be aware that the Lido's hours of operation are currently limited.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0

Location: London, UK

Phone: N/a

Website: cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-us