5 London lidos

The closest thing London has to a beach, these lidos offer swimming and sunbathing opportunities - with accompanying seaside-style crowds when the mercury rises.

PARLIAMENT HILL LIDO Early birds can swim for free from 7am-9.30am. The pool has a cafe and sunbathing area and you can buy a season ticket for unlimited summer access if you're really keen (£40, concs £18). Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road, NW5 (020-7485 3873). Mon-Sun 10am-6pm, £3.60, concs £1.80.

TOOTING BEC LIDO A 90m outdoor pool - one of the largest in Europe - that attracts capacity crowds in summer. There's also a children's paddling area. Tooting Bec Road, SW16 (020-8871 7198). Mon-Sun 6am-7.45pm, £3.65, child £2.50.

RICHMOND POOLS ON THE PARK Indoor and outdoor pools plus a large sunbathing area make this popular with families. Old Deer Park, Twickenham Road, Richmond, Surrey (020-8940 0561). Mon & Fri 6.30am-7.45pm, Tue & Thur 6.30am-9pm, Wed 6.30am-9.30pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 7am-6pm, £3.35, child £2.60. www.richmond.gov.uk.

EVIAN LIDO Sponsorship has saved Brockwell Park's wonderful Thirties pool. Enjoy a weekend brunch or a drink at the bar and sunbathe on 'Brixton Beach'. Dulwich Road, SE24 (020 7274 3088). Mon-Thur 6.45am-7pm, Fri 6.45am-6pm, Sat & Sun noon-6pm, £2.50-£5 (depending on time), concs £2-£3, under-fives free. www.thelido.co.uk.

PARK ROAD POOLS Enjoy the pleasure of outdoor swimming with the luxury of heated water. There's a grassy bank for sunbathing, plus children's pool and fountain. There's also a therapy room offering massage and reflexology. Park Road, N8 (020-8341 3567). Mon-Fri 7am-9.30am & 11am-8pm, Sat & Sun 7.15am-7pm, £4.30 (£2.15 after 5pm), child £2.15.