Hampton Heated Open Air Pool

One of only three heated outdoor pools in the capital, Hampton Heated Open Air Pool is open 365 days of the year. It's situated to the western edge of the adjoining picturesque Bushy Park; the expansive park is the second largest royal park and, like Richmond, it's home to free-roaming deer. You'll also find three ponds where keen angling fans can be seen patiently waiting at the water's edge. The most popular attraction of this leafy royal park is, of course, Hampton Court Palace, a must-see if you've made it this far. Back at the pool you'll also find a gym offering yoga and Pilates overlooking the pool's calming waters, Sun Deck Cafe and a large grass area used for sunbathing, barbecuing and picnics. While it maybe one of the few heated outdoor public pools in London, the busiest times are inevitably during the summer when hoards of families splash around on long steaming hot days. During the high season, you can dive in for early bird swimming from 6am on weekdays and there are parent and baby sessions in the teaching pool between 10.30am and midday on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sunday evenings are set aside for a fun game of water polo open to all ages and all levels including beginners, just turn up at 5pm on any summer Sunday.