How to cool off in the city: London

London in the middle of a heatwave can be either bliss or nightmarish.

To make sure it’s the former, take these top tips and be prepared for a beautiful summer’s day in the capital.

Wild swimming: Hampstead Heath ponds

Open year-round, times vary, Single ticket adult £2

Sitting on the banks of the ponds high up on Hampstead Heath, birdsong replacing the sound of traffic, the cool, green water and trees draping their branches over the grass and into the ponds can transform a stifling city day into a mini holiday. These ponds – mens’, ladies’, and mixed – are also the only place for open water swimming in the UK that has lifeguards on duty every day of the year. And this modern, light-filled apartment is only a short walk from the Heath.

Swim in the Serpentine: Serpentine Lido

June – August, 10am – 6pm, Single ticket adult £4.80

A historic swimming spot, the Serpentine Lido is a London institution; it is part of Hyde Park’s 40-acre Serpentine Lake, separated only by a line of buoys. The Serpentine Swimming Club is the oldest swimming club in Britain, famous for its swimming race through the freezing Serpentine waters every Christmas Day. Swimmers are surrounded by huge silver maple and weeping beech trees, the 19th-century stone, arched Serpentine Bridge, the clock tower of the lakeside cafe and terrace, and swans coolly drifting by. The Bulgari Hotel is not only exceptionally glamorous with black marble bathrooms and indoor swimming pools (should you want an indoor dip too), but within walking distance of the Serpentine Lido.

Jump in the pool: Brockwell Lido

Open year-round, 8am – 7.30pm, Single ticket adult £6

The most central London lido, this outdoor swimming pool near Brixton is enormous. Red, white, and blue bunting, mismatched concrete paving, and red brick, art deco changing rooms look charmingly-dated but the pool is anything but. Open to swimming all year round, the Brockwell Lido also houses an award-winning cafe, exercise studios offering classes including yoga, and Luna Cinema – a pop up projecting classic movies onto a white screen above the water. The Half Moon Hotel is a real surprise in this un-touristy part of London; its fairy-tale interior comprises of fireplaces, antique-looking books, and beautiful brass lamps.

Head to the beach: Urban London Beach, Royal Docks

July – August, 10am – 8pm, Free entry

It’s hard to keep track of all the ‘urban beaches’ appearing in distinctly non-beachy settings all over London. But this expanse of sand in the Royal Docks is London’s largest artificial beach and closest to the real thing – with water to wade into (though swimming is prohibited), ice cream, deckchairs, and free entry. London’s Royal Docks are now offering a designated area for public open water swimming on weekdays and Sunday mornings. Royal Docks Luxury Apartments is only ten-minutes’ walk from the beach, with contemporary decor and balconies overlooking the historic London docklands.

Enjoy the rooftop breeze: Frank’s Cafe, Peckham

June – September, Tues to Fri: 5pm – 11pm, Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm, Free entry

When the sun sets, Frank’s Cafe is one of London’s most beautiful places to be. On the rooftop of a ten-storey car park, Frank’s shares the space with Bold Tendencies, a non-profit arts organization that hosts outdoor concerts, exhibitions, and the like throughout the summer season. Come here for spectacular views of the London skyline and a casual vibe, with campari sodas sipped on wooden benches. Lynbrook Grove Guesthouse is a lovely accommodation offering spacious rooms with four-poster beds and all the mod cons, as well as being close to Frank’s.