Looking for rooftop or infinity pools in London? These are six of the best.
Few things feel as indulgent as relaxing by a beautiful pool in the heart of London. But pools – especially rooftop ones – are surprisingly rare in the city’s spas.
Whether you’re searching for skyline views of London, large enough waters to actually swim in, or somewhere to simply escape the capital’s hustle and bustle, these are six of the best rooftop and infinity pools in London.
Still a bit of a hidden gem (but probably not for much longer) the heated infinity-edge pool at Art’otel is perched on the 16th floor of the hotel, meaning it offers uninterrupted views not only of the iconic chimneys of Battersea Power Station, but also over the Thames, Chelsea Bridge, and even the Houses of Parliament. The open-air deck will immediately give you holiday vibes when the sun is shining, but the space is actually open year‑round to hotel guests, with the pool doubling as a chic wellness hub – complete with loungers, cocktails, Jacuzzi access, and regular aqua aerobics or sunrise yoga sessions. Designed to be part plunge pool, part rooftop bar, it’s ideal for enjoying a serene dip, a sunset tipple, or even an early‑morning fitness class before exploring and shopping in the capital.
There’s something so effortlessly stylish about the Skypool at the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, which also has the claim to fame of being the highest hotel pool in western Europe. Definitely a place to tick off your London bucket list, the heated infinity-edge pool offers a breathtaking swimming experience above London’s skyline and is available free of charge for hotel guests and at a cost for visitors via a curated spa experience. Your visit also includes the Sky Sauna and Sky Gym – both of which will have you wanting to get your sweat on (in different ways) as they offer similarly beautiful and uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding London cityscape. With indulgent face and body treatments available by leading skincare brand Elemis, and booked time slots to ensure an intimate, calm experience, this is the very definition of sublime relaxation up in the clouds.
Pan Pacific’s perfectly placed pool means that every inch of it feels like an infinity, inviting you to look out of the large panoramic windows for hours on end. It is also one of the longest infinity pools in the capital (at 18.5 metres), so more active types can swim some lengths, while its balmy temperature, set at 30°C, means it’s never a struggle getting in. Post-dip, there are plenty of cosy sitting areas to relax in, which makes this space one of our favourites for enjoying with girlfriends, and the pool is family-friendly too, due to generous kids’ swimming times. Another highlight is the hotel’s seasonal pool partnerships with exciting lifestyle brands – the latest being the fragrance house Jo Loves – meaning there are themed drinks, snacks, and pool toys on offer, as well as a tranquil environment that never feels too crowded. Access is available to overnight guests and day‑pass holders, and you can maximise the experience by booking a Sensory Wellbeing treatment, which includes seasonal rituals to have you looking and feeling your best.
Widely regarded as one of London’s most beautiful and secluded outside pools, The Berkeley’s memorable rooftop spot is a summer highlight in the capital. With panoramic views over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, the pool is set within a tranquil, almost-secret garden terrace, complete with cheerful loungers, enough shade for when the sun (hopefully) beats down, and attentive staff ready to deliver a signature cocktail and a selection of Mediterranean small plates straight to your hand; it’s as if you have escaped London for your holidays. In even better news, the rooftop pool is connected to the new Surrenne spa, which now offers a full-sized indoor lap pool, a healing hyperbaric chamber, aromatic steam rooms, a traditional hammam experience, and a whole array of must-try spa treatments. Basically, it has all the pampering perks you could dream about – come rain or shine.
Soho House is a members’ club known for its chic bars, restaurants, and – yes – a rooftop pool, which makes it even busier in the summer months (but worth it if you can get your hands on a membership, via a hotel stay or an invite as one of a member’s three guests). There are multiple pool locations to choose from in the group, including 180 House and Shoreditch House, but we particularly like White City House as the iconic location was once the home of the BBC Television Centre. The atmosphere during your poolside slot is perfect for some weekend relaxation, with the heated pool offering a beach-club vibe complete with great music, comfortable cushioned loungers, and a slightly retro-chic feel. Whether you’re unwinding at sunset or diving in for an early morning dip, it’s a stylish sanctuary with stellar city views.
There’s probably nowhere in London quite as fabulous to look out and see the legendary St. Paul’s Cathedral than at The Ned’s rooftop pool. Hidden in plain sight above the grand columns of the former Midland Bank, it’s quite the seductive playground in the sky – matching the flair of the restaurants and spa in the main building, although feeling much more of a well-kept secret. Reserved for members of the exclusive club or lucky hotel guests, the heated pool isn’t Olympic-sized (it’s just 10 metres), but the experience is still pure luxury. Alongside the unbeatable views, which also include the Shard, this place is dripping in understated glamour, and you don’t want to miss the unbeatable poolside dining options either. We recommend reclining on a (sought-after) lounger with a drink in hand, and indulging in the fresh fish, meat, and salad plates served at seating that’s open-air in the summer and fully enclosed in the winter, for year-round enjoyment.
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Lead Image Credit: White City House (Soho House)
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