Oxford Events
Outdoor and indoor swimming pools in Oxfordshire
Lidos and public swimming pools in Oxfordshire
Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot summer’s day, swim lengths beneath open skies or enjoy a family day out by the water, Oxfordshire offers a surprising variety of places to take a dip.
From heated outdoor lidos and open-air pools surrounded by lawns and picnic spots to modern indoor leisure centres that provide year-round swimming whatever the weather, there are options for every age and ability.
Across the county, you’ll find much-loved community-run lidos, family-friendly outdoor pools with splash areas, and indoor swimming facilities offering everything from casual swims to fitness sessions and lessons.
Whether you prefer the atmosphere of a traditional open-air pool, the comfort of a heated indoor complex, or even the challenge of open-water swimming, Oxfordshire has plenty of opportunities to get in the water.
Explore our guide to outdoor and indoor swimming across Oxfordshire and discover some of the county’s best places to swim, relax and make the most of the season. PS: We’ve added a section for wild water swimming right at the end.
The Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool is an open-air swimming pool in Abingdon. The venue also offers heated outdoor pools, crazy golf and a play area. The newly renovated pool is heated to make every swim an enjoyable experience, whatever the weather. The centre offers both lane swimming and ‘swim for all’ sessions, ensuring there’s a swim session for all ages and abilities for fun and fitness.
Located in the heart of Banbury, the Banbury Open Air Pool (also known as The Banbury Lido or Woodgreen Lido) at Woodgreen Leisure Centre is a 50m outdoor swimming pool with an aqua-splash area and slide. The pool is co-located with the Woodgreen Leisure Centre that offers an indoor bowling hall, 50 station gym and 2 fitness studios.
A much-loved local landmark, this outdoor swimming facility in Oxfordshire has been providing summer fun and great memories since it opened back in 1934. This excellent Lido/Outdoor Pool for swimming and group exercise activities is brought to you by Oxford City Council. Get the Hinksey Summer Pass and go swimming as often as you like.
Set in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, The Lido Chipping Norton has two fully-heated outdoor pools: a 25m swimming pool and a toddlers’ paddling pool. It also has a café and a large, tree-lined lawn, making it perfect for families looking for an afternoon’s outdoor fun. Whether seeking sport, leisure or fun with friends, The Lido has something for everyone.
Riverside Park and Pools in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire, offer a heated outdoor pool ideal for a family day out with a Splash Park for children. It is attractively located adjacent to the River Thames between Crowmarsh Gifford and Wallingford. The 23 x 10m swimming pool is heated, making for a more enjoyable swim for people of all ages whatever the weather.
Located in the heart of Banbury, Woodgreen Leisure Centre offers a 50m outdoor swimming pool in Oxfordshire with an aqua-splash area and slide. Go swim-ready, although not essential as the changing rooms are fully open with no restrictions. But booking in advance remains is required for all lane swimming sessions.
Woodstock Open Air Pool is a heated outdoor lido in the heart of West Oxfordshire and a short walk from Blenheim Palace. There is also a separate paddling pool for toddlers. It is open during the summer months (April to September), whatever the weather. The pool is surrounded by a large grassed area, ideal for relaxing and picnics on a sunny day.
Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield offers a welcoming community swimming pool with lane swimming, casual sessions, family fun swims and swimming lessons. The 17-metre indoor pool is ideal for fitness, confidence-building and family activities, with accessible facilities and year-round swimming opportunities.
Barton Leisure Centre offers a modern indoor swimming pool with lane swimming, family sessions, lessons and fitness-focused activities. The welcoming community facility provides year-round swimming for all ages and abilities, alongside a gym, sports hall and wider leisure amenities.
Bicester Leisure Centre features a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a dedicated learner pool, offering lane swimming, family sessions, lessons and aqua fitness classes. The modern leisure centre provides year-round swimming for all ages and abilities, alongside extensive fitness, sports and wellbeing facilities.
Carterton Leisure Centre has a modern 25-metre main pool and a learner pool, catering for both casual and more serious swimmers. It offers lane swimming, family sessions, lessons and aqua activities, providing accessible year-round swimming for all ages and abilities within a community-focused leisure setting.
Carterton Leisure Centre features a modern 25-metre main pool alongside a learner pool, supporting lane swimming, casual public swims, lessons and family sessions. It provides a convenient, community-focused swimming facility in West Oxfordshire with year-round access for all ages and abilities.
Didcot Wave Leisure Centre offers a large leisure pool with wave machine, flumes and a dedicated teaching pool, making it popular for both family fun and swimming lessons. It also provides lane swimming, fitness sessions and year-round access for all ages and abilities.
Faringdon Leisure Centre features a 25-metre swimming pool offering lane swimming, public sessions, lessons and family swims in a friendly community setting. It provides year-round access for swimmers of all abilities, supported by a range of fitness and leisure facilities for health and wellbeing.
Ferry Leisure Centre includes a 25-metre main pool for lane and casual swimming, alongside a dedicated teaching pool used for swimming lessons and one-to-one tuition. It caters for all abilities with family sessions, structured courses and general swim times all year-round.
Henley Leisure Centre offers a 25-metre swimming pool with lane swimming, public sessions, lessons and family swims, plus a teaching pool for structured courses and one-to-one swimming support. Conveniently located for Henley and nearby towns including Reading, Marlow and Wallingford, it provides year-round swimming for all abilities.
Kidlington & Gosford Leisure Centre features a 25-metre main pool alongside a learner pool used for swimming lessons and one-to-one instruction. It offers lane swimming, casual public sessions and family swims, for swimmers of all ages and abilities year-round, alongside a spacious gym and group exercise classes.
At Leys Pools & Leisure Centre, brought to you by Oxford City Council, swimmers can enjoy a 25-metre, 8-lane main pool alongside an 8-metre learner pool designed for lessons and beginner sessions. The centre also features a 35-station air-conditioned gym, an 8-court sports hall and two multi-purpose studios hosting a wide range of classes and activities.
Located in the heart of Banbury, Spiceball Leisure Centre offers a modern 25-metre swimming pool alongside a learner pool for lessons and beginner sessions. It caters for all ages and abilities with lane swimming, casual public swims and family sessions, supported by a well-equipped gym and fitness studios for year-round activity.
Situated on the edge of the small market town, Thame Leisure Centre offers a welcoming 25-metre swimming pool alongside a learner pool for lessons and beginner sessions. It provides lane swimming, public sessions and family swims for all ages and abilities, supported by a gym and fitness classes for year-round use.
Wantage Leisure Centre offers something for everyone, including a modern 25-metre indoor swimming pool suitable for lane swimming, casual sessions and lessons for all ages and abilities. The centre also features an air-conditioned gym equipped with Technogym equipment, supporting a wide range of fitness and wellbeing activities year-round.
White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre offers a 25-metre swimming pool with lane swimming, casual public sessions, lessons and family-friendly swim times for all ages and abilities. Alongside its swimming facilities, the centre is also known for its extensive tennis provision and wider fitness and sports amenities, supporting year-round activity.
Located in the heart of Witney, Windrush Leisure Centre offers a welcoming 25-metre swimming pool with lane swimming, public sessions, lessons and family swims for all ages and abilities. It provides a community-focused environment for both casual and fitness swimmers, supported by a gym and fitness classes for year-round health and wellbeing.
Wild swimming locations in Oxford
Oxford has several well-known wild swimming locations that are popular with some open-water swimmers during the warmer months. However, these are not designated swimming areas, and conditions can change quickly. Anyone considering entering the water should be aware of the risks and follow local safety advice.
- Tumbling Bay – A picturesque stretch of the River Thames beside Tumbling Bay in the Osney area, around a 15-minute walk from Oxford city centre. The shallow weir pool is one of the city’s best-known wild swimming spots.
- Longbridges – Located on the River Thames near Longbridges Nature Park in New Hinksey, just south of the city centre. This riverside area has long been used for paddling and open-water swimming.
- Hinksey Lake – Situated within Hinksey Park in south Oxford, approximately 1.5 miles from the city centre. Although primarily known for boating and recreation, the lake is also used by some for open-water swimming.
- Fiddler’s Island – Found where the River Thames and Castle Mill Stream meet, close to Port Meadow and a short walk north-west of the city centre. The secluded setting makes it a recognised wild swimming location.
- Wolvercote Mill Stream – Running alongside Port Meadow near Wolvercote, about 3 miles north of Oxford city centre. The gently flowing stream is a traditional spot for paddling and swimming during warm weather.
- Sunnymead Park – Located in north Oxford near Cutteslowe and the River Cherwell. The river here attracts swimmers looking for a quieter natural setting away from the city centre.
Before entering any river or lake, always check for local safety information, be aware of water quality and hidden hazards, and never swim alone.