Londoners are notorious for discussing the weather, and now, with temperatures climbing to unprecedented heights, their conversations have taken a decidedly heated turn.
Finding a place to beat the heat in London can be a challenge, particularly if one seeks scenic views coupled with excellent service. This is mainly due to the fact that sunshine is a rarity in the capital.
As temperatures soar, potential relief can be found in elevated pools. Although access to some of these spots is limited to hotel guests or members, joining a club might be worth considering during this prolonged heatwave.
Top Rooftop Pools in London
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The Berkeley
With stunning vistas of Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, The Berkeley provides a stylish rooftop retreat. Along with a rooftop bar, guests find striped loungers and amenities such as poolside iced granita and a cooling spray. The heated pool ensures enjoyment even when the typically overcast London skies return, but access is exclusive to hotel guests.
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White City House, SoHo House
With three SoHo House clubs in London featuring rooftop pools, choosing the right one can be challenging. White City House stands out as an attractive option for evening enjoyment. Located above the historic BBC Television Centre, its rooftop offers a vibrant atmosphere with morning swims and sunset DJ performances. Members can reserve poolside spots through an app, and guests are welcome earlier in the day.
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The Ned
Access to this rooftop pool is contingent upon a hotel reservation or membership. Located above The Ned, this heated pool measures just below 33 feet but compensates with a sophisticated rooftop restaurant and bar, offering panoramic views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline.
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180 House, SoHo House
With views over the Strand and Somerset House, 180 House exemplifies the SoHo House concept in a bustling central London location. Although the rooftop pool may not be expansive, it is elegantly designed and surrounded by loungers, cocktails, and a lively social scene punctuated by DJs and food pop-ups, maintaining a vibrant atmosphere long into the evening.
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Shangri-La at the Shard
While this pool does not sit atop the building, its location on the 52nd floor of London’s tallest skyscraper is impressive. The Infinity Sky Pool is celebrated as the highest swimming pool in Western Europe, where visitors can enjoy views of the skyline while sheltered from the unpredictable British weather. Additionally, the facility includes a spa and sauna available for visitors who wish to unwind further.
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Shoreditch House, SoHo House
Although not everyone may gain entry to Shoreditch House, its rooftop pool has become a popular backdrop on social media. Overlooking east London’s landscape, this heated pool attracts members for early swims, casual rooftop lunches, and lively evening parties accompanied by DJs. It maintains a trendy atmosphere and remains one of the city’s most recognizable rooftop venues.
Curating London’s Best Rooftop Pools
The rooftop pools included here were selected for their unique qualities, based on rigorous research and direct experiences from contributors and editors at Elite Traveler. This collection reflects some of the most luxurious venues, all distinguished by their exceptional quality and design.
