The British love to complain about the weather. But as the temperature this week smashes through previous records, perhaps they finally have something to truly get hot and bothered about.
In the Big Smoke, finding somewhere to cool off is surprisingly difficult – not least a space that offers top-notch views alongside elite service. But that’s to be expected, given that London so rarely sees the sun.
So as the mercury reaches new heights on the thermometer, look to pools at equally high heights to cool off in. While some of these listed are reserved for hotel guests or private members, as the heatwave shows no sign of cooling off, perhaps now might be the time to finally join the club.
Best rooftop pools in London
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The Berkeley
Overlooking Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, The Berkeley offers one of the capital’s chicest rooftop escapes. There’s a rooftop bar, striped loungers, and thoughtful touches like iced granita and cooling spray delivered poolside. The pool itself is heated too, meaning even when London’s heatwave gives way to its usual grey skies, there’s still every excuse for a dip (provided you’re staying at the hotel, as access is exclusive to guests).
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White City House, SoHo House
With the choice of three different SoHo House clubs boasting rooftop pools in London, it's tricky to decide which lounger to put your towel down on. For those looking for a late-night spot, however, White City House may be the pick for you. Set atop the former BBC Television Centre, the rooftop brings a lively social scene that stretches from morning swims to sunset DJ sets. Members can book poolside slots via the app and can bring up a guest with them, while children are welcome earlier in the day, before the rooftop shifts into evening mode.
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The Ned
Another pool that requires a membership or a hotel booking before you can dive in, this rooftop pool is found perched above SoHo House’s sibling property, The Ned. While the heated pool is on the smaller side (just under 33 ft), The Ned makes up for it with a polished rooftop restaurant and bar, plus sweeping views across St Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London’s skyline.
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180 House, SoHo House
With views stretching across the Strand and Somerset House, 180 House brings Soho House’s members' club formula to one of central London’s busiest corners. The rooftop pool is compact but stylish, surrounded by loungers, cocktails, and a steady rotation of DJs and food pop-ups that keep the atmosphere lively long after sunset. Unlike some of the group’s quieter rooftops, this one leans fully into the social side of summer in the city.
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Shangri-La at the Shard
Okay, so this one isn’t technically on the roof, and it is covered - but considering it's on level 52 of London’s tallest building, perhaps that’s not a bad thing. Shangri-La at The Shard’s Infinity Sky Pool is famed as the highest swimming pool in Western Europe, offering skyline views with the comfort of being safely shielded from Britain’s famously unpredictable weather. There’s also a sauna and spa (available for anyone to book) in case the heights get a little too much.
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Shoreditch House, SoHo House
Even if you’ve never made it past the door of Shoreditch House, chances are you’ve already seen its rooftop pool splashed across Instagram. Perched above east London’s warehouses and high-rises, the heated pool has become something of a summer institution, drawing members for morning swims, rooftop lunches, and late-night parties soundtracked by DJs. It’s lively, unapologetically trendy, and still one of the capital’s most recognizable rooftop scenes.
How we chose the best rooftop pools in London
Each rooftop pool featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
