The Hampstead Heath bathing ponds are London's most famous open-water swim — spring-fed, lifeguarded and open year-round, a few minutes from the heart of the city. There are three: the Men's Pond, the Ladies' Pond and the Mixed Pond.
What to expect
A genuine open-water swim within London, in cool, spring-fed ponds surrounded by the trees of the Heath. The ponds are lifeguarded and have a small admission charge, and they are open all year, with a dedicated winter-swimming community. The water is cold outside high summer, and the ponds get busy on warm days, so go early.
Getting there car-free
This is about the easiest open-water swim in the country to reach without a car. Hampstead Heath and Gospel Oak stations on the London Overground are a short walk from the ponds, with plenty of buses too — no car needed at all.
Do you need to book or pay?
There is a small admission charge, and seasonal booking can apply, so check the current arrangements before you go.
When is the best time to swim here?
Summer for the warmest water, but the ponds are open year-round and have a strong cold-water swimming following through the winter.
