Swimming in the Hampstead mixed pond

Open water swimming on the Heath, in a pond rather than a pool: no lanes, no chlorine, ducks, and water that is properly cold from October to May. The mixed pond is the one anyone can use.

Worth knowing

Lifeguarded and charged, with a self-service kiosk. There is a hut and a rack rather than a changing room. In winter the water drops to single figures and sessions are shortened, which is the point rather than a drawback. Do not swim alone and get out before you stop feeling cold.

Getting there

Hampstead Heath station on the Overground is ten minutes from the ponds; Gospel Oak the same. The ladies’ and men’s ponds are separate and nearby. The Hampstead page has the rest of what is on nearby.