Hampstead Heath swimming ponds could open year-round as wild swimming grows

Few experiences feel more quintessentially north London than a dip in the Hampstead Heath ponds. Now, with open water swimming more popular than ever, the City of London Corporation is looking at ways to give swimmers even more time in the water.

The heath has three natural bathing ponds, the Kenwood Ladies' Pond, the Highgate Men's Pond and the Hampstead Mixed Pond, along with the 60 metre Parliament Hill Lido. The Ladies' and Men's ponds already open all year round, while the Mixed Pond opens to the public from April to October.

That could change. In its draft five year business plan, the City of London's Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park Committee said it would assess whether the Mixed Pond should operate year round. The review is anticipated in the 2026 to 2027 financial year, and it will look at access, facilities and opening hours to bring the Mixed Pond in line with the other swimming areas.

"Given the increasing popularity of open water swimming, we will be reviewing the current arrangements at the Mixed Pond," said committee chair Gregory Jones. The plan links the idea to the Corporation's priority of improving visitors' physical health and emotional wellbeing.

There is good news for sauna lovers too. The committee plans to review sauna use at Parliament Hill Lido and explore opportunities to introduce saunas at other swimming areas before 2028.

Other proposals in the plan include re landscaping the area around the Mixed Pond, expanding accessible changing space and adding outdoor showers at the Kenwood Ladies' Pond, and reviewing how the meadow area is used.

For first timers, the City of London publishes cold water swimming guidelines and daily water temperatures, and swimmers can sign up to a Hampstead Heath swimming mailing list for updates. In busy summer periods, bookable sessions are released online in advance.

Whether it is a bracing winter plunge or a long summer swim among the trees, the ponds remain one of London's great free spirited pleasures, and the latest plans suggest that will only grow.

For tickets, opening times, water temperatures and safety guidance, visit the Hampstead Heath swimming pages on the City of London website.