*** COVID-19: ***
LIMITED POND SWIMMING BEGAN SATURDAY 11 JULY
ALL SESSIONS MUST BE BOOKED ONLINE IN ADVANCE
INFORMATION BELOW
UPDATE TUESDAY 14th July 2020 -
** TICKET SALES SUSPENDED UNTIL END OF THIS WEEK (Friday for Saturday).***
Swimming on the Heath has re-commenced and there are a just a couple of early morning sessions available each day initially (this will increase over the coming days). At the moment the timing of the release of tickets (issued daily for the following day) seems to be changing so we cannot tell you the precise plans. All swims will have to be booked and paid for in advance online and there will be very limited numbers permitted in each swim (20 people per session at the Mixed Pond). For information about how to book check this page. Please read the information on there carefully.
The recent increase in awareness and publicity about the health benefits of "wild swimming" hawww.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/activities-at-hampstead-heath/swimming-at-hampstead-heathve resulted in a surge in use of the ponds on Hampstead Heath. The aim of the Mixed Pond Association is to protect swimming at the Mixed Pond by ensuring swimmers are represented in the decision making process of the management of the ponds.
About the Hampstead Heath Mixed Pond
The Hampstead Heath Mixed Pond is a former reservoir which looks and feels like a natural pool, surrounded by trees, lined by rushes at each end and home to fish and water birds. From early May to late September it provides lifeguarded outdoor mixed bathing area suitable for competent swimmers to enjoy outdoor swimming in fresh water that is quality tested weekly during the season by the Environment Agency the results of which can be found here.
There is no shallow area to stand up in and you enter deep water directly from the deck.
Open-air swimming is internationally famous on Hampstead Heath with the Ladies’ Pond, the Men’s Pond, the Mixed Pond and the Parliament Hill Lido.
Hampstead Heath and the swimming locations are managed by the City of London.
There is no shallow area to stand up in and you enter deep water directly from the deck.
Open-air swimming is internationally famous on Hampstead Heath with the Ladies’ Pond, the Men’s Pond, the Mixed Pond and the Parliament Hill Lido.
Hampstead Heath and the swimming locations are managed by the City of London.
Location
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The mixed pond is located on the East Heath Road side of Hampstead Heath, not far from the Royal Free Hospital. There is a large car park about 5 minutes walk from the pond and, if coming by train, then Hampstead Overground station is less than 10 minutes walk. Cycles can be parked near the entrance to the ponds too.
There are lots of coffee shops, bakeries and small restaurants nearby to enjoy a pre or post swim snack. Whilst you can bring food into the Mixed Pond enclosure, please note that no alcohol may be consumed in the pond area at all. |
Opening times and charges
Details of opening times and charges can be found on the City Of London website. CURRENTLY ALL SWIMS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED ONLINE and only 20 people are permitted to swim at a time (1 hour sessions take place a number of times each day).
During more normal times you will find the mixed pond open from sunrise until sunset during the "season" which runs from early May to late September each year. Outside of this time, the mixed pond is closed for swimming.
Charges to swim have recently been increased to a compulsory £4 per person per swim (£2.40 for concessions).
During more normal times you will find the mixed pond open from sunrise until sunset during the "season" which runs from early May to late September each year. Outside of this time, the mixed pond is closed for swimming.
Charges to swim have recently been increased to a compulsory £4 per person per swim (£2.40 for concessions).
Children
Children under 8 are not allowed to swim in any of the three ponds or to enter the bathers’ compounds at any time. Young people aged 8 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult who will be in the water with them and on their first visit children will need to pass a short swimming test in front of one of the life-guards. Families with younger children (under 8 years old) can enjoy outdoor bathing at the Parliament Hill Lido which has a large shallow end.
There are many other ponds on the Heath where swimming is not allowed at any time and it’s important to explain to kids that swimming anywhere other than the life guarded areas can be dangerous.
There are many other ponds on the Heath where swimming is not allowed at any time and it’s important to explain to kids that swimming anywhere other than the life guarded areas can be dangerous.
