This information has been provided by the City of London (up to date as of 4th May 2022).

From 30th May, Advance bookings will be required for swims at all the ponds between noon and 5pm. See below for the details.

This may be subject to change at short notice so do check the links below for the very latest information to be sure of being able to swim.

Swimming on the Heath this summer (how to book)

As temperatures start to rise we will be returning to a mixture of free-flow sessions (no advance booking required) and some sessions which must be booked in advance at the Bathing Ponds and the Parliament Hill Fields Lido.  Please note - the Lido advance bookings will be in operation two weeks before the Ponds.

We hope that this mixture of free flow and pre-booked sessions will accommodate as many swimmers as possible with a safe and positive experience, without overcrowding the facilities. 

From Monday 16 May, the schedule at the Lido (not ponds) will be:
07.00 - 10.00 Lane swimming - free flow - last entry 9.30am
10.30 -13.30 Open swimming - pre-book only
14.30 - 17.30 Open swimming - pre-book only
18.00 - 20:30* Lane swimming (adults only) - last entry 8pm
*No evening free flow session at the Lido on Tuesday, Saturday or Sunday. 

From Monday 30 May, the schedule at the Bathing Ponds will be: 
07.00 – 11.30 Free flow (last entry 11.00)  
12.00 - 13.00 pre book 
13.15 – 14.15 pre book 
14.30 – 15.30 pre book 
15.45 – 16.45 pre book 
17.00 – 20.30 free flow (last entry 20.00) * 
*Session time from 14 to 29 August 17.00 - 20.00 due to light.

Free flow sessions will not require an advance booking, but if the Ponds or Lido reach capacity, a one-in-one out queue, managed by the Stewards, will be necessary. 
 
Pre-booked sessions can be booked online using the same booking platform we used last summer (Eventbrite).

Season ticket holders will be able to book a ‘free’ session but must bring their season ticket wristband to tap in on arrival. Non-season ticket holders will pay for their ticket on Eventbrite. The cost of a swimming session at the Ponds for those without a season ticket is £4.25 for an adult and £2.55 for a concession. We have also introduced a junior price of £1.30.

The price for the 3 hour session at the Lido is £7.45 for an adult and £4.45 for a concession. The junior price is £2.25.

Lido tickets for the week commencing 16 May will be released on Wednesday 11 May at 12 noon and thereafter every Monday at 12 noon for the week ahead (Tues-Mon).

Bathing Pond tickets for the week commencing 30 May will be released on Monday 23 May at 12 noon and thereafter every Monday at 12 noon for the week ahead (Tues-Mon).

Here is the link to book tickets:  www.hampsteadheathswimming.eventbrite.co.uk 

If your plans change and you need to cancel, you will be able to do this through your Eventbrite account. Please do cancel any bookings you won't be using as this will free up the space for someone else to swim. If you have paid for a session through Eventbrite you will receive a refund for any bookings cancelled more than 24 hours before the session starts - again this is done through your Eventbrite account.

There will be a swimming helpline (operating Monday-Friday from 9am to 12 noon) for those in need of assistance with booking or any other issues relating to swimming. The number to call is: 020 7332 3779 
Questions can also be directed to HH-swimming@cityoflondon.gov.uk 

We also use our twitter feed to post messages about swimming on the Heath, please follow us @CityCorpHeath 

For all other information on swimming on Hampstead Heath, including details on season tickets, please visit: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheathswimming 

If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or would like to offer your help to the MPA committee please email us at swim@mixedpondassociation.org.uk
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Please join the Mixed Pond Association for our first tea party of 2022.

Sunday, 8th May 2022, 2-4pm at the Mixed Pond. The session will be free flow (no need to book) but if it gets busy (over 100 people) then there could be a wait to get in, though unless there is a major heatwave that is unlikely as the water is still fresh this time of year.

Please consider bringing your own cup - hot drinks will be served along with cakes and other delights. If you want to bring something along to share on the day then please do. Home baking encouraged if you can!

Below is a copy of the official email from the CoL sent on 30th March 2022.

Spring and summer news from the Hampstead Heath swimming facilities
The Ladies' Pond and Men's Pond opening hours have now extended to 4.15pm and the Mixed Pond is reopening to the public from Saturday 2 April. Spring and summer opening hours are below. During June, July and August an advance booking will be required at the Ponds in the sessions during the middle of the day. At the Lido an advance booking will be required for the 3 hour sessions from 30 April. More information on this can be found below.

Mixed Pond Opening Hours

Summer bookings
During the months of June, July and August we will be using a booking system for the sessions in the middle part of the day at the Ponds. At the Lido this will be in place from 30 April. We will be using the booking platform Eventbrite for these sessions. Season ticket holders will be able to book a session for free and then bring their season ticket wristband to tap at the gate. Tickets for the week ahead will be released at 12 noon on Mondays.

Having a booking system for these busier periods enables us to operate the facilities safely and makes for a more pleasant swimming experience. We will also  be running the telephone line (020 7332 3779) for those with no internet access.  

The dates for the booking system are subject to change depending on the weather, for example if we have a very warm May we may need to introduce the booking system at the Ponds a few weeks early and we will let you know if this is the case. 

Pond session times - June, July & August

In June, July and August the Ponds will operate with sessions as set out below. 

Capped free flow sessions - last entry 30 mins before closing
Session 6* Opening time from 14 to 29 Aug 5pm -8pm. 
 
The time between sessions will be used for cleaning and preparation for the next session.

Ticket prices
From 1 April 2022, all ticket prices, including season tickets will be rising by inflation. This takes an adult day ticket at the Ponds from £4.05 to £4.25 and a concession from £2.43 to £2.55. This same price applies at the Lido early and evening sessions. The 2022/23 price for a three hour session at the Lido will be £7.45 and £4.45 for a concession.

 
Swimming Survey - thanks for your input!
In November 2021 we asked for your views on the Summer 2021 Season to help us make decisions about managing the facilities this summer. We had a great response with over 2000 replies. You can view the results of the survey here.

No need to renew Over 60 Early Swim bands
These bands do not need to be renewed. If you your Early Swim band does start to register as 'Expired' please contact us at: HH-swimming@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Season Ticket renewals
When the time comes to renew your Season Ticket, you can do this by filling in the online application form and choosing the 'renewal' option. You will then be asked to enter your season ticket number. This is the unique code found on the back of your wristband. After you have entered this and filled in the application form, the new Season Ticket will be added to your existing wristband. 
 
Replacement wristbands
You can order replacement wristbands online by filing in the online form and choosing the replacement wristband option. Replacement bands cost £5.
 
 
Improved accessibility at the Bathing Ponds
​The City of London is committed to making the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds safer, more inclusive and accessible for swimmers with disabilities and plans to carry out some improvement works later this year. The proposals are being developed at the moment and we’ll be asking for your feedback soon. 


If you have any questions on any of the above please email the Hampstead Heath Swimming Team

Below are the currently published opening hours for the Mixed Pond form the City of London.