Hampstead Ponds
Highgate, Greater London
About Hampstead Ponds
Hampstead Pond offers outdoor mixed bathing for competent swimmers only. No children under 8 are permitted to swim and all under 16s must attend with an accompanying adult who will be in the pool with them, but they will also need to pass a swimming test! It means families with young kids will obviously have to go elsewhere, but for those of you old enough and good enough it ensures a quieter, more peaceful swim environment.
And once you qualify you're in for a treat: 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. The Ladies' and Men's Ponds are quite unique in the UK, being the only life guarded open water swimming facilities open to the public every single day of the year!
The Early Bird session starts at 07:00, the Day Swim starts at 10:00 and the Adults Only session takes over at 18:45.
It's important to explain to the kids, especially ones old enough to be out without you, that swimming anywhere else in the Hampstead Ponds other than the life guarded areas is really dangerous. For smaller ones it's worth noting that they're having a problem with Oak Processionary Moths, whose larvae can irritate the skin significantly, so tell the smalls to leave the caterpillars alone!
Opening Times
May - September
Monday to Sunday 07:00 - 18:45
Pricing & Tickets
General Admission
Adults from £2.00
Concessions from £1.00
Family from £15.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Last Updated: 10:50 27/02/2026
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