Can you swim in Hampstead Heath?
Hampstead Heath is home to some of the best outdoor swimming spots in London including three natural bathing ponds and one 60m Lido. The cheapest outdoor swimming in London are the 3 Hampstead Heath ponds (under £5), followed by the Serpentine Lido, Hillingdon Lido and London Fields lido (£6 or under).The Serpentine Lido is home to Britain’s oldest open water swimming club, but you don’t have to join the club to swim here. From May to September, anyone can take a dip on a warm day at this gorgeous lido location – plus you can get a fantastic hot chocolate afterwards at the Serpentine Lido Café.The Lido is open for public swimming on weekends from mid-May, and every day between June and Mid-September.This unheated pool is 200 by 90 feet (61 m × 27 m) and is owned and operated by the City of London Corporation, who also own the whole of Hampstead Heath. The lido is open for the summer season from mid May to mid September.First opened in 1938 Parliament Hill Lido in north London is an unheated open air swimming pool, open to members of the public 365 days a year.
What celebrities are in Hampstead Ponds?
Famous people who have enjoyed swimming in the Hampstead ponds include novelist Esther Freud, politician Ed Miliband, journalist Dolly Alderton, actors Emma Corrin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Woody Harrelson and Sascha Baron Cohen, singer Harry Styles and presenter Dermot O’Leary. Hampstead Heath is home to some of the best outdoor swimming spots in London including three natural bathing ponds and one 60m Lido.Hampstead Heath is famous for its countryside feels in the heart of London. The sprawling landscape features incredible views of the city’s skyline from Parliament Hill, while its bathing ponds are cherished retreats for city dwellers seeking relaxation in nature.As of 2004, Hampstead has been home to more Prime Ministers, and contains more millionaires within its boundaries, than any other area of the United Kingdom.Hampstead Heath Ponds Many are man-made reservoirs, dug out in the 17th and 18th centuries to supply drinking water to London. The ponds are excellent wetland habitats supporting a great variety of species including amphibians, wildfowl, and insects such as dragonflies.Hampstead is a wealthy and affluent area of London, located north of the historic center of the English capital, 6km north-west of Charing Cross.
Are the ponds in Hampstead Heath Man made?
There are around 30 ponds dotted across Hampstead Heath, fed by natural springs. Many are man-made reservoirs, dug out in the 17th and 18th centuries to supply drinking water to London. Hampstead Heath Ponds Many are man-made reservoirs, dug out in the 17th and 18th centuries to supply drinking water to London. The ponds are excellent wetland habitats supporting a great variety of species including amphibians, wildfowl, and insects such as dragonflies.A wildly popular destination, Hampstead Heath Ponds are one of the most famous on our list. The open water swimming spots that open all year round here are split into the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond and Highgate Men’s Pond, while the mixed pond is a warm-months-only affair.Natural features of the Heath The Heath has 30 ponds which are environmentally important and some are famously used for swimming! Remnants of ancient woodland and hedgerow exist, alongside rare acidic grassland, heathland habitats and wildflower meadows – find out more about the Heath’s habitats here.
Do you have to book Hampstead Ladies ponds?
Booking required for many slots in the summer season. Check the City of London website for the most up to date information and for booking. If you’re not used to swimming in cold water, read about cold water habituation here. Lifeguarded and open year round. Booking required for many slots in the summer season. Check the City of London website for the most up to date information and for booking. If you’re not used to swimming in cold water, read about cold water habituation here.We operate a booking system in the summer months only. See Booking for Swimming for further information. Water Temperatures are displayed at each facility and updated regularly online.Lifeguarded and open year round. Booking required for many slots in the summer season. Check the City of London website for the most up to date information and for booking. If you’re not used to swimming in cold water, read about cold water habituation here.