Hampstead Heath Mixed Bathing Pond

When I was a postgraduate in London, I would swim in these frequently. Freezing even in mid-​Summer but then I’m from California. There were hardly any other users on Summer weekdays.

Went last week amidst the heat wave. Was sitting on a No.24 «boris bus» for 30 mins and felt like a piece of slow cooked pork out of the oven so the cool water in the pond was a big welcome! I guess any other day the water will be a little bit chilly. This was the first time I had a dip in a pond and I absolutely love it! Although I can’t help thinking constantly at the back of my mind 1. whether the water is clean given its murky brownish color but i guess it’s just a pond thing because according to the management they run constant test on water quality and 2. the news I just read about a dead python/​boa found near the pond. Oh well i guess none of those can kill you =)

This bathing pond is easily one of the nicest places you could possibly find yourself on a hot day in London!
The water was a little chilly when you first jump in (I think it was around 20 °C on Saturday) but my friend said this is warmer than the swimming in the serpentine in Hyde park. The surroundings are simply beautiful with gorgeous green trees, and plenty of room to swim no matter how many people decide to come for a dip.
I should warn you that it gets EXTREMELY busy on hot days in the summer. We saved a space in the dappled light under the trees with a towel while we swam… and returned to find more people around us, right up to the edge of the towel space! It makes London fields look spacious! BUT the people all around seem happy, friendly and chatty. Plus if you do need more space, you can relax outside in the park, and just drop into the pond area when you want to swim.
Swimming here while chatting to my friend I honestly just felt happy to be alive and living in such a gorgeous city. This pond, is good for your heat levels… and excellent for your soul.
Useful extra information:
— It costs £2
— There was a sign to say no under 18s, but there were a few children there (maybe they sneaked in)
— No Alcohol allowed (although plenty of people had sneaked in with a tipple in their bag.)