A natural, deep, opaque bathing pond on Hampstead Heath, women only, where a devoted crowd of Londoners swims all year round, ducks and weed included. It is one of the city's great rituals and invisible to most visitors.
- Address
- Hampstead Heath, London N6 6JH
- Hours
- Daily 07:00-14:30 (25 Oct-21 Nov 2026); 07:30-15:00 (22 Nov 2026-13 Feb 2027); longer hours in summer (City of London)
- Best time to go
- Morning · About 1.5 h
- Price
- GBP 5 adult, GBP 3 concession; under-16s and over-60s free before 09:30; cashless from 1 Oct 2026 (City of London, valid to Mar 2027)
- Price level
- £
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Competent swimmers only; children must be 8 or over.
- Summer afternoon sessions are bookable online, released at 20:00 seven days ahead; mornings are drop-in.
- No alcohol, glass or music on site; there are no lockers.