Swimming at Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Mixed Pond
Mixed Pond is a natural bathing pond and one of London's best open air swimming spots.
Facilities
- Lifeguards on duty
- Changing rooms
- Outdoor cold showers
Restrictions
- Strong swimmers only. The ponds are deep and can be very cold
- Children aged 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum number of children per adult is two. All children will be asked to complete a Swim Test to show competency in the water when returning to the Bathing Ponds or swimming at the facility for the first time
- Once the facility reaches capacity entry will be managed at the gate
- Swim wear must be worn
- Assistance dogs only allowed in the facilities
- No lockers and valuables are left at your own risk
| Ticket | Adult price | Concession price |
|---|---|---|
| Single session | £4.50 | £2.70 |
Payments can be made by cash (no change given) or contactless card.
Season tickets are also available. See below for details.
Opening hours
| Open | Last entry | Vacate water | Vacate facility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7am | 8.15pm | 8.30pm | 8.45pm |
From Tuesday 30 May there will be a mixture of free-flow sessions (no advance booking required) and some sessions which must be booked in advance.
| Time | Free flow or pre-book only |
|---|---|
| 7-11.30am | Free flow (last entry at 11.00) |
| 12noon-13pm | Pre-book |
| 1.15-2.15pm | Pre-book |
| 2.30-3.30pm | Pre-book |
| 2.45-4.45pm | Pre-book |
| 5-8.30pm | Free flow (last entry at 8.15pm) |
Free flow sessions will not require an advance booking, but if the Pond reaches capacity, a one-in-one out queue, managed by the Stewards, will be necessary.
For help on booking tickets, please see 'How to book' below.
Improvement works
Improvement works are underway at the Mixed Pond to make the pond safer and more accessible. This includes building an accessible W.C. and changing room, adding a hoist and improving the visibility in the lifeguards hut. We apologise for any disruption while this work takes place.
Water temperature
We regularly tweet the water temperature at the pond on Twitter.
Donations
All money received from swimming is gratefully received and is reinvested to support the costs of Lifeguarding and operating the Pond, thank you for your support. You can make an additional donation to Hampstead Heath (Registered Charity no. 803392).
The booking system at the Mixed Pond will be in operation from Tuesday 30 May 2023 with tickets for that week going on sale on 29 May 2023.
Tickets will then be released on a Monday at 12 noon for the week ahead (Tues - Monday).
You only need to book in advance for the four day-time sessions - the morning and evening session will not require an advance booking.
Book your tickets with Eventbrite
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 24 hours before the session starts - again this is done through your Eventbrite account.
If you need assistance with your booking call the swimming helpline 020 7332 3779. (Monday-Friday from 9am to 12noon) or email the Hampstead Heath Team.
The Hampstead Mixed Pond is located near East Heath Road on Hampstead Heath.
Public transport
The nearest stations to the Men's Pond are:
- Hampstead Heath on the Overground Line (7 minute walk)
- Hampstead on the Northern Line (13 minute walk)
Visit TfL's Journey Planner to plan your trip to the Pond.
Parking
There is parking available at East Heath Car Park.
If you are a regular swimmer, you can save by getting a season ticket for the Lido, the Ponds or both. Visit our season ticket page to find out more - including prices - and buy your season ticket.
When you purchase a season ticket you will be issued with a wristband which you can use to 'tap in' when you swim. Replacement cost of lost wristband is £5 and replacement bands can be ordered online using the season ticket application form found on our season ticket page.
If you cannot fill in the Season Ticket Application online then paper copies will be available at the Bathing Ponds, Lido and Parliament Hill office.
Concessions
Concessions apply to people in receipt of State Benefits including: Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Personal Independence Payments and Housing Benefit as well as people with a Freedom Pass; Disabled Card; Students, those 60 and over and under 16’s.
You will be asked to provide proof before you book.
Free morning swim
Those over the age of 60 are eligible for a free morning swim from 7am until 9.30am. You can apply for a free season ticket on our season ticket page.
Carers
Carers can accompany a swimmer for free. Choose the Carer option on the Season Ticket Application Form.
Untreated Water
The levels of micro-organisms fluctuates in this untreated water. High levels pose a risk to your health and often occur after rain and where there is a lot of swimmers in the pond. The risk of illness is greater for children, the elderly or immunocompromised people and some overseas visitors, as they can have lower immunity. The dangers include: mild-gastroenteritis or eye, ear and respiratory infections. We recommend you consult a doctor if you have any health concerns, avoid swallowing pond water and shower before and after bathing.
Water quality
Weekly water quality tests are undertaken by the Environment Agency between May-September and test results are available to view on the Environment Agency website.
Please read our cold water swimming guidelines for more information.