Swimming on Hampstead Heath
Lissenden Gardens is incredibly lucky to have four glorious open-air swimming facilities on its doorstep
Swimming on Hampstead Heath
Summer Season
The summer swimming season is here, bringing longer days and warmer water. For details of swimming venues, session times and day/season tickets click through to the relevant venue below, or click here for a general overview of all the swimming locations. Also, keep an eye out for excellent Lido merchandise sales, usually the morning of the first Saturday of every month.
All the venues are managed by City of London Corporation, who set guidelines, manage water quality and pricing, but each swimming spot also has a members association. If you are a regular swimmer it is worthwhile joining the relevant mailing list for more detailed updates. Click on link in the body of the paragraphs below for associations.
The Mixed Pond - Hampstead ponds
The Mixed Pond
The Mixed Pond is on the Hampstead side of the Heath about 10 minutes from Hampstead Heath overground station.
The pond has a small grassed area partly under tree cover, outdoor cold shower and large concrete changing areas. It is perfect for hanging out with friends, as long as you don’t need acres of space.
If you are new to the pond or a novice outdoor swimmer the lifeguards may ask you to do a short swim test alongside the pontoon for your safety.
Parliament Hill Lido - Gospel Oak
Parliament Hill Lido
The Lido is one of the largest outdoor pools in London. Opened in 1938, it is the closest swimming facility to Lissenden Gardens, and one of the estate’s greatest assets. It is unheated, and lined in stainless steel which makes it glisten in any weather.
The Mens Pond - Highgate ponds
Kenwood Ladies’ and Highgate Men’s Ponds
Highgate Men’s Pond and Kenwood Ladies’ Pond are both part of the series of ponds on the Highgate side of the Heath. A 20 minute walk from Gospel Oak or Hampstead Heath overground stations, they each have a very specific personality, and their own members associations (links in titles above). Age restriction of 8+ applies to all the swimming ponds.
The Men’s pond is graced with a diving board, a large swimming area but no real outside space within the pond enclosure. However there is a meadow just outside that functions as a sun trap on a good day.
The Ladies' pond is tucked away in a hidden oasis. It has two meadows within the compound, a modern changing area with hot showers, and good toilet facilities. There is a No Photography policy.
Swimming gallery
The swimming facilities on the Heath are endlessly photogenic. If you have a particularly interesting and original high-quality favourite photo of one of them that you would like to share please email info@lissendengardens.co.uk. Please make sure you have written permission from anyone whose close-up is featured in your photo.
Parliament Hill Lido at 80