Hampstead Heath, London, N6 6JH
Kenwood Ladies’ Pond
Pond landscape
Place photograph
5.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.7A women’s bathing pond on Hampstead Heath, created in 1925. Today, swimming is lifeguarded and takes place year-round, with seasonal opening hours and booking arrangements.
This is a distinctive way to experience Hampstead Heath: a natural pond used for year-round, lifeguarded swimming, with a meadow and changing facilities alongside. It is a managed bathing facility, not an unrestricted wild-swimming spot; check current conditions and entry arrangements before going.
Atmospheric · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapHampstead Heath, London, N6 6JH
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The experience
Allow 1–2 hours for a swimming session and time to use the pond’s surrounding facilities. Swimming is for competent swimmers; check current water notices, session arrangements and admission details before setting out.
Things to do
Swim in the natural bathing pond
The pond is open for swimming in managed sessions. It is deep and opaque and suitable only for competent swimmers. Check the operator’s current algae and water-quality notices before swimming.
Check session details
Use the changing and access facilities
The operator lists lifeguards, changing rooms, showers, toilets, stepped ladder access and a hoist for assisted access. Confirm current arrangements before your visit.
Walk the Heath paths near the pond
Combine a pond visit with a walk on Hampstead Heath. Paths and terrain vary; use a current map and allow for uneven ground.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A swimming session at the Ladies’ Pond
- 01
Check the official page for current opening status, session times, booking requirements, prices and water-quality notices.
- 02
Follow the Heath paths to the pond and enter only during an authorised session.
- 03
Swim only if you are a competent swimmer; the water is deep and opaque.
- 04
Use the changing facilities and toilets listed by the operator, and follow staff instructions.
Half day · Half day
Pond swim and a wider Heath walk
- 01
Check and, if required, book a swimming session at Kenwood Ladies’ Pond.
- 02
After your swim, take a walk on Hampstead Heath and include the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond as one stop rather than assuming a particular route or distance.
- 03
Plan any further Heath stops against current maps and access information; allow extra time for uneven ground and changing weather.
Verified history
Kenwood Ladies’ Pond was created as a women’s swimming pond in 1925. The City of London describes it as a natural bathing pond and provides managed swimming sessions. A supplied walking-tour source places its creation in the history of Victorian-era growth in swimming and demand for bathing facilities.
Hidden details
A pond with year-round swimming — The pond operates throughout the year, but opening hours vary seasonally. Check the official schedule and current status before setting out.
A women’s bathing pond dating to 1925 — The pond’s women’s swimming history is tied to a specific date: the supplied walking-tour source says it was created in 1925.
When to go
· Choose a session that fits the current timetable; summer sessions may be bookable or drop-in. Check the operator’s latest schedule.
The operator states that swimming takes place year-round, with longer summer hours and shorter winter hours. Water-quality notices and weather-related closures can affect visits.
The operator says the ponds may close during high winds or thunderstorms and gives a wind-warning threshold in its guidance. Check current notices before travelling; elevated blue-green algae levels may pose a health risk to vulnerable swimmers.
Worth pairing with
Hampstead Heath walk
Pair a swimming session with a walk on the Heath. The supplied sources describe its paths, ponds, woodland and open landscape; choose a route using current local information.
Kenwood House
A wider Heath outing can include Kenwood House, which a supplied walking source describes as a nearby historic house. Check its own opening and visitor information before planning around it.
What to look for
Notice the pond’s wooded setting and the transition from Hampstead Heath’s paths to the managed bathing area. Keep cameras put away inside the pond site and follow the operator’s rules.
The story
Outdoor swimming; women’s bathing history
Best time to go
Year-round, subject to seasonal hours, current water conditions and any closures.
Opening hours vary by season, and summer sessions may require booking. Check the official pond page for the latest schedule and water conditions.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Swimmers · Solo · Groups
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A managed bathing pond with paid swimming sessions. Check the City of London’s current opening status, session times, booking requirements, prices and water-quality notices before travelling. The water is deep and opaque and is for competent swimmers only.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed by the operator; check current availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
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Dogs
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The operator lists a smooth, road-like surface from the entrance gate to the water; access from a main road to the gate is via an unmade track. Entry to the water is by stepped ladders, with a hoist available for assisted access. Check the operator’s latest access information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Pond
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Kenwood Ladies’ Pond
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
