Hampstead Heath Mixed Pond

The only one of the three Hampstead Heath bathing ponds open to everyone, the Mixed Pond is the top pond of the Hampstead chain near East Heath Road, and it opens from April to October. The water is deep, opaque and lifeguarded, and floats, masks and snorkels are not allowed. Hampstead Heath station is about ten minutes' walk; on hot days drop-in sessions fill fast, so arrive early.

Directions

Photo: Nick-D · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 79/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 16°C, wind 12 km/h, UV 0. Updated 23 Sept, 20:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Dry, settled spells: the City notes micro-organism levels tend to rise after rain and when the pond is heavily used.
Getting in: Competent swimmers only; children must be 8+ and those aged 8-15 need an accompanying adult (max two children per adult) plus a swim test. From late May to early September some sessions must be booked online (released 8pm, up to 7 days ahead); the rest of the year is drop-in. 2026-27 price: £5 adult, £3 concession/under-16; under-16s and over-60s swim free before 9.30am; payment is cashless from 1 October 2026. Open to all genders; wetsuits and neoprene allowed, but swim aids, snorkels and masks are not.
Parking & transport: East Heath Car Park. Nearest stations: Hampstead Heath Overground (about 10 min walk) and Hampstead on the Northern line (about 17 min). Bike racks outside the gate.
Lifeguards: Lifeguarded during opening hours throughout its April-October season.
Water quality: Designated bathing water 'Hampstead Heath (Mixed Pond)': rated Excellent by the Environment Agency in 2025 (Excellent in 2024). The ponds are natural, untreated water; the EA samples weekly from May to September.
Season: April to October only (closed to public swimming at other times); summer sessions from 7am, with bookable slots from late May to early September.
Who swims here: The United Swimmers' Association of Hampstead Heath represents swimmers at the bathing ponds and Parliament Hill Lido.
Watch for: Deep, opaque water: competent swimmers only
Cold water shock early and late in the season
Blue-green algae blooms can lead to warning notices or closure
Micro-organism levels rise after rain and on busy days; avoid swallowing water
Closed in thunderstorms and when the Met Office warns of gusts of 40mph or more
Facilities: Lifeguards · Changing areas · Showers · Toilets · Ladders into the water · Hoist for assisted entry · No lockers (floating dry bags allowed)