Camden, England, United Kingdom

Highgate Men's Pond, Hampstead Heath

Men have swum in this pond off Millfield Lane for more than 150 years, and it stays open with lifeguards every day of the year. The water is deep and opaque, reached by a jetty and ladders, and a low diving board remains from the days of the old tower. If you are new to winter swimming, follow the City's advice: keep the first dips short, avoid diving in, and warm up slowly afterwards.

Directions

Photo: Jim Osley · CC BY-SA 2.0

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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. Men only; wetsuits and neoprene allowed, but swim aids, snorkels and masks are not.
Parking & transport: Limited on-street parking on Millfield Lane (check restrictions). Nearest stations: Gospel Oak Overground (about 18 min walk) and Kentish Town on the Northern line (about 28 min); the 214 bus stops nearby. Bike racks outside the gate.
Lifeguards: Lifeguarded during all opening hours, year-round.
Water quality: Designated bathing water 'Hampstead Heath (Mens 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: Open all year, including bank holidays. 2026 hours: opens 7am (7.30am in midwinter), with last entry from about 2pm in winter to 8.15pm in high summer.
Who swims here: The Highgate Men's Pond Association (HMPA) is an independent volunteer group that speaks for swimmers and campaigns to keep the pond a quiet place to swim.
Watch for: Deep, opaque water: competent swimmers only
Cold water shock and hypothermia in colder months; avoid diving in when new to cold water
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)