Hampstead Heath's mixed bathing pond could open all year round

"The Mixed Pond is currently only open to the public from April to October. Outside of these times, only members of the Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club can use the pond, by long-standing arrangement. Given the increasing popularity of open water swimming, we will be reviewing the current arrangements at the Mixed Pond. This will include looking at access, facilities and opening hours, to bring it into line with Parliament Hill Lido, Kenwood Ladies' Pond and Highgate Men's Pond."

"In its updated draft five-year business plan (2026/27 to 2030/31) for the Heath the Corporation has several actions affecting the use of the ponds. These include re-landscaping the mixed pond, improving the outdoor space at the Ladies' Pond and installing automatic temperature gauges for the ponds. There is also an action listed for the Mixed Pond which reads: Review seasonal use of the Mixed Pond and determine if all-year use is warranted, and if so, whether possible to staff with existing resources."

Hampstead Heath's Mixed Pond currently opens from April to October, while the Ladies' and Men's ponds operate year-round. The City of London Corporation will assess Mixed Pond usage to determine whether an extended or all-year season is warranted and whether staffing can be provided from existing resources. The review will begin during the 2026/27 financial year. The updated draft five-year business plan (2026/27–2030/31) lists actions including re-landscaping the Mixed Pond, improving the Ladies' Pond outdoor space, and installing automatic temperature gauges. Outside the April–October season, only Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club members may use the Mixed Pond under a long-standing arrangement.

Read at www.standard.co.uk