In a list compiled by National Geographic, the outlet highlighted the wild swimming spots that let you ” immerse yourself in nature”.
Among the UK-wide list of locations was one London spot with the popular Hampstead Heath Ponds picked.
You can see the full list via the National Geographic website here.
@dannidk_ Autumn morning swims 🫶 at #hampsteadheath #hampsteadheathponds #thingstodoinlondon #londonsctivities ♬ You Can’t Hurry Love – Live At Jools’ Annual Hootenanny – Olivia Dean & Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
Why you should visit Hampstead Heath Ponds for some wild swimming
The National Geographic describes Hampstead Heath Ponds as a piece of “wildness in the middle of a capital city”.
They add: “There are three pools — women’s, men’s and mixed, often shared with moorhens, dragonflies and the occasional heron.
“Each has its own loyal community, with strangers passing around flasks and offering tips for warming fingers, and long-held rituals, from New Year’s Day dips to solstice plunges.”
Sharing when is best to visit the ponds, the outlet writes: “In summer, the grassy banks are lined with readers, nappers and sun-bathers.
@londonfreeguide Unwind this bank holiday weekend with a refreshing swim and laid-back picnic at Hampstead Heath’s iconic bathing ponds. With separate spots for men, women, and a mixed pond, it’s a peaceful escape right in the heart of London. 📍 Hampstead Heath, London Bathing ponds open daily: 7am–8:30pm (last entry 8pm) 🎟 £4.80 adults | £2.90 concessions | £1.40 juniors 🚗 Free parking near Millfield Lane on weekends (spaces limited) Don’t miss: – Parliament Hill Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, 10am–2pm) for fresh produce and street food – Parliament Hill Viewpoint for one of London’s best skyline views – Kenwood House for a free stroll through art, gardens, and architecture – The Spaniards Inn, a historic pub dating back to 1585, once frequented by literary figures like Dickens and Keats. It’s the perfect spot to end your day with a pint in its charming beer garden. Tip: Pack a picnic, bring a book, and spend the whole afternoon recharging 🎥 Post by @dev.z Follow us for more London magic #HampsteadHeath #HiddenLondon #WildSwimming #LondonParks #BankHolidayWeekend #FarmersMarketLondon #FreeThingsToDoLondon #HistoricPubsLondon ♬ original sound – London Free Guide
“But autumn is when the location really shines, when the water turns amber with fallen leaves and the cold quietens the crowd.”
If you want to take a dip in the ponds, you will need to pay for a ticket, with a selection available for purchase.
Prices start at £2.90 for adults and rise to £8.40 for peak times. You can see the full details via the City of London website.
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RNLI wild/open water swimming safety tips
You should visit the RNLI website for wild swimming/open water safety advice before you get into the water and follow these swimming safety tips:
- Be prepared. Check the weather and tides, choose your spot, go with a buddy, have the right equipment
- If in doubt, don’t go out. No matter how much preparation you do, or how experienced you are, if a swim doesn’t feel right there is no shame in getting out of the water straight away, or not entering
- Make sure you acclimatise to avoid cold water shock
- Be seen. Wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float
- Stay within your depths
- Float to live. If you get into difficulty in the water and are in shock, turn onto your back and tilt your head back in the water, submerging your ears. Relax and try to breathe normally, using your hands to helps you stay afloat. Wait until the shock passes then call for help or swim to safety
- Call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard in an emergency
Visit the RNLI website for more information.
