THE weather is heating up, summer is on its way, and there is a UK lido where you can go for a swim as well as a bit of celeb spotting.
-loved places are often exclusive to high-end clubs or , but Hampstead Heath is one where even ‘normal’ folk can visit for less than a fiver.
has a choice of three ponds where visitors can swim for £4.80.
There’s the mixed pool, as well as Kenwood Ladies’ and Highgate Men’s pond – and there’s Parliament Hill Fields Lido just down the road.
The natural bathing ponds attract around 700,000 people every year and are often described as “a treasure”; and one of “London’s fantastic green gems”; by visitors.
Despite feeling quite secluded by those who visit, there are lifeguards on duty.
None of the swim spots have changing facilities, so you’ll have to wear your swim gear underneath your clothes. There are toilets and an outdoor shower.
Lots of swimmers like to clamber out and enjoy a picnic on the grassy banks afterwards too.
With lots of celebrities calling Heath home, it’s no surprise that a few familiar faces have been spotted cooling off in the ponds over the years.
, the ex- star, has been seen multiple times enjoying the bathing ponds.
One , he had temperatures soaring even higher when he .
One onlooker said: “He kept a low profile and went mostly unrecognised. He was laps and practising his diving.”;
A-lister , who’s known for his roles in the and , has enjoyed the water at the Men’s Pond.
According to Camden New Journal, Woody didn’t bring a pair of swimming trunks with him, so he borrowed a pair of swimming trunks from a lifeguard.
Comedian , actor and broadcaster are also said to be frequent swimmers.
Back in 2018, stripped off for a project that was filmed in the ponds for Love Magazine’s 10th anniversary issue.
Spider-Man, aka actor , also revealed he’s a regular in the waters.
Talking to Time Out, he said: “I love swimming inHampstead Ponds. You feel close to nature – it’s such a rare, beautiful thing.”;
During busy periods in the summer months (starting May 26), you will need to book a slot before heading down to the ponds or pool.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite for £4.60.
Bookable slots are between the hours of 12pm and 6pm with each being for for a 50 minute swim session.
Tickets are released through Eventbrite on Mondays at 12pm for the following seven days (Tuesday to Monday).
The morning sessions between the hours of 7am-11.30am and the evening sessions between 6.30pm-8.30pm are on a first come first served basis.
If it’s busy, then there will be queues outside – which there often are when temperatures rise.
TheandKenwood Ladies’ Pondare open year-round.
Hampstead Mixed Pondis open from mid-April to October and in winter it’s only open to members of the Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club.
For any regulars, it could be worth investing in a season ticket.
For Parliament Hill Lido this costs £240 for 12 months. A year-long membership to the ponds costs £150, and a combined membership is £268.
For anyone not in the capital, .
And good news for any .
