Hampstead Heath is famous for many things, one of them being the freshwater bathing ponds - of which there are three... one for men, one for ladies and one mixed pond for families. Obviously the ponds are busier when the sun is shining - but they are open for much of the year for brave souls! There are notices up warning of numb and freezing cold injury, hypothermia and Sudden Immersion Syndrome all of which can afflict anyone daring the take the plunge without due consideration for the British weather! The ponds are protected by lifeguard, and you can take to the water from 7am through to 8ish (for adult swimmers).

As well as a dutiful following of gay men who tend to lay about in various states of undress on the grass facing the entrance to the Men Only pond - the water is also often sampled by hardy families (children between 8-15 are welcome but need to be accompanied by an adult) and people of all shapes and sizes out to improve circulation and brave the often very chilly water.

As well as the ponds there is also the Parliament Hill Lido - an unheated outdoor 60 metre swimming pool open year all year round.

Cold water aside, it is a real treat to have a public open-air pond in the middle of London.