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Hampstead Heath is an ancient heath in London, England. It’s at one of the highest points in London and runs between Hampstead and Highgate.
History
The heath is a public park covering 790 acres. It was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 as property of the Monastery of St. Peter at Westminster Abbey. The abbey owned the property until 1133 when it passed to Richard de Balta, and later to Alexander de Barentyn, Henry II’s butler, in the late 12th century. The Metropolitan Board of Works purchased the main part of the heath for the public in the early 19th century.
The heath contains grassy hills, forests, ponds, a training track, playgrounds, and a public outdoor pool. Locals often visit the heath to get fresh air, picnic, swim, or run. It’s a great place to visit any time of year.
Ponds
My friend Carol took me through Hampstead Heath after exploring Hampstead. We first walked through one of the grassy fields before coming to two ponds separated by a path.
There are over 25 ponds at the heath. The main ponds used to be reservoirs and were dug in the 17th and 18th centuries.
There are two main groups of ponds. The three Hampstead Ponds are on the southwest corner of the heath while the eight Highgate Ponds are on the east side. All the ponds are numbered from south to north.
In addition to swimming, some of the ponds are open to fishing or model boating. They’re also a great place to spot birds such as swans and herons.
Swimming Ponds
Three of the ponds are open to the general public for swimming for a fee of £4.50 per person (as of September 2023). Booking is required for most slots, and they’re open between 7am and 8:30pm. Changing areas and showers are available at all three ponds, but there are no lockers. The water quality is routinely tested at each pond and there are lifeguards.
Carol and I had a quick swim at the Mixed Pond, which is open to both male and female swimmers outside the winter season.
The Ladies’ Pond and Men’s Pond are both a short walk to the east. As their names suggest, the Ladies’ Pond is for women only while the Men’s Pond is for men only.
