Highgate Men's Bathing Pond

Refreshing swim and great conversations with fellow bathers. Recently I was walking past the pond. It was a sweltering day (especially by London standards) and I decided to pop in for a quick dip. That quick dip became an hour and I came out feeling mighty recharged. There was a wonderful tribal community feel to the place with a high number of regulars and newbies alike engaging in conversation as they dried off. The water temperature was a balmy 18 degrees. If you want to go in the weekend during summer months, I suggest you book a slot in advance on the City of London website so you don’t miss out.

beautiful summer spot in London. if you are looking for wild swimming in the pond, remember to book an hour session online. you can dive into deep and chilly water seriously. Have fun! you may also just want to meet friends and go for sunbath. the grassland is free with good vibe for gathering. you can also reach another pond to have casual walk in the water, with no lifeguards and changing room for FREE.

I went the day it was 42° in London! I highly recommend. If you go before 11 you don’t have to book an appointment. The lake is beautiful and it’s a fun place to cool down from the heat.

Love the place, the nature surrounding and the ponds but paying £4,50 for a swim in a very dirty water is crazy.

Run by the Corporation of London on the lines of Victorian values - the nude sunbathing area separated from the (much larger, and always nearly empty) “clothed” area by a grim metal barrier. Unfriendly, unpleasant staff, but sunbathing naked is fun, and cramped as it is, it’s a rare phenomena (if not unique). The pond itself is utter bliss to swim in, but you must be a competent swimmer - it is deep! Swimming among the ducks - if you swim ever so gently they let you come very close, and that is just great.

I went today for a swim, not bad but you need some courage, the water was 11 degrees, I must be back for summer!

Perfect from a Londoner's escape or a visitor dip. Free before 09.30!

No better place in North London than Highgate Men's Pond to go and regulate your nervous system! Breath in, breath out. In with peace and out with stress then let go. Let the body do what the body is capable of doing.