Why this one made the list
One of only three unheated London outdoor pools open 365 days; winter morning regulars 7am–12pm Sep–Apr; annual Icebreaker cold swim every February.
Practical
What you'd want to know
Unheated outdoor swimming pool on the southern edge of Hampstead Heath, opened 1938. A 60-metre long stainless-steel-lined pool, 27 metres wide, glinting silver under open sky. The red-brick 1938 Art Deco entrance with rounded edges, horizontal banding and a clock tower stands at the southern end. A broad brick-paved deck runs around the pool with timber benches and a low perimeter wall. The lido cafe sits in the original pavilion at the entry. A long view east across the Heath toward the city; oak and beech canopy rising beyond the perimeter. Wooden barrel sauna and a shipping-container sauna sit on the deck (operated by Beach Box Spa). Open 365 days; water temperatures drop to 8°c in deep winter.
Overheard
- open 365 days — one of three unheated pools in london, alongside brockwell and tooting bec. winter mornings 7am to 12 noon september to april, swimming only.
- water can drop to 8°c in january. you don't need a wetsuit but neoprene gloves and a hat keep your hands and head working.
- the icebreaker swim runs the first saturday of december. hundreds of swimmers in swimwear, the oss december dip — worth watching even if you don't swim.
- the stainless-steel tank is striking but it can be slippery on the deck — walk, don't run, between sauna and pool.
- the regulars know each other by morning. show up three times the same week and someone will say hi.