Kenwood Ladies' Bathing Pond — Attraction in London

I visited the Ladies’ Pond on 12 July 2025 and left feeling frustrated by how poorly the space is managed. I paid £4.80 for the 11:00am drop-in, expecting a short but peaceful swim and time to relax. At no point during entry was I clearly informed that my entire visit, including swimming and sunbathing, was limited to 30 minutes. There were no visible signs, and the only justification given was that staff had “shouted” the rule across the area. I had to leave the premises without being able to swim at all.

I was later told that a small chalkboard near the gate is used for updates. This is not an effective way to communicate important rules. In a busy queue, it is easily missed, especially if written in small text or surrounded by unrelated messages. It also cannot be relied on for visitors with visual impairments or limited English. Verbal announcements are equally unreliable, particularly for those with hearing difficulties or who are simply unfamiliar with the system.

I also checked the City of London website after the fact. It states that swimmers must “vacate the water by 11:30am” for the 11:00am drop-in. However, this is vague and does not clearly state that the stay is limited to around 45 minutes in total, with 30 minutes for swimming and just 15 minutes to vacate the facility entirely. There is no mention of this breakdown or how it is enforced in person. More importantly, not all visitors will have checked the website in advance or have access to it on arrival. Clear signage and direct communication at the gate should be standard practice.

When I raised this with staff, the response was dismissive. There was no explanation, no support, and no opportunity to stay or re-enter. The interaction felt abrupt and unwelcoming. I have since submitted a formal complaint requesting clearer signage, accessibility-aware communication, and respectful conduct from staff.

It is unfortunate that such a special space is run in a way that feels unnecessarily harsh and confusing. I hope these issues are taken seriously and addressed for the benefit of all future visitors, especially those who are more vulnerable or...

I rarely write reviews, but was openly discriminated against by this establishment and want to make sure others know what kind of establishment it is before choosing to attend.

I love cold water swimming and my friend loves this pond, so I was excited to experience the place. I’m a queer-presenting person who has always been allowed into women’s only spaces. I read and followed all rules posted on the very detailed rules board in front of the gate. I entered with my friend, paid entry, changed into my swimsuit (swim shorts and no top because I’ve had a complete double mastectomy), and walked outside to take a dip. We were being respectful and quiet patrons.

I was stopped immediately before entering the water by 2 workers, that quickly became 5 or 6, almost the entire staff. They staunchly and intensely argued that I need to wear a swim top regardless of my chest having no breast tissue or nipples, and regardless of my strong discomfort with their request. They claimed repeatedly that it was a rule, but could not produce a rule stating this. I was wearing a swimming costume appropriate for my body and no rule or sign specifies that people with a body like mine must wear a top. I have been to all-women’s spaces before and have never had an issue like this. The staff’s claims included that it’s a “city of London rule,” and that “in the entire world a women’s swimming costume includes a top.”

Their insistence was so strong that it went on for maybe 10-15 minutes before I finally realized there was nothing they could physically do, so I got in the water against their wishes. It was a lovely swim, completely bittered by the entire staff making it clear that someone with a body like mine is not welcome there.

The extremity of the number of staff involved and their unwavering insistence is what made this occurrence very obviously discriminatory against me as a queer and trans appearing person. I would not recommend you come here or support this establishment if you are a queer person, queer-presenting, or ally until the culture has...

One of my all time favourite places in London, especially when it's not busy. It's a beautiful, sincere and relaxed environment, and one of the very few wild swimming locations in London. It's a very secluded spot completely inclosed by trees and bushes which means that it's not overlooked by anyone. There is a good sized field for sunbathing and basic facilities like a shower, changing rooms and toilets. I love the pond, I love being surrounded by nature, and I love swimming in the cold water.

But I've got to knock a star off for the organisation. While as relaxing as the pond is, the lifeguards run it like a boot camp and over the years, it's become so regimented and needlessly strict. Firstly, it used to be free. Paying £4.90 for a one hour swim slot is ridiculous. Secondly, the facilities (re, the toilets) become unaccessible once the swimming session ends. If you're in the field beside the pond, then you're not allowed to use the toilets even though you're still within the Kenwood Pond grounds. The staff are generally unaccommodating and needlessly hostile.

The booking system is also ineffective. Drop-in during the mornings until 11am, fine. But booking only until 6pm even on weekdays. But from 6pm onwards, it's again drop-in which is insane as during summer, that's when the pond is at it's busiest with people coming from work. Yet another aspect of London life were spontaneity has been replaced by booking via app.

There has to be a middle ground between some sort of management and whatever is they're...