Highgate Men's Bathing Pond — Local services in London

The men's pond has reopened and it is still the best place for a swim in London. You must now book a 1hr slot to come swim here, you are asked to only swim clockwise, to leave the pond from a different place from where you access it, and one at the time in the showers. Other than that, you are still in the middle of nature, in fresh cool water which is great for your body and your spirit. The sense of freedom swimming in this beautiful pond gives you is so special. The staff is super friendly and I love the sense of community there is between swimmers here, mostly regulars who have been coming for years. I only come swimming here in the summer but if you are a hardcore wild swimmer this is open...

Such a special experience away from the dust and grime of London. The men's pond is a large, very deep and surprisingly clean miniature lake with regular buoys to cling onto if you get cramp in the cold. Yes it's a shock when you first jump in (jumping is probably quicker than slowly inching down the steps) but it quickly feels really refreshing and comfortable. The changing area has no secure lockers (any lockers at all) so there's a bit of trust involved but people watch out for (and just watch) each other so it seems safe enough. Of course there's a bit of ogling going on - I'm stunningly attractive with only a slight belly so I'm used to it - but it's a...

The men's bathing pond (along with the ladies and mixed ponds) is one of those unique experiences offered by Hampstead Heath. It's a place to slow down and enjoy the natural world in the style of our forefathers.

The pond itself offers limited facilities in that the changing room is an open air shed, lockers are nonexistent and the few showers barely lukewarm. But you don't come here for the 5 star spa experience.

Instead the pond is a place where all men are equal, from the lord to the layabout, and sharing the exact same pursuit. Which is one where you enjoy the shock of the water year round and the freedom to paddle as you wish under the open...