Diving into the swimming ponds of Hampstead Heath in London

The men’s swimming pond at Hampstead Heath is one of those hidden parts of London that you really need a bit of local knowledge to experience.

Hampstead Heath is a huge expanse of parkland in the north of London.

On a sunny day this is the ideal place to go for a picnic, walk the dog, or hang out with friends. It’s also the ideal place to go for a swim and work on your tan.

There are a series of freshwater ponds on the Highgate Village side of the Heath — men’s pond; a women’s pond; and a mixed pond.

When the weather heats up, the men’s pond is where you will find a substantial proportion of London’s gays — basking on the grass, working on their tans, showing off their latest swimwear, and keeping a watchful eye on everyone around them.

To get to the water you go through a Victorian-era changing shed — complete with an area reserved for nude sunbathing.

Emerging lake-side, there is a small jetty that takes you out from the bank. At the end of the jetty is a sturdy diving board — the ideal way to make a dramatic entrance into the water.

The water itself is generally on the cool side, but surprisingly clear — it’s fed by a spring which keeps the water fresh.

Diving, swimming, tanning, people-watching. There is no better place to spend a sunny day in London.