Affordable Hangout for High-Profile Celebrities: London's Popular Swimming Spot, Charging Only £5 for Entry - Popular Amongst Stars Like Harry Styles and Andrew Garfield
Sunnier days are upon us, summer's knocking, and there's a UK spot where you can dip in for a swim and maybe catch a glimpse of the stars. Elite hangouts typically consist of ritzy clubs or eateries, but Hampstead Heath offers a more approachable experience at under a fiver.
Looking for a cheaper getaway? Hampstead Heath has a trio of ponds where swimmers can take a refreshing dip for just £4.80. There's the mixed pool, Kenwood Ladies', and Highgate Men's pond, along with Parliament Hill Fields Lido nearby.
These natural bathing ponds draw around 700,000 people each year, earning them titles like "treasure" and "one of London’s fantastic green gems"[1]. Despite their popularity, they retain a secluded atmosphere. Don't worry, there are lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone stays safe.
Unfortunately, changing facilities aren't provided, so swimwear must be worn beneath clothes. There are toilets and an outdoor shower for rinsing off. Post-swim, many enjoy picnics on the grassy banks.
Given Hampstead's celebrity residents, it's no surprise that a few familiar faces have been seen taking a dip over the years. Former One Direction star Harry Styles has been spotted multiple times. In one memorable summer, he raised temperatures even higher when he practiced his diving skills[1].
Hollywood A-lister Woody Harrelson, known for his roles in the Hunger Games and Zombieland, has enjoyed the Men's Pond. According to the Camden New Journal, Woody borrowed a pair of swimming trunks from a lifeguard as he forgot his[1].
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, and broadcaster Dermot O'Leary are also said to be regular swimmers. In 2018, Kendall Jenner posed for Love Magazine's 10th anniversary issue in the ponds[1]. Spider-Man, aka actor Andrew Garfield, has also revealed he's a regular in the London waters[1].
To make the most of your visit during peak summer months (starting May 26), reserving a slot is recommended. Tickets are available through Eventbrite for £4.60, with slots available for a 50-minute swim session between 12pm and 6pm[1]. For those who frequent Hampstead Heath, investing in a season ticket could be worthwhile.
For more outdoor swimming options, you might consider the UK's deepest lido in Portsmouth, set to reopen this summer after a three-year, £8.75m revamp[2]. Or if you're not based in London, you can explore other top outdoor water parks and lidos across the UK[2].
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For London lidos, some other noteworthy options include the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, London Fields Lido in Hackney, and Parliament Hill Lido. While these lidos are popular among the public, specific details about celebrity visits are not commonly documented or publicly available[3][4][5].
[1] Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds Guide
[2] UK's Best Outdoor Water Parks and Lidos
[3] Serpentine Lido
[4] London Fields Lido
[5] Peterborough Lido
- aside from the ponds at Hampstead Heath, other notable outdoor swimming options in the UK include the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, London Fields Lido in Hackney, and Parliament Hill Lido.
- swimwear must be worn beneath clothes as changing facilities aren't provided at Hampstead Heath's ponds.
- the mixed pool, Kenwood Ladies', and Highgate Men's pond at Hampstead Heath, along with Parliament Hill Fields Lido, draw approximately 700,000 people annually, making them popular destinations for both locals and celebrities.
