Swimming in London just got significantly more expensive. This month, the City of London Corporation, which has managed Hampstead Heath since 1987, increased ticket prices for its lido and three bathing ponds. While some tickets rose by only 10 to 20 pence—matching last year's increase—others surged by nearly 30 percent.
New Pricing Details
Adult single tickets for the bathing ponds now cost £5, up from £4.80. Concession tickets increased from £2.90 to £3. A 12-month season ticket for the ponds alone rose from £150.50 to £157. The most dramatic increase affected the combined lido and ponds annual season ticket, which jumped from £268 to £348—a 29.85 percent hike.
Swimmers Express Outrage
According to the Camden New Journal, swimmers fear that the additional revenue will not be used solely for pool maintenance. They allege that the City of London Corporation is using the swimming facilities to subsidize other areas of the Heath. A collective known as Papas Del Sol, comprising regulars at the lido and men's pond, voiced strong opposition. They stated, 'A 30 percent increase in one year confirms this. We are extremely concerned, and not just a little furious, about this price hike. We now expect CoL to increase the price year on year, to line their own pockets, turn the Heath into a commercial enterprise, with the net effect of excluding the people who can most benefit from outdoor swimming and contact with nature.'
Future Plans for the Heath
The corporation's future plans for the Heath include introducing large-scale events and income-generating activities such as ticketed festivals, as well as installing a padel court and additional saunas. These proposals have intensified concerns about commercialization.
City of London Corporation Responds
A City spokesperson defended the price increases, stating, 'Most swimming fees rose in line with inflation. As a registered charity, the Heath reinvests all income into maintaining and improving facilities. Charges fund staffing, lifeguarding, water-quality monitoring, and upkeep to keep the Ponds and Lido safe, clean, and accessible, while the wider Heath remains free to enjoy at no cost to taxpayers. Concessions and free early morning sessions support accessibility. A combined lido and bathing pond season ticket offers multi-site access and 15 percent savings, providing the best value for regular swimmers.'
New Price List
Bathing Ponds
- Adult: £5
- Concession: £3
Lido (Winter)
- Adult: £5
- Concession: £3
Lido (Summer)
- Adult (breakfast): £5
- Adult (morning): £8.80
- Adult (afternoon): £8.80
- Adult (evening): £5
- Concession (breakfast): £3
- Concession (morning): £5.20
- Concession (afternoon): £5.20
- Concession (evening): £3
Season Tickets (12 months)
- Lido: £252 (concession £152)
- Bathing ponds: £157 (concession £94)
- Both: £348 (£209)
For those seeking alternatives, London offers numerous other outdoor swimming spots. Additionally, west London is set to gain a new park along the River Thames, and a 14-mile nature corridor will transform four boroughs in east London.
