Imagine, standing on Hampstead Heath, the sun warming your face, and the wind whispering through the trees. You look out towards the horizon, and all that you see is an expanse of green, dotted with ponds and trees. This is Hampstead Heath, a haven of green in the bustling city of London. It’s here that we arrive at Mixed Bathing Pond No 3 – a curious name indeed. This one pond – not to be confused with the nearby Hampstead Ponds No 1 and 2 – has a fascinating story to tell.
You’re standing right in front of the Mixed Bathing Pond No 3 now. It’s a large expanse of water, fringed by trees, with a small wooden deck for access to the water. The pool isn’t the only thing that makes this place special. The pond was originally dug in the 18th century as part of a wider network of reservoirs to serve London’s growing water demand. Today, it’s a much-loved spot for swimming, especially on the hot summer days. But what makes it so unique is that it’s a mixed bathing pond, with both men and women allowed to swim together. This was quite radical for the time, especially when you consider that the separate men’s and ladies’ ponds were first built in the 1890s.
The pond became a popular spot for socialising and swimming, with people coming from all over London to enjoy a dip in the cool water. It’s easy to imagine the chatter and laughter echoing across the water, as people splash and play in the sun, a testament to its long history and enduring charm.