A swimming pond on Hampstead Heath may close early more often over coming weeks for maintenance work to be completed.

The Kenwood Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath was emptied of swimmers by 11.30am on Monday (February 12) with last entry at 11am.

Swimmers were able to use the Lido, near Gospel Oak Overground Station, until 12.30pm.

The City of London Corporation, which manages the three Hampstead ponds and Lido, said the closure was to carry out initial surveys as part of its "ongoing maintenance programme".

Work began last April on a £900,000 project to improve disabled access and life saving facilities at the ladies’, mixed, and men’s bathing ponds.

At the ladies pond, work to the changing room showers, tiles, and ventilation needs completing. 

The men's pond and mixed pond are also undergoing maintenance work but do not need to close.

A spokesperson for the CoLC said:  “Hampstead Heath is a registered charity. We take great care to ensure our facilities are maintained and looked after for the benefit and safety of visitors.

“A phased maintenance programme is underway at the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond, which includes work to the changing room showers, tiles, and ventilation.

These improvement works are expected to last until the spring.

“Work to improve access at the men’s and mixed ponds is ongoing. And a new protective structure is being installed at the mixed pond to house a new hoist system which will boost the facility’s accessibility.

“Information regarding any necessary closures will be advertised in advance on our website www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath and on X @CityCorpHeath.”

Winter swimming hours are from 7am, with last entry at 2pm.