Hampstead Heath bathing ponds and Parliament Hill Lido will reopen on July 11

Women swimming with social distancing in place on at the Ladies' Pond on Hampstead Heath. Picture: Sarah Saunders (Image: Sarah Saunders)

Would-be swimmers are only able to book access online, which the City of London Corporation (CoLC) – the body who manage the Heath – said was essential to manage social distancing.

Lifeguards have received special training, and enhanced cleaning and signage should help keep swimmers safe.

Test swims have been carried out, and sessions will be first available in the mornings.

Visitors will not be able to swim without having already booked a ticket.

READ MORE: Hampstead Heath ponds swimmers protest but disappointment as pools not covered by government reopening guidanceAnne Fairweather, who chairs the CoLC’s Hampstead Heath management committee said: “We are delighted to begin safely reopening Heath’s swimming facilities after getting the green light from the government, who responded to our call to allow outdoor pools to open swiftly.

“This is welcome news to the hundreds of thousands of Londoners who enjoy the bathing ponds and Lido every year.

“We are asking all swimmers to respect the new safety arrangements, and recognise that we have limited capacity with these COVID-secure restrictions, as we welcome people back.”

READ MORE: Hampstead Heath ponds swimmers trial social distancing, but warn campaign against charges will continueThe first swimmers to take to the water will be the first to pay the controversial new charges – £4 for adults, £2.40 for concessions – which are now mandatory and have been subject to the ire of swimming associations since the beginning of 2020.

The government announced measures on Thursday evening which will allow outdoor pools, among other leisure sites, to reopen.

For more information, see cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/activities-at-hampstead-heath/swimming-at-hampstead-heath