The main ponds were originally dug in the 17th and 18th centuries as reservoirs to meet London's growing water demand.

The majority of the ponds on Hampstead Heath are fed by the headwater springs of the River Fleet.

The City of London Corporation tried to close the bathing ponds in 2004, but a challenge at the High Court by swimmers overcame this, though charges for swimming were introduced.

The men's pond had a diving tower, but this was dismantled following an accident in the 1970s and only a low level board remains, along with showers and a small sunbathing and changing area.

Quality of water tests – which comply with EU regulations – are routinely performed on all three swimming ponds.

Famous people who have enjoyed swimming in the Hampstead ponds include novelist Esther Freud,[5] politician Ed Miliband,[6] journalist Dolly Alderton,[7] actors Emma Corrin,[8] Benedict Cumberbatch,[9] Woody Harrelson and Sascha Baron Cohen,[10] singer Harry Styles[11] and presenter Dermot O'Leary.

[12] A collection of 14 reflections by contemporary writers on swimming in the Ladies' Pond was published in 2019 and includes contributions from Ava Wong Davies, Margaret Drabble, and Deborah Moggach.

[13] In 2011, it was announced that the City of London was proposing extensive works on the ponds and dams, which it claimed were necessary for safety reasons in the event of a rare major storm.

The City of London Corporation said the work should be carried out urgently to reduce danger of flooding in surrounding built-up residential areas in the event of one of the dams bursting.

[15] Attempts by the government to restrict access to the ponds has continued intermittently to the present day, with protests erupting in 2020 over City of London Corporation introducing charges for swimming at the (previously free) beach as well as mandatory booking in advance.

[18] Anti-transgender activist Julie Bindel, who uses the pond regularly, criticised this decision, although reaction was more positive from other groups.

[19][20] Confirmation of this policy took place after a poll showed that 60% of locals strongly agreed with trans inclusion.

[18] In March 2024, during an annual meeting, the Kenwood Ladies' Pond Association voted against a motion which would have redefined the word women to refer to only those assigned female at birth.

KLPA lacks the authority to amend pond byelaws but its deliberations might sway the City Corporation.