In the middle of London lies Hampstead Heath, 320 hectares of forest, parkland and wildlife, plus three swimming ponds. People take the waters in them all year-round, just as they did in the time of Keats and Constable. 2026, also marks 100 years of women and girls swimming at the Ladies' Pond which opened in 1926.

Capturing all the beauty of the English seasons, Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith filmed swimmers at the ponds over 12 months as they shivered, laughed, complained, ruminated, philosophised or simply sought respite from all that life threw at them. The Ponds is a heart-warming celebration of eccentricity and sheer bloody-mindedness as these unusual people, united by a shared passion, meet to take on whatever the weather… and life… throws at them.

The screening will be introduced by the co- producer/director Patrick McLennan.

​After the screening ticket holders can join Swim Peeps for a social in the Atrium bar. Swim Peeps is London's most social swim club. They are on a mission to bring together friends who haven't met yet through regular social swims & side quests of every kind.