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Swimming through the Seasons: The Hampstead Ponds

Patrick McLennan

Samuel Smith

Laser Guided Productions

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

BBC Four - Swimming through the Seasons: The Hampstead Ponds

A celebration of those who continue to enjoy bathing in the ponds on Hampstead Heath.

Documentary featuring the characters who enjoy swimming in the ponds on Hampstead Heath as much today as people did in the time of Constable and Keats.

In a world of constant flux and chaos, it is almost a shock to discover some experiences remain unchanged, natural, primitive even. In the middle of London lies Hampstead Heath, 320 hectares of forest, parkland and wildlife, plus three swimming ponds.

People take their waters all year round, just as they did in the time of Constable and Keats. Capturing all the beauty of the English seasons, the film follows the swimmers over 12 months as they shiver, laugh, complain, ruminate, philosophise or simply seek respite from all that life threw at them. 

Swimming Through the Seasons is a heartwarming celebration of eccentricity and sheer bloody-mindedness as these unusual people, united by a shared passion, meet to take on the weather, the water and life.

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