Serpentine Boating Lake, London: Address, Phone Number, Serpentine Boating Lake Reviews: 4/5
Serpentine Boating Lake
Serpentine Boating Lake
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Lancaster Gate • 5 min walk
- Paddington • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,586 within 3 miles
The Victoria
1,126
256 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Nipa Thai Restaurant
872
0.2 mi$$$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Paramount Lebanese Kitchen
334
0.3 mi$ • Lebanese • Mediterranean • Healthy
The Monkey Puzzle
632
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Island Grill
1,544
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Bel Canto Restaurant
1,237
0.3 mi$$$$ • French • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Mihbaj Café & Kitchen
225
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Arabic • Vegetarian Friendly
Mimos Cafe Bar
918
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Cafe • European
La Tazza Cafe
355
0.3 mi$ • Italian • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Bizzarro
2,149
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Attractions
2,075 within 6 miles
Duke of Wellington Statue
83
0 ftMonuments & Statues
Boy David Memorial
28
0 ftMonuments & Statues
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain
770
0 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains
Australian War Memorial
101
0 ftMonuments & Statues
The Huntress Fountain
6
0 ftMonuments & Statues • Fountains
Byron Statue
2
0 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
The Bandstand
2
0 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Apsley Gate
2
0 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Holocaust Memorial
4
0 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Hyde Park Rose Garden
4
8.4 ftGardens
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
155 reviews
Excellent
62
Very good
77
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
4
The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ166,281 contributions
Sep 2019
A Beautiful Lake in the Heart of London
In September, we were back to London, and staying across Park Lane, from Hyde Park. On several days, we walked the Park, and mostly along the beautiful Serpentine Lake, which runs basically through the heart of the Park.
Our first stroll was on a weekday, and while there were folk out, enjoying the Autumn weather, things changed, when we visited on a Sunday morning - and greatly. The Serpentine now had folk boating the eastern section, using craft rented from Blue Bird Boats.
On both days, the bird life on The Serpentine was obvious, but they seemed happier on Sunday, as there were more folk to feed them - including the swans.
One thing, which I had never noticed before was a commemorative statue to Queen Caroline, who created The Serpentine, located right by the Serpentine Waterfall, on the very eastern edge of the lake. It is right along the path, and if walking to the north, on the edge of The Serpentine, look to the right, just before the waterfall, which goes down to a small pond. It is worth the effort to find it. While not hard to find, I think that it’s easy to miss, as one is more often looking out to the lake, itself. Take the time to stop and read the plaque.
On our walks this trip, we probably spent an hour each, around The Serpentine, and that was without stopping at any of the concessions.
Just a great place to stroll, to sunbath in the rental chairs in a few locations, to stop for coffee, or a snack - especially on a beautiful Autumn day.
In September, we were back to London, and staying across Park Lane, from Hyde Park. On several days, we walked the Park, and mostly along the beautiful Serpentine Lake, which runs basically through the heart of the Park.
Our first stroll was on a weekday, and while there were folk out, enjoying the Autumn weather, things changed, when we visited on a Sunday morning - and greatly. The Serpentine now had folk boating the eastern section, using craft rented from Blue Bird Boats.
On both days, the bird life on The Serpentine was obvious, but they seemed happier on Sunday, as there were more folk to feed them - including the swans.
One thing, which I had never noticed before was a commemorative statue to Queen Caroline, who created The Serpentine, located right by the Serpentine Waterfall, on the very eastern edge of the lake. It is right along the path, and if walking to the north, on the edge of The Serpentine, look to the right, just before the waterfall, which goes down to a small pond. It is worth the effort to find it. While not hard to find, I think that it’s easy to miss, as one is more often looking out to the lake, itself. Take the time to stop and read the plaque.
On our walks this trip, we probably spent an hour each, around The Serpentine, and that was without stopping at any of the concessions.
Just a great place to stroll, to sunbath in the rental chairs in a few locations, to stop for coffee, or a snack - especially on a beautiful Autumn day.
Written June 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ian C
London, UK23,970 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
The Serpentine has two halves. The western half in Kensington Gardens, known as Long Water, is more natural and quiet; the eastern half is busier and is where all the activity takes place, including the cafe and pedalos negotiating the swans and geese.
Discretely overlooking the lake is a monument to Queen Caroline who was responsible for its creation in 1730.
Discretely overlooking the lake is a monument to Queen Caroline who was responsible for its creation in 1730.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Perry B
Hong Kong, China2,325 contributions
Feb 2020
There was great walking to be had again during my lightning trip to the City last winter. This was a special time before Covid had kicked in, but there was a sense of stasis, of pause, of suspended animation before some existential disaster befell England. Walking around this peaceful stretch of water helped allay some of that. it hadn't been too cold and there was some green grass poking through.
Written January 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kafi R
1 contribution
Aug 2020
The manager lady refused to give our £5 deposit back despite returning the pedalo 3 minutes early on the hour. This is a very nice experience but beware of the deposit system and how this is managed - make sure you listen to all rules and regulations and beware this argumentative customer service. Shame.
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gaurav C
New Delhi, India3,090 contributions
Mar 2019
This is a beautiful recreational lake in the Hyde park...offers stunning views of the park and the skyscrapers .. It also has a restaurant on one end..quite relaxing to just hire a boat on this man made lake..excellent to take stroll along it..
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SuzieQ
143 contributions
Nov 2021
Beautiful evening walk around the Serpentine (late Autumn November) just before sunset. Geese, ducks and many birds settling in for the night; undisturbed by fun fair of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park across the river. Have a drink, sit a while at the cafe and simply soak in the last of the sun rays before nightfall. Continue walking around to buzz of Winter Wonderland towards Knightsbridge shopping or to Hard Rock cafe on Piccadilly.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ben W
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Couples
We arrived an hour before the closing time on a scorching day for a date night and got turned away. Very disappointing as we’d travelled a fair distance and it ruined our plans. Not sure if the staff wanted to leave off early or what it was but there was still enough people on the lake. Wouldn’t return as a result of this.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shaun L
Clanfield, UK1,513 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Took a stroll along the Serpentine in Hyde Park watching the boats and the wildlife. Plenty going on. Setting up for a triathlon or similar whilst we were there. It’s a peaceful location in the middle of a busy London. Makes you forget the hustle and bustle if only for a short while.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RealDS
London, UK497 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Man this spot right here on a a hot summers day is the one!!!! I’d thoroughly advise you hook an about as opposed to half an hour. It’s £12pp & goes very quickly. You want to allow yourself some times to both paddle and float. Beautiful date vibes mandem!
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK153,512 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
This is a nice opportunity to get a unique view of Hyde Park, from The Serpentine. The boats are pedal powered, so should make the jaunt a little easier. As another reviewer has mentioned, it's not cheap. £10 for an adult or £24 for family of 4, and that's only for 30 minutes.
Anyone deciding to that this trip should be aware of our lovely changeable British weather. It was just our luck as soon as we got on the boat, it started raining.
Anyone deciding to that this trip should be aware of our lovely changeable British weather. It was just our luck as soon as we got on the boat, it started raining.
Written May 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Do I have to book to hire a boat on the Serpentine Lake or can we just turn up? Thanks
Hi, are Radio or Remote Controlled boats allowed on the lake? Thanks!
Chris
St. Albans, UK4,441 contributions
I doubt it very much. It’s a Royal Park and therefore property of the crown, although the Crown Lands Act 1851 makes them freely accessible spaces for the public.
maissanekortas
Paris, France
Hello ! We are a family of 2 adults and 3 children, so we are 5 in total could we go together in the same pedalo ? Can a pedalo accommodate 5 people ? Thanks!
vforsythe
Newcastle, UK3 contributions
Hi can I swim in serpentine lake?
ubbabe
166 contributions
Believe the Lido is open during the summer months.
Opening times
The Serpentine Lido is open from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (last entry 5:30pm) every day in June, July and August.
During May it is only open on weekends and Bank Holidays.
Pricing
Adult - £4.80 (£4.10 after 4pm)
Concessions - £3.80 (£3.10 after 4pm)
Child - £1.80 (£1.10 after 4pm)
Family Ticket - 2 adults and up to 2 children -£12.00 (£9 after 4pm)
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. 2 adults to every 1 under 16 if customers are using the lake.
Sun lounger - £3.50 rental price for the whole day.
Facilities
Sun Terrace, sun bathing area
Children's play area including swings, slide, climbing frame and paddling pool
Open water swimming in The Serpentine in area 30m x 100m.
Kiosk with tea, coffee, cold drinks and sandwiches available
Wetsuits permitted
Water tested weekly to ensure quality and safety
Triathlon training sessions every Monday and Thursday evening with Swim For Tri
Contact details
Frequently Asked Questions about Serpentine Boating Lake
- We recommend booking Serpentine Boating Lake tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Serpentine Boating Lake tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Serpentine Boating Lake:
- (0.03 mi) Cosy, Stylish Quintessential Historic Mews Flat in Hyde Park with Free WiFi
- (0.12 mi) Barry House
- (0.21 mi) Royal Lancaster London
- (0.13 mi) Hyde Park Radnor Hotel
- (0.19 mi) The Darlington Hyde Park
- Restaurants near Serpentine Boating Lake:
- (0.04 mi) Salt & Honey Bistro
- (0.05 mi) The Victoria
- (0.06 mi) NoorJahan 2
- (0.04 mi) Maximini Chinese Restaurant
- (0.05 mi) Aeda London