Top 20 Lakes around London

Several lakes around London are excellent for families. St. James's Park Lake is a great choice, offering diverse waterfowl and views of Buckingham Palace. Victoria Park Lake, Sculptures, and Pagoda features boating, play areas, and a Chinese pagoda. Walthamstow Wetlands also provides family-friendly paths for exploring nature.

Yes, many lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds are known for walks up to Parliament Hill for city views. Walthamstow Wetlands provides 13 miles of paths for exploration. For more structured routes, you can find various waterfall hikes around London or running trails that often incorporate lake areas.

The Serpentine in Hyde Park allows visitors to rent pedalos or rowing boats and even features a solar-powered boat. Victoria Park Lakes and Battersea Park Lake also offer rowing boats and pedalos. Alexandra Palace Boating Lake is known for its whimsical swan and dragon pedalos, while Regent's Park Boating Lake provides boating options and a separate children's boating lake seasonally.

The internationally renowned Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds offer a unique wild swimming experience with separate ponds for mixed, men's, and women's bathing. The Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park also provides an opportunity for open-water swimming.

Near St. James's Park Lake, you can enjoy views of Buckingham Palace and Whitehall. Viaduct Pond on Hampstead Heath offers views of the historic Viaduct bridge, built in the mid-19th century. Kensington Gardens, which includes a lake, is home to numerous historical monuments and statues.

St. James's Park Lake is famous for its diverse waterfowl, including pelicans, ducks, and geese. The Serpentine in Hyde Park is also great for spotting herons and other birdlife. Walthamstow Wetlands, Europe's largest urban wetlands, is a haven for wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature spotting.

Many of London's lakes are well-served by public transport. St. James's Park Lake, The Serpentine, Victoria Park Lakes, and Regent's Park Boating Lake are all centrally located and easily reachable via London's extensive public transport network. Walthamstow Wetlands is also just a short hop from Central London.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity near many lakes. Walthamstow Wetlands has designated paths where cyclists are welcome. Victoria Park is ideal for cycling trips between Regent's Canal and the Hertford Union Canal. You can also explore various road cycling routes around London that pass by scenic lake areas.

Burgess Park Lake in South London is considered a hidden gem, offering beautiful views of the London skyline and a pleasant spot for relaxation. Ruislip Lido, surrounded by Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve, provides a wide range of facilities and natural beauty, making it a popular but often less crowded option than central parks.

Many lakes are situated within parks that offer a range of amenities. These often include cafes, public restrooms, and sometimes even restaurants. For example, Victoria Park has the Pavilion Cafe, and Alexandra Palace has a Lakeside Cafe. Boating facilities are common, and some parks like Burgess Park offer designated BBQ areas.

Yes, fishing is available at some locations. Walthamstow Wetlands is a popular destination for fishing, with various species like carp, bream, and chub found in its waters. Burgess Park Lake also offers fishing opportunities, though a permit is typically required.

Visitors frequently appreciate the serene escapes these lakes offer within the urban environment. The diverse wildlife, opportunities for boating, and scenic walking trails are highly valued. Many enjoy the blend of natural beauty with city views, such as those from St. James's Park Lake looking towards Buckingham Palace, or the panoramic views from Parliament Hill near Hampstead Heath.