Serpentine Boating Lake, London

The Serpentine is a 28-acre lake in Hyde Park, created in 1730.

The Serpentine takes its name from its snakelike, curving shape. At the time of construction, artificial lakes were long and straight. The Serpentine was one of the earliest artificial lakes designed to appear natural, and was widely imitated in parks and gardens nationwide.

The lake achieved notoriety in December 1816 when Harriet Westbrook, the pregnant wife of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, was found drowned in the Serpentine having left a suicide note. Shelley remarried less than two weeks later.

The Serpentine Lido and Paddling Pool is open on the weekends throughout May daily from the 1st of June to the 12th of September.

Rowing boats are available for hire. In 2002, the Serpentine hosted the World Rowing Sprints, in which several international crews raced over 547 yards (500 m).

Opening Times

The park is open from 5am until midnight all year round.

The Serpentine Lido
10am - 6pm May - weekends
1st June to 12th September - daily

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Ticket Prices

No admission charge for entry to the park.

The Serpentine Lido
Adult £4.00
Concessions £3.00
Child (3-15yrs) £1.00
Children under 3 yrs FREE
Family Ticket £9.00

After 4pm
Adult £3.50
Concessions £2.50
Child (3-15yrs) £0.80p

Disabled Facilities

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More Information

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