Where to Find Calm: 11 Lakes in London Worth Visiting
London might be best known for its parks, landmarks, and endless buzz, but tucked between it all are some surprisingly peaceful lakes and ponds.
Whether you’re after a swim, a boat ride, or just a quiet place to sit with a book, there’s a body of water for that.
Here’s where to go when you want to slow down and be near the water, without leaving the city.
11 of the best lakes in London:
Lower Lake in Crystal Palace Park
This is a fishing lake in Crystal Palace Park that offers nature lovers the best in a day-out-in-nature experience.
Surrounded by the famous dinosaur statues, the smaller lake is open for fishing with another larger lake on the south side of the park perfect for a boat ride if you don’t fancy fishing.
The lake is accessible during park opening hours.
Model Boating Lake in Victoria Park
Famous for the presence of the Chinese Pagoda that has been sitting there for over a century, this is a place for boat ride lovers.
If you fancy going slowly down the water on a rowboat, head on to this park in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
The park has two beautiful lakes and the one in the west of the park is perfect for boat rides.
You can hire a rowboat or ride on the model steamboats and enjoy the magnificent view of ducks, geese and swans as you make your way downstream.
Pedalos are available to hire from for £12 per 30 minutes.
The perfect swimming spot for wild swimming, Hampstead Heath Lake is the place locals visit when they fancy a dip in cool water on a hot summer day.
Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit along as there is a swimming pond for men, one for women and a mixed pond for members.
If you don’t enjoy wild swimming and will feel better taking a dip in something manmade, head over to the on-site lido.
If you don’t want to get in the water, try a lakeside picnic or a leisurely stroll around the park as you admire the flora and fauna.
Epping Forest is a large land area of woodlands and a habitat for a wide range of wildlife. There are over 25 lakes in this forest and each is worth a visit if you have the time.
Visitors are free to fish in the lakes and ponds so bring your rod and bait.
The park is great for a spot of bird-watching.
If you prefer a lake-side walk, there are enough trails in the forest to keep you occupied.
Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park
Hyde Park in Central London home to the Serpentine Lake which is perfect for swimming although it can get quite busy with both tourists and locals alike.
For the most delightful experience, hire a boat and spend 30 minutes to one hour enjoying the lake.
Some of the boats are pedal-powered and require quite a bit of strength!
There’s an on-site café and nearby shops for post-lake relaxation.
Alexandra Palace Park Boating Lake
Commonly called Ally Pally, this north London boating lake is a completely different experience.
You can ride in colourful dragon, swan and race-car pedalos and you can race your friends in other pedalos for fun.
This is a perfect place for a friend or family day out, and the best part?
You can bring the kids along.
Battersea Park Lake
If you desire somewhere to get a beautiful view and a spacious place to walk around during summer, this is your place.
Battersea Park Lake situated on the southeast side of the park is open for boating lovers to enjoy rides on the water.
The River Thames runs beside it and fishing is permitted if you wish to do so.
All fishing participants have to throw the fish they catch back into the water; no taking them home for dinner!
Pen Ponds, Richmond Park
Richmond Park is a Royal Park that boasts more than a few lakes and ponds serving various purposes.
Pen Ponds in particular is made up of two lakes.
These lakes are perfect locations for people who enjoy fishing and angling (permit required).
The park is perfect to simply pass the time outdoors if you just want to walk or relax.
Burgess Park Lake
The lake offers a breathtaking view of London’s skyline and visitors are permitted to fish in one half of the lake as long as they have the required day ticket.
The lake is great for simply lounging, sunbathing or picnicking.
You can even use your barbecue in the right area of the park.
Regent’s Park Boating Lakes
Regent’s Park has two beautiful boating lakes with one specially meant for children.
Boat rides are fun to take and you can hire a pedalo or boat for £10.50 per hour.
If boating isn’t your thing, take a walk on the lake trail, or simply admire the park and the natural environment.
Beckenham Place Park is technically in Kent but it’s close enough to include here.
We’ve used the lake for wild swimming and paddleboarding classes for the kids.
Whether you prefer walking, fishing, swimming, boating, sunbathing or picnicking with friends and family, there are enough lakes in London to keep you busy.
Enjoy!