The Serpentine

About The Serpentine

Lake in Hyde Park, London, United Kingdom

The Serpentine is a 16-hectare recreational lake at the heart of Hyde Park in London, created in 1730 for Queen Caroline, wife of George II, by damming the little River Westbourne. It takes its name from its snaking shape, though it has only one bend. Strictly the name belongs to the eastern half of the lake; the long, narrow western half inside Kensington Gardens is the Long Water, and the Serpentine Bridge between them marks the boundary of the two parks. Fed from the Thames in the 19th century, the lake is now supplied from three boreholes in the park following a full restoration in 2011–12. The lake was a focal point of the Great Exhibition of 1851, when the Crystal Palace stood nearby, and in 2012 it hosted the triathlon and marathon swimming events of the London Olympics. Since 1864 the Serpentine Swimming Club has raced here every 25 December morning, competing since 1913 for the Peter Pan Cup inaugurated by the author J. M. Barrie. Around the lake are rowing and pedal boats for hire in summer, the Lido swimming area on the south bank, a café and restaurant on the east bank, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, and ducks, geese and swans that delight families. On the north bank stand the two Serpentine Galleries of contemporary art.

Where:

London, United Kingdom