Top 20 Lakes around London
Best lakes around London offer diverse natural escapes within an urban setting. The region, known for its historical landmarks and extensive green spaces, provides numerous opportunities to explore waterways. These lakes serve as important habitats for wildlife and recreational areas for visitors. Many are integrated into larger parks, offering a blend of natural beauty and city views.
Best lakes around London
- The most popular lakes is Victoria Park Lake, Sculptures, and Pagoda, a lake within a large and attractive park. This scenic spot features a Chinese pagoda and is located at a junction of canals.
- Another must-see spot is Viaduct Pond, a historical site. It offers views of the historic Viaduct bridge, built in the mid-19th century.
- Visitors also love St. James's Park Lake, a viewpoint within London's oldest Royal Park. This lake is a sanctuary for diverse waterfowl and offers views of Buckingham Palace.
- London is known for its urban lakes, park lakes, and wetland areas. Visitors can find options for boating, wildlife observation, and walking trails around these varied bodies of water.
- The lakes around London are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 highlights and over 240 photos shared.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
St. James's Park Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Victoria Park Lake, Sculptures, and Pagoda
Highlight • Viewpoint
It's located at a junction of the Regent Canal and the Hertford Union Canal, which makes it ideal for walking or riding trips between Regents Park, Limehouse Basin and the Olympic Park.
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Walthamstow Wetlands Canal and Lock
Highlight • River
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Italian Gardens, Kensington Gardens
Highlight • Structure
The Italian Gardens are an elaborate mix of four main basins. They feature central rosettes carved in Carrara marble, the Portland stone and white marble Tazza Fountain, and a collection of stone statues and urns. See if you can spot the five main urn designs – a swan's breast, woman's head, ram's head, dolphin and oval.
Did you know?
The gardens are believed to have been a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria. They are now recognised as being a site of particular importance and are Grade II listed by Historic England.
A brief history of the Italian Gardens
The layout of the Italian Gardens can be traced to Osborne House on The Isle of Wight, where the royal family spent its holidays.
Prince Albert was a keen gardener and took charge of the gardens at Osborne House, where he introduced an Italian garden with large raised terraces, fountains, urns and geometric flower beds.
In 1860 he brought the idea to Kensington Gardens. The design by James Pennethorne includes many features of the Osborne garden.
Look out for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's initials on one of the walls of the Pump House, at the north of the gardens. This building once contained a steam engine which operated the fountains - the pillar on the roof is a cleverly-disguised chimney. A stoker kept the engine running on Saturday nights to pump water into the Round Pond, so on Sundays there was enough water pressure to run the fountains.
royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/gardens-and-landscapes/italian-gardens
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Viaduct Pond
Highlight • Historical Site
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Popular around London
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Tips from the Community
The HL is located exactly here, i.e. ON the bridge. It doesn't look great when crossing it. To enjoy the great view you see in the photos, you have to walk around the pond once. Today (in February) I was ankle-deep in mud. On the other hand, two dozen squirrels danced merrily around me. Worthwhile detour, but with limitations at least in winter
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Just a short hop from Central London, this 520-acre (211 ha) wetland is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. These reservoirs provide drinking water for around 3.5 million people every day. Cyclists are welcome on the designated paths but be aware that pedestrians have priority here.
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There are a lot of these markers in Kensington Park, if you follow them you will pass the most beautiful places in the park
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Victoria Park is an incredibly popular park claiming some 9 million visitors every year. There are a lot of facilities on offer, two cafes, sports facilities and a skate park. There are also decorative gardens, natural areas and lakes. It consistently wins awards as a Peoples Choice / Peoples Favourite green space.
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Walthamstow Wetlands is a 521-acre (211 ha) site comprising ten reservoirs that provide drinking water for London. It's so close to the centre of the town that only cycling is possible to understand how easy is to reach the reservoirs for a small city escape.
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Great park, really crowded in the Summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around London are best for families?
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.
Are there lakes around London suitable for walking or hiking?
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.
Which lakes offer boating activities?
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.
Where can I go wild swimming near London?
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.
What historical sites or landmarks can I see near London's lakes?
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.
Which lakes are good for wildlife observation?
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.
Are there lakes around London accessible by public transport?
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.
Can I cycle near the lakes in 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.
What are some less crowded or 'hidden gem' lakes in London?
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.
What amenities are typically available at London's lakes?
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.
Are there fishing opportunities at any of London's lakes?
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.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around London?
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.
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