The capital’s green spaces are something of which Londoners are justifiably proud. But of all those spaces — from the majestic Royal Parks to the hundreds of tiny neighbourhood garden squares - the most iconic, and, at over 350 acres, the largest, is undoubtedly Hyde Park.
The softly beating heart of the capital, Hyde Park attracts Londoners from all walks of life — from yummy mummies and children learning to ride, to young lovers, elderly dog walkers and those just looking for a moment’s solitude on a comfy park bench. But most of its appeal centres around the Serpentine Lake.
While the park itself dates back as far as the Doomsday book, the Serpentine was a later addition — commissioned by Queen Carline in 1730 as part of a larger park improvement plan. Charles Withers, the Surveyor-General of Woods and Forests, was responsible for the slight curve which gave the lake its name. At the time it was a daring deviation from the Dutch style of designing artificial water features using straight lines and the innovation was later widely imitated.
For a time water for the Serpentine came via the Bayswater sewer, but for obvious reasons another source had to be found. These days the water is clean enough to swim in (all year round).
The lure of ‘messing about in boats’ is a particularly British obsession and the Boating Lake is ideal for indulging any watery fantasies. Hiring a boat is easy and relatively cheap (£5 an hour) and with 110 pedalos and rowboats making up the vessel selection, the atmosphere is more relaxed than boy racer.
Once you’re back on dry land, make a dash for the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen. This all-day grazing spot offers a range of good food including freshly baked pizzas and has fantastic views over the lake. If you’ve still got the energy, check out The Serpentine Gallery too — admission is free and it hosts some great exhibitions as well as selling niche art books, magazines and postcards.
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