Attractions and places to see around The Serpentine include a 40-acre recreational lake situated within London's Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Created in 1730, the lake is known for its unique, curving shape and is artificially fed by three boreholes. It served as a venue for the London 2012 Olympics triathlon and marathon swimming events. The area offers a diverse array of points of interest.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
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An oasis of peace. Beautiful for relaxing and feeding swans and ducks.
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The Serpentine Bridge marks the border between Hyde Park to the east and Kensington Gardens to the west. Most think of the Serpentine as being on both sides of the bridge but it officially applied to only the eastern, Hyde Park section. The body of water to the west is the Long Water.
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The Serpentine is an approximately 11 hectare lake in London. It is mostly in Hyde Park, the north end is part of Kensington Gardens.
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Great protected cycle lane through the middle of Hyde Park with beautiful views over the Serpentine.
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Straight up beautiful. Open water swimming in the Serpentine. Also, the site of the 2012 Triathlon
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The Serpentine itself is a prominent 40-acre recreational lake, offering picturesque views and a diverse wildfowl population. You can also explore Hyde Park, a vast green space with wide paths perfect for walking and cycling. The Dell, at the eastern end of the lake, features a small ornamental waterfall, and the Italian Gardens at the north-western end of the Long Water are beautiful 19th-century water gardens.
Yes, several significant landmarks are located around The Serpentine. The Serpentine Bridge, a graceful five-arch structure, divides the lake and marks the boundary between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. You can also find the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, the Hyde Park Holocaust Memorial, the Norwegian Seamen's Memorial, and the Peter Pan Statue in Kensington Gardens.
The Serpentine Galleries, comprising the Serpentine South Gallery and the Serpentine North Gallery (The Magazine), are acclaimed contemporary art galleries. They showcase a rotating lineup of exhibitions, often free to the public, and feature an annual architectural pavilion.
You can enjoy seasonal boat rentals, including rowboats, pedal boats, and electric boats on the lake. During summer months, the Serpentine Lido offers designated swimming areas. The area is also excellent for wildlife viewing, particularly birdwatching, due to its diverse birdlife.
Absolutely! The expansive green spaces of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are ideal for families. Children often enjoy the Peter Pan Statue and the unique Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain where they can dip their feet. The Serpentine itself offers boating, and the wide pathways are great for walks and cycling with kids.
The Serpentine is well-connected by public transport. You can reach it via several London Underground stations, including Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, and Knightsbridge, all within walking distance of different parts of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Numerous bus routes also serve the perimeter of the park.
Yes, the area offers wide, flat paths perfect for easy walks. A popular option is a circular walk around The Serpentine and the Long Water, which provides picturesque views of the lake and its surroundings. You can also find easy cycling routes like the 'Avenue of London Plane Trees – Park Square East loop' or the 'Albert Memorial – Serpentine Bridge loop' in the nearby Road Cycling Routes around The Serpentine guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity around The Serpentine. The park features wide paths suitable for bikes. For specific routes, you can explore guides such as Cycling around The Serpentine, which includes routes like the 'Hyde Park – Serpentine Bridge loop' from Lancaster Gate, or the Gravel biking around The Serpentine guide for more off-road options.
Yes, there are several dining options available. The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen and the Lido Cafe are popular choices, offering refreshments and meals with views of the lake. You'll also find various cafes and pubs in the surrounding areas of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Many of the main pathways around The Serpentine and within Hyde Park are wide and paved, making them generally accessible for wheelchairs. The Serpentine North Gallery (The Magazine) is also noted as wheelchair accessible.
The Serpentine is beautiful year-round, but the warmer months from spring to early autumn (April to October) are particularly popular for outdoor activities like boating and swimming at the Lido. During these months, the gardens are in full bloom, and the weather is generally more pleasant for walking and cycling.
The Isis Sculpture, inspired by the Egyptian goddess of nature, was created by British sculptor Simon Gudgeon. Donated in 2009, it stands as the figurehead of an appeal that helped raise funds for the Isis Education Centre at the LookOut in Hyde Park, connecting young people with the natural world.


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