Serpentine Lake

The Serpentine Lake is an artificial lake located in the Hyde Park in London. It is popularly known as the Serpentine River, after its shape of a serpent. Its origin dates back to 1730 when a dam was built on the River Westbourne. However, in 1834, after the Westbourne had become heavily polluted, the lake started to be fed by the water pumped from the Thames.

The lake covers an area of approximately 11 hectares. It has a swimming area. Also, it has rowing boats for hire, on which you can sail the lake. Serpentine Bridge, located on the western end of the lake, marks the boundary between the Hyde Park area and Kensington Palace Gardens.

In the lake's vicinity, we find the Serpentine Gallery, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, as well as a restaurant "The Dell", which is located north to the lake and is an example of Brutalist architecture.