Whilst every inch the bustling, metropolitan capital city, there are also many areas of London which remain known mainly only to locals. This includes a number of hidden lakes and ponds for fishing, exploring and relaxing amid nature during your visit.
Waterlow Park
This historic North London Park has three ponds, all fed by natural springs. Tucked away from view, Waterlow is a well-maintained space perfect for brisk walks in the autumn and winter, and picnics and dog walks during the brighter months. There’s plenty of ducks around each stretch of water, making it one of the most relaxing spaces to simply kick back and relax in nature during your visit to the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate.
The area surrounding Waterlow Park began attracting the gentry in the 16th century due to it’s fresh air and stunning views across London. Lauderdale House, still a mainstay in the park, was once the home of a 17th century earl, and it’s suggested the area was once a popular location with King Charles II.
The Serpentine Lake
Hidden away in Hyde Park, this lake is easily accessed from hotels near Bayswater Tube Station. Created in 1730 on the orders of Queen Caroline, it’s divided by a bridge leading into Kensington Gardens. Originally fed by the River Westbourne and Tyburn Brook, the lake’s water was later replaced by the Thames in the 1800s. The Serpentine has a long history, having been used as a focal point of the famed Grand Exhibition in 1851. In recent years it served as the location for many aquatic events during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Near to the lake you will find the memorial fountain placed in commemoration of Princess Diana. There are many recreational facilities and events close to the lake, including regular opportunities to go boating – making it an active space as well as a relaxing one.
Broomfield Park
A delightful green space complete with a stunning lake, Broomfield Park is home to lots of wildlife and plenty of events to keep you entertained. The park is maintained by a charitable group which focuses on heritage and community projects, horticultural events and sport and leisure. Birdlife is particularly popular around the lake, with plenty of ducks, geese and gulls flocking here to enjoy the area as much as the human visitors. For a space to get away from it all when staying in London at the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate, this is a great choice of venue.
Richmond Park
Primarily known for deer, Richmond Park also includes an array of smaller ponds and lakes amid it’s fields, hills, woodland and walking and cycle paths. You could easily enjoy a whole day exploring, and in the right weather that would make for a day well spent! The park is enormous, so there’s plenty to enjoy on the way to the lakes, including some 2500 acres of land.
