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7 best places to go boating in London

Hit the waters with a fun-filled day out boating in London.
A group of young people cruising along the Thames while having lunch onboard a Skuna Boat on a summer's day.
Spend a memorable day out boating in London onboard a Skuna Boat. Credit: Skuna Boats. Image courtesy of Skuna Boats.

Boating in London is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day out – especially when the sun is shining. Hire a pedalo for fun on the waters at Alexandra Palace or zoom through the London Docklands on a Skuna Boat.

Boating lakes in London are also one of the best places for spotting a fantastic array of wildlife and getting to spend time in the capital's best parks.

1. Serpentine boating lake in Hyde Park

Groups of people on pedalos on the Serpentine in Hyde Park in London on a sunny day. 

Grab a pedalo or a row boat on the idyllic Serpentine in Hyde Park. Sail around Heron Island, go to the Serpentine Bridge and back, then treat yourself to a well-deserved drink at the end. Apr-Oct

2. Alexandra Palace boating lake

Colourful boats on the water at Alexandra Palace boating lake on a sunny day in London. 

Grab a rowing boat or a pedalo to explore the lake at Alexandra Palace. Refuel on coffee or grab a bite to eat at the Lakeside Cafe next to the lake after your leisurely ride or try The Terrace, Ally Pally's large beer garden with a view. Mar-Oct

3. Battersea Park boating lake

Small blue boats float on a tranquil lake surrounded by large trees. 

Take out a rowing boat or a pedalo and spend a leisurely few hours on the boating lake at Battersea Park. Keep an eye out for herons, grebes and cormorants along the way. Jul-Aug

4. Regent's Park boating lake

Two children sit on a bench, one with their arm around the other, and look out over a lake with small blue boats on it. 

Hire a boat in London’s glorious Regent's Park, which boasts a boating lake that’s home to many species of water birds, including herons nesting on the islands. Regent's Park also has a separate Children's Boating Pond for little ones to enjoy. Apr-Oct

5. Regent's Canal

A boat called Gardenia on the river in Little Venice, surrounded by green trees 

Embark on an exciting canal trip by narrowboat with the London Waterbus Company, Jason's Trip or Jenny Wren Canal Cruises. Cruise along the historic Regent's Canal as it slips quietly along the green and leafy fringes of Regent's Park. Travel from Brownings Pool at Little Venice, through the damp and dark Maida Hill tunnel, to the lively bustle of Camden with its famous market and craft shops. Apr-Nov

6. Docklands

A group of five people male and female wearing sailors hats cruising along the Thames in a Skuna Hot Tub Boat. 

Head to West India Quay in Canary Wharf to cruise along London's Docklands in style with Skuna Boats. Choose from a fleet of hot tub, igloo and barbecue boats, and experience the Docklands' waterways with a drink in hand. Year-round

7. Kingston upon Thames

Riverside view of Kingston upon Thames with blue skies and green trees.  

Charter your own electric picnic boat with GoBoat London. For a lovely, leisurely boat ride, motor along the Thames from Kingston or Thames Ditton. Hampton Court Palace makes for an impressive sight along the way. Alternatively, GoBoat London also rents out boats to cruise down Regent's Canal between Paddington Basin and Camden Lock, or through the Docklands near Canary Wharf. Apr-Nov

Discover more ways to enjoy London's outdoors, or explore the city's best Thames river cruises and boat tours. 

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