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5 best places to go boating in London

Hit the waters with a fun-filled day out boating in London.
Small brown and white numbered boats tethered to a walkway by a tree-lined lake.
Enjoy the scenic views from Alexandra Palace boating lake. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

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. 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

2. Battersea Park

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

3. Regent's Park

Two people 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

4. GoBoat London

A silver boat passes down a canal with colourful houseboats on either edge of the water.

Charter your own electric picnic boat with GoBoat London. Motor along Regent's Canal between Paddington Basin and Camden Lock, through the Docklands near Canary Wharf and even on the Thames from Kingston. Hampton Court Palace makes for an impressive sight along the way. Apr-Nov

5. Skuna Boats

Small boats bob in the water in front of large grey skyscrapers.

Cruise along London's Docklands in style with Skuna Boats. Choose from a fleet of hot tub and barbecue boats, and experience the Docklands' waterways with a drink in hand. Year-round

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

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