Bodies of Water in London
THE 10 BEST London Bodies of Water
Bodies of Water in London
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Recommended Outdoor Activities (151)
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Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Paddington
Historic Sites • Bodies of Water
East End / East London
Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Open now
Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Bodies of Water • Scenic Walking Areas
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Bodies of Water
Historic Sites • Bodies of Water
Speciality & Gift Shops • Health Clubs
What travellers are saying
- Hendrik_NLVlaardingen, The Netherlands8,161 contributionsA self respecting city is built around an iconic river. Long ago settlements were started at an advantageous point on a river, where a crossing could be made. This is how London emerged and grew into the vast metropolis it is now. The river Thames and London are inextricably linked. This attractive river has many bridges and can be used for many purposes. Have a quick journey on a ferry, a slow ride on a tourist boat (you know, like "to the left and to the right......"), make a long walk along the bank and marvel at the ever changing scenes or sit on a bench at Victoria Embankment and cherish the moment.Written 16 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shaun LClanfield, UK2,920 contributionsWhilst it’s not the cleanest canal walk you will find the Regents Canal walk from London Zoo around to Camden and onto Coal Drops Yard is a mix of bridges, canal boats, houses and just good old London character. There are a couple of places where you can hire a boat or kayak etc but I’m not sure I’d want to fall in or swim in that water.Written 3 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Elle SBournemouth, UK11 contributionsSunny day in Hyde park so we decided to try the pédalos.
Great fun.
Can fit 4 in each.
Easy to use them - we handed control over to our 2 12 year olds!
Large space to cover in the pédalos.
Service was great.
We didn’t queue at all even though it was warm sunny day and lots of people on boats.
We took the 30 mins and that was enough for us as we were fitting it into a bunch of other things on a day trip to London.Written 17 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mike cTotnes, UK582 contributionsI live in Devon so spoilt for choice for year round swimming...however i read about the swimming ponds (and the recently released film) so in i went on a fairly cold February morning!...nice diving board and really helpful attendant who took photographs ... i will certainly be back...Thank you.Written 10 February 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- nowpackingDallas, TX4,476 contributionsNice canal side area with restaurants and some food trucks. Grab some pastries at Gail’s and sit or walk along the canal. You can walk from here to Camden Market but be sure you don’t go down the Grand Union Canal as that is not the scenic area.Written 2 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- eugh b1 contributionHello, I am King Tooting Common. All are welcome within my realm! Come and partake in some mead with me. I'm referring of course to loose-leaf pages.Written 30 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- James PCambridge, UK2,789 contributionsWe passed through here on our walk on the Thames Path. There were several people swimming off the pontoons and further round some fishermen.Written 11 July 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John WCroydon, UK971 contributionsGreat new playground for kids, fitness trail, sailing, wildlife, cricket ground and club, fishing. Activities.Written 29 December 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- leuveenLondon, UK1,349 contributionsA really nice stretch of river Lea, with plenty of interesting buildings and nice boats. Tends to be quiet even of the weekends, making for a great spot dor a walk. Watch out for the cyclists!Written 12 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN8,591 contributionsLocated in Kensington Gardens and near Kensington Palace. Very scenic spot and part of a peaceful stroll through the park. Many water fowl can be seen here and you might get a whole army of swans or ducks after you if you bring some bread crumbsWritten 26 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Phil L6 contributionsPalm 2 what a little gem in Clapton Pond , it is a general store with a massive twist to it , let me explain. While visiting our son in Clapton we stayed in a apartment in Clapton Pond . New to the area my wife and I went exploring and with in 5 minutes we come across Palm 2. We entered the store with some reservations as it is quite old looking and a bit messy. From here were things change rather rapidly, the amazing aromas that hit you from the home made bread and pastries are to die for . We were greeted by the owner how invited us to taste some of the pastries , a recipe from his mothers just brilliant. We were after a coffee and he said we have the best coffee around , that was fine but no where to sit apparently, here comes the last twist Abdul said follow me out the back we go up the stairs and into this amazing second story dinning room so great and he was right the coffee was top of the wassa . So if in the area this place is a must see and coffee is a mustWritten 10 January 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- If on a winter's night a traveller5 contributionsThis is very old-fashioned, rustic bathing pond, perfect for swimming a few rounds after work (or in the morning) in a park. The water's murky, pleasantly cool and (for the most part) deep; this is not a place for little children or non-swimmers. Changing rooms are bare-bones, to say the least, and there's no lockers, so don't bring valuables. Don't expect a café or any such thing either. There's (cold) showers, however, and lifeguards are on duty. All in all it's a quaint and lovely alternative to London's modern pools.Written 22 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sarah GraceLondon, UK7,220 contributionsVisited this canal yesterday and it was a lovely outing with nice walk paths and well signposted.
Had a cooling drink then dinner at The Navigation by the canal with option for indoor or outdoor seating. Friendly, well staffed and delicious food.
Lovely seeing house boats on the canal and beautiful surrounding.Written 21 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rebecca K13 contributionsLittle known place for tourists right off the Shad Thames! Take the steps down and touch the Thames river and take BEAUTIFUL photos of the tower bridge!!Written 23 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LovelyOnyxLondon, United Kingdom140 contributionsThe Walthamstow Reservois are located half way between Tottenham Hale (Victoria line and National Rail) and Blackhorse road Tube station (Victoria Line and Overground).
The entrance is located opposite The Ferry Boat Inn pub.
At the entrance you will see the ranger's office on the right, to enter you must pay a permit ... it is £1/per day for birdwatching more if you want to go fishing.
To get the permit just take the 2nd door, fill in your details and in the enveloppe provided put a pound coin and then pop it into the letter box located just on the outside of the office.
Then you can explore around the differrent reservoirs. So just follow the main path by the Marine engine House.
Please note that NO map is provided so you will need to do your own exploring... twice the fun!
Summer is the quiet season, but you can still see a few birds.
It is not really advertised as an attraction as the reservoirs belongs to Thames water so it is really quiet!!
But as long as you have a permit that's fine ... even so that no one checked it, but you never know.
On one of the reservoir, you have a hide as well to observe the wildlife.
Nene geese, swans, heron, ducks, wildfowl, ....
You will also see the old Copper Mill as a bonus!
There is plan that the council will develop the reservoirs and officially open them to the public.
In the meantime, public can still visit it for birdwatching but it is not marketed.
Toilet facilities: Yes inside the Marine Engine House
Wheelchair accessible: in theory yes, but it is not paves, just a dirt track, so I guess it will be difficult to navigate around.
There are 7 reservoirs which you can see.
The birds will change according to the season.
For exemple Frebruary will be good to see Heron nesting. November to see some migrating birds.
For fishing/angling Please contact Thames Water for special permit, only some of the reservoirs are open for fishing.Written 24 June 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January6 ºCColdest month11 days of rainWettest monthLess busyLeast busy month
- February6 ºC10 days of rainLess busy
- March8 ºC8 days of rainLess busy
- April11 ºC9 days of rainModerately busy
- May14 ºC8 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- June17 ºC8 days of rainVery busy
- July19 ºCHottest month8 days of rainModerately busy
- August19 ºC8 days of rainModerately busy
- September16 ºC8 days of rainVery busy
- October12 ºC11 days of rainVery busy
- November8 ºC11 days of rainModerately busy
- December6 ºC11 days of rainLess busy