The Serpentine, La Serpentina (also known as the Serpentina River) is a 28 acre (11 ha) recreational lake in Hyde Park, London, created in 1730 and takes its name from its serpentine shape in its curves.
In 1730 Queen Caroline, wife of George II, ordered the construction of dams on the Westbourne River in Hyde Park as part of a general redevelopment of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. At that time, the Westbourne had formed eleven natural ponds in the park.
During the 1730s, the lake was filled to its current size and shape. The remodel was carried out by gardener Charles Bridgeman, who contained the Westbourne to create the man-made lake, and also dug a large pond in the center of Kensington Gardens (the round pond) to be a focal point for the walkways. in the park.
La Serpentina was one of the first man-made lakes designed to look natural and was widely imitated in parks and gardens across the country. At its northern end there are five fountains surrounded by classical statues and sculpture, the area is officially known as the Italian Gardens.
A large bronze monument to Edward Jenner, the developer of the modern vaccine, dominates the area and it was originally located in Trafalgar Square in 1858, but four years later it was moved to its present site.
Due to its unspoiled nature, it forms an important habitat for wildlife and has been designated as a bird sanctuary. There is also a rectangular pool on the south bank that opened in 1930. It is known as Lido Lansbury, and is separated from the rest of the lake by a perimeter of buoys. There is a fee to enter the Lido, and the changing rooms are available and only open during the summer, usually 10: 00-17: 30 pm. There are also boats available for charter.