Boating on the Serpentine in Hyde Park. The 40 acre lake was created in 1730 by the damming of the Westbourne River on the instruction of Queen Caroline, wife of King George II. It was one of the first lakes in England designed to look ‘natural’. There’s a couple of differing explanations for the name of the lake – that it was named for the body of water’s sinuous shape or that it was named for the colour of the water. For more on Hyde Park, check out www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park. PICTURE: David Adams
In a country that doesn’t have 300 warm, sunny days each year, outdoor summer activities become treasured. Boating on the lake, afternoon tea in the gardens, walking along the river, outdoor musical festivals…. lovely!