The Serpentine

The Serpentine is a 40-acre recreational lake in Hyde Park, created in 1730 at the behest of Queen Caroline. Its name derives from its snakelike curve, though it has only one bend. The eastern half is strictly called the Serpentine, while the western half is the Long Water, separated by Serpentine Bridge. Originally fed by the River Westbourne and Tyburn Brook, water is now pumped from three boreholes. Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake and the surrounding recreational facilities. The Serpentine was a focal point for the Great Exhibition of 1851 and hosted triathlon and marathon swimming for the 2012 Olympics. Nearby landmarks include the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. Since 1864, the Serpentine Swimming Club has held a 100-yard race every Christmas morning, with the Peter Pan Cup awarded since 1913.