The Serpentine is Hyde Park’s unique lake, created in the 1730s by Queen Caroline, wife of George II. Nowadays, its shores are shared by all sorts of Londoners, from horse riders to potentially lethal roller-blading beginners with no control and no brakes. On Saturdays, sweaty, puffing runners circle the water; the Serpentine Running Club offers a variety of organized runs for their members. Summertime brings bobbing boats crewed by red faced dads, rowing their way past other puffing dads while the kids yell excitedly at the ducks; pedolas and rowing boats can be rented from the kiosk on the north. The locals simply row out to sit in the middle of the lake, enjoying a pre-packed picnic lunch. For those who like to get wet, the Serpentine Lido swimming area and kid’s paddling pool is on the south side of the lake. It first opened in 1930 and is operational during July and August. Because the Serpentine is fed by a pure underground spring, the water quality is surprisingly good. The Lido Café is on the south side of the Serpentine, near the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. In summer, sun worshippers sit on the large alfresco dining area and laugh at the rowers over a glass of wine, while in winter most sit snugly inside with a steaming coffee. The Serpentine Gallery is a haven of modern art. Converted from a 1934 tearoom, the Arts Council opened the Gallery in 1970, and it’s been pushing the boundaries of modern art ever since. It’s well worth a visit, and it’s free. Occasionally, crazy events take over this stretch of water, such as the Red Bull Flugtag, where intrepid airmen launch themselves off ramps to win the unassisted air flight prize. Be warned, such events turn this normally peaceful spot into a seething crush of people.