1 / 3Valentines Park Boating Lake
📍 Ilford, Greater London
Rowing boat hire on a peaceful lake in Valentines Park, Ilford. Boats fit up to five people with life jackets provided. Staff hand out duck food and child-sized oars. Large playground on site. No booking required.
Absolute wonderful experience. The most organised boating lake I’ve ever been too. All the jackets are hanging up in size. The boats are so clean and when we went on them he gave my son some duck food and also some rowing oars for him to use so he could pretend he’s rowing the boat. Jeff who runs it is a top bloke and made our experience the best. Will defiantly be back. 🌟
🏆 Family Action Verdict
A genuinely enjoyable family outing for children old enough to sit safely in a rowing boat. The staff make the experience stand out — attentive, friendly, and child-focused in a way that turns a simple boat hire into a memorable visit. Combine with the park playground for a full afternoon.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →43 Google reviews
Jemma Louise
a year ago
“Absolute wonderful experience. The most organised boating lake I’ve ever been too. All the jackets are hanging up in size. The boats are so clean and when we went on them he gave my son some duck food and also some rowing oars for him to use so he could pretend he’s rowing the boat. Jeff who runs it is a top bloke and made our experience the best. Will defiantly be back. 🌟”
Dovy Sternlicht
5 years ago
“It's a nice large park, boating - only rowing boats. Nice big pond to row about. Nice big playground and lots of grounds. Was no queue for the boats. Plenty of parking at different entrances, make sure you get to the right entrance, depending what you want to do.”
peter burke
a year ago
“What a beautiful park, I saw the mist on the way to doing the park run last Saturday. Just look at the stillness that gives us a moment to stop, stop from life, stop and just be still. Thank you Redbridge borough for all you do to maintain this wonderful park.”
Mr Sparkes
a year ago
“Andre and Jeff were two bubbly and very respectful individuals. My family had a lovely time on the boats would definitely recommend to anyone who is near here!!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Valentines Park Boating Lake offers rowing boat hire for groups of up to five. Life jackets are provided in all sizes, hung and ready by the dock. Staff — specifically praised by name in reviews — go beyond expectations: duck food for feeding the lake birds and small oars for children to row alongside adults. The surrounding park is large with a separate playground area. Multiple entrances mean choosing the right approach matters for direct lake access.
