Valentines Park Boating Lake · Ilford, Redbridge
Grab an oar.
No booking needed.
Five-seat wooden rowing boats on Valentines Lake, life jackets included, and a lake full of ducks to wave at. Turn up, pay at the boathouse, and you're off.
How it works
No app. No booking. Just turn up.
We've never taken bookings, and we're not starting now — every boat goes to whoever's next in the queue.
Walk in
Arrive any time during opening hours and join the queue at the boathouse. No app, no phone call, no deposit down the line.
Pick & pay
£20 for an hour, card or cash at the kiosk. Bringing a bigger group? Just ask — we can often line up several boats together.
Aids on
Buoyancy aids are provided and required for under-16s, non-swimmers, and solo rowers. Life jackets are on every boat regardless.
Cast off
Rowing know-how helps but isn't required — first-timers are genuinely welcome. Five seats a boat, so bring everyone.
Pricing
Pay at the boathouse. That's it.
No online prices, no booking fee, no surprise extras — what's on the board is what you pay.
Enough time to find your rhythm, circle the island, and get thoroughly lost in conversation.
Birthdays, work outings, family get-togethers — we can often line up several boats together. Please enquire for details →Phone: opening hours only. Or email jeff@valentinesboats.co.uk any time.
Perfect for the ducks, swans, and the rest of the lake's regulars — grab a bag at the kiosk.
No booking system, no online payment — settle up in person on the day. Both card and cash are accepted at the boathouse kiosk. Full details on the Pricing & Hours page →
Opening hours
Today, and every day.
| Monday | 14:00 – 20:00 |
| Tuesday | 14:00 – 20:00 |
| Wednesday | 14:00 – 20:00 |
| Thursday | 14:00 – 20:00 |
| Friday | 14:00 – 20:00 |
| Saturday | 13:00 – 20:00 |
| Sunday | 13:00 – 20:00 |
Before you row
A short list, kept short on purpose.
Buoyancy aids
Compulsory for under-16s, non-swimmers, and anyone rowing solo — we'll fit yours before you push off.
Daylight only
We can't take you out once the sun's gone down — last boat is always an hour before dusk.
Sensible only
We'll ask you to sit this one out if you've clearly had a few too many.
ID & deposit
We may ask for ID, and a deposit is held against late returns, damage, mess, or reckless rowing.
What people say
Real reviews, straight from Google.
The latest, straight from Google — nothing edited, nothing picked.
“Amazing experience, such a scenic moment with my wife, you can’t recreate such a moment. I would definitely recommend for everyone to come here.”
“Going on the lake was absolutely amazing. Andy was brilliant, his customer service was top notch. One of the best experiences I’ve had in London.”
“Was treated with such love and care. The price for the boat ride was a steal and I had such an amazing time. Would definitely recommend again — it's on my list for next time I'm down south.”
“All new life jackets and brand new boats with new oars. We never knew how to row, so the staff kindly gave us lessons. The only boating lake in London where you can take a boat out at 8:30pm and come back at 9:30pm.”
“Wonderful experience, 10/10, super fun, great views, friendly staff — shoutout to Jeff, great guy.”
Read more on Google Reviews →
Find us
On the boating lake, Valentines Park.
- Cranbrook Road, Ilford IG1 4UA
- 020 8518 0994
- jeff@valentinesboats.co.uk