Canoe Lake

Southsea's family-friendly boating lake and gardens

Canoe Lake is a boating lake on Southsea's eastern seafront that has been a popular family attraction for over a century. The lake offers pedalo hire and model boat sailing, and is surrounded by gardens, a putting green, a children's play area, and the Rose Garden. Cumberland House Natural History Museum sits on the northern edge.

The area around Canoe Lake has a relaxed, old-fashioned seaside character. On warm weekends the lake and its surroundings fill with families, dog walkers, and visitors enjoying the green space and proximity to the sea. A small cafe operates near the lake. The model village, mini golf, and tennis courts add to the family-friendly offering.

Canoe Lake sits in one of the more attractive parts of Southsea's seafront, between the main esplanade and the quieter Eastney beach to the east. The surrounding streets, including those in the Craneswater area, are among the most expensive in Southsea, and the lake contributes to the area's appeal.

The lake's name suggests a connection to canoeing, though it has primarily been used for pedalos and model boats rather than canoes. The lake and its gardens have been maintained as a public amenity by the city council, and recent improvements have included new planting, path repairs, and restoration of the surrounding features. Canoe Lake is one of Southsea's most enduring and well-loved public spaces.