Welcome to Hollowponds Rowboat Hire!


We are open every day offering affordable prices for rowing boat rentals.


Our boats can hold up to five individuals and include life jackets to ensure a safe and pleasant time on the water.

We're Open all over the 4 day Easter bank-holiday weekend... come on down!

Boat Hire

  • A basic knowledge of rowing is helpful when using these boats, but it is by no means essential and first-timers are more than welcome.
  • Dogs (and pets) are also allowed onboard, but it's your responsibility to watch out for them!
  • There is no need to book! Just turn up and enjoy your day out with friends and family
  • NO BOATING IN THE DARK!

Prices

  • One hour - £20

(All Boat hire is subject to a £10 Deposit which is refundable upon return)

Purchase

Tickets can be purchased at the boathouse Kiosk by the boating dock on Whipps Cross Road


We also accept card payments


For more information and to check for latest prices and opening times

Terms & Conditions of Hire


  • By hiring our boats, you are agreeing to the following terms & conditions.
  • All children under the age of 16 years, non-swimmers and lone hirers must wear a buoyancy aid and will not be permitted on board without one.
  • Hire will not be granted to those who appear to be under the influence of drink or drugs.
  • Proof of age and/or double deposit may be asked for if required.




WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO RETAIN ALL OR PART OF THE DEPOSIT IF:


  • The boat is returned late
  • The boat is damaged
  • Any fittings are missing or broken
  • The hirer causes damage to any other vessel or property belonging to a third party
  • The boat is returned in an unclean condition
  • An animal has been reported seen on board the boat
  • Hirers are not obeying the rules of the waterway
  • Hirers are not handling the boat in a safe and responsible manner
  • Hirers are behaving in a manner which has caused offence to other members of the public


PLEASE NOTE: The last boat goes out 1 hour before dark


Sunday
11:00 - 18:00
Monday - Friday
12:00 - 18:00
Saturday
11:00 - 18:00

Our Reviews

What our customers are saying
Tamiera Storer

Today me and my other half had a absolutely brilliant time here. The staff were absolutely great, very friendly and helpful. The price of course is brilliant ! I'd recommend this experience 100%. A beautiful, fun and breathtaking experience. This I'll definitely remember

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5 months ago
Taylor Cannon

Went to hollow pods for the first time had the best experience ESPECIALLY JAMES! boats looked brand new , life jackets staff had great banter and got a free ice cream

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5 months ago
Niluphur Thakur

Amazing staff. They really looked after my grandma. She had an amazing time. All staff were friendly and so sweet. Thank you so much

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6 months ago
Kate Pugh

Visited this beautiful place on a Wednesday afternoon at the end of August. Mature trees surround the water, making a very peaceful setting. Many bird species swimming around. The staff team organising boat hire and refreshments could not have been friendlier or more helpful. James answered our questions about the area and his colleague was particularly helpful regarding the rowing boats. Our first visit and we hope to return.

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6 months ago
key mister

Brilliant experience at Hollow Pond Boat Hire thanks to JAMES!
Staff specially JAMES were super friendly and helpful, and the whole vibe was relaxed and fun thanks for JAMES! Beautiful setting and well-run — highly recommend thanks a lot JAMES and the team. was raining but JAMES kindly let us wait undercover! thanks a lot will 100% come back here! thanks for JAMES and the team!!!I would definitely recommend this place for boat hire. Overall this was an asking experience!!!

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7 months ago
Autumn Hutson

Amazing lovely staff specially JAMES with great positivity and happy moods. JAMES was very helpful it was raining and they let us shelter and we got free duck food! Boats are easy to get a hang of thanks for JAMES and super clean and fresh a very pretty lake. Perfect spot to go with friends and hire a few safe. JAMES made it a great experience of something that could have been a bit bad as was raining was made lovely! 100% will come back thanks for JAMES! This was a great experience and I would definitely come here again!! Perfect place for family and friend!!!!!

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7 months ago
Anna Tribe
9 months ago

This was a really fun thing to do, we had a picnic all afternoon on the bank. The guys who ran the boats were super friendly. My children loved rowing and it lovely to be by the water for the adults too!

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Abigail Faria
9 months ago

Lovely Scenic Spot, I had my bday celebrated here with a cute picnic setup and a painting session with my girls. The weather was perfect 31 deg and the staff were super kind and friendly. James was very thoughtful about us. He also allowed me to get a nice pic on his boat. Maha at the ice-cream Van was very sweet and friendly too she gave us icecreams to beat the heat. Had the best birthday ever.
Will definitely recommend this place to all.

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Elena Gospodinova
9 months ago

We had such an amazing day at Hollow Pond near the House of Boat hire . The entire experience was made extra special thanks to the incredibly kind and welcoming team there. Their hospitality went above and beyond anything we expected.

We also had a lovely picnic next to the House of Boats to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and the staff made it even more memorable. James was incredibly generous and offered us free ice cream, while Maha came over with a warm smile to check if we needed anything. James even brought us pillows to make us feel more comfortable — such a thoughtful touch!

The House of Boats also has a charming selection of food and drinks to enjoy, and the boats themselves are absolutely adorable — spotless, well-maintained, and full of character.

A big thank you to the wonderful team for making our day so special. Your kindness and warm hospitality truly made all the difference. We can’t wait to come back!

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Belkisa
9 months ago

The owners were incredibly welcoming and funny. Made us feel right at home from the start! They were super accommodating and kind and gave us a little mission on finding small turtles around the pond (unfortunately I didn’t spot any). A great experience on a sunny day, large pond with plenty to explore, many aquatic friends to accompany you on your journey (lol) and refreshing options to drink. Would definitely come back again!!

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Ishraat Miah
9 months ago

Great staff especially james was very kind and accommodating, had great chat and gave 10/10 service.

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Alisha Maqsood
9 months ago

Had the best time here at hollow ponds, the boats were very clean and staff were lovely, super friendly!! Perfect day out with the family, would definitely recommend.

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Find Us and get directions

Health & Safety and Basic rowing instructions

Hollow Ponds, also known as Leyton Flats is a part of Epping Forest that forms the northern border of Leytonstone with Snaresbrook.


Sitting at the top of the Lea Valley, it is one of the few places in London where you can stand and look up to the sky and, with the exception of one block of flats, no buildings are higher than the tree line.


Rowing boats are available for hire, teas, coffees, ice creams and snacks are available from the boathouse.


Boathouse:


Has a small Kiosk serving fun foods, drinks, tea & coffee and hot dogs

There is an authentic 'Rossi's of London' van on site serving delicious ice-cream all day