The much-loved boating lake in Southsea known as Canoe Lake has been at the centre of Portsmouth city’s seafront for 140 years.
Opening on June 17, 1886, designed for sailing model yachts, the man-made lake was created by draining, clearing, and levelling a marshland known as The Great Morass (which included a remnant called the Minnow Pond) and filling the site with seawater.
Later rowboats were introduced onto it, and in 1983 pedalos. To this day is a popular spot for swans and crabbing, with its nearby cafe and play park also incredibly popular.
Take a stroll through memory lane with our picture gallery below:
1. Canoe Lake over the years
Canoes, kayaks and boats fill Canoe Lake, Southsea, in September 1978 (PP5582) | Johnston Press
2. Canoe Lake over the years
February storms hit Southsea in February 2014, with a heavy rainfall causing flooding in the area. Picture: Sarah Standing (14295-8905) | Johnston Press
3. Canoe Lake over the years
A model ship display on Canoe Lake attracted the crowds in 2005. Picture: Malcolm Wells ( 052911-188 ) | The News
4. Canoe Lake over the years
Dive In ice cream kiosk at Canoe Lake, Southsea in 2006 Picture: Michael Scadden (062634-) | The News