Hyde Park is one of the greatest city parks in the world. Covering 350 acres and featuring over 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow, and ornamental flower gardens, it is a vital escape for Londoners and tourists alike. Whether you want to attend a world-class rock concert, swim in the Serpentine, or simply sit under an ancient oak tree, Hyde Park offers something for everyone.
A Royal Hunting Ground
The land was originally owned by the monks of Westminster Abbey. In 1536, King Henry VIII seized it for use as a hunting ground. For a century, it remained a private royal preserve where monarchs hunted deer. It wasn't until 1637 that King Charles I opened the park to the general public, and it quickly became a fashionable place for "airing" and parades.
The park has hosted some of the most significant events in British history. In 1851, it was the site of the Great Exhibition, for which the Crystal Palace was built. In more recent times, it has been the venue for massive concerts by The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and Taylor Swift, as well as the Live 8 charity concert.
The Serpentine
The defining feature of the park is the Serpentine, a curved recreational lake created in 1730 at the behest of Queen Caroline, wife of George II.
Boating: You can rent rowing boats and pedal boats from the boathouse on the north bank. It is a classic London experience to row gently while dodging the swans and geese.
Swimming: The Serpentine Lido offers public swimming. It is the home of the Serpentine Swimming Club, the oldest swimming club in Britain. Their members famously race in the freezing waters on Christmas Day morning for the Peter Pan Cup. In summer, the lido is open to the public for a refreshing dip in open water.
Solarshuttle: For a more relaxed ride, hop aboard the Solarshuttle, a vessel powered entirely by the sun, gliding silently across the lake.
Speakers' Corner
Located at the northeast corner of the park, near Marble Arch, Speakers' Corner is the spiritual home of free speech in Britain. Since 1872, an Act of Parliament has allowed anyone to turn up, stand on a soapbox (or a stepladder), and speak on any lawful subject they choose.
Historically, figures like Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, and George Orwell were known to frequent the area. Today, you are more likely to find religious preachers, political activists, and eccentrics debating with hecklers. It is democracy in its rawest, most chaotic form.
Monuments and Memorials
Hyde Park is dotted with significant statues and structures.
- Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain: Designed by Kathryn Gustafson, this unique oval stone ring fountain allows water to flow in two directions, meeting in a calm pool. It is designed to reflect the Princess's life and is accessible for children to paddle in.
- The 7 July Memorial: A poignant tribute to the victims of the 2005 London bombings, consisting of 52 steel pillars.
- Achilles Statue: An 18-foot bronze statue installed by King George III to honour the Duke of Wellington. It was London's first public nude statue and caused quite a scandal upon its unveiling in 1822.
Events and Activities
BST Hyde Park: Every summer, the British Summer Time festival brings the biggest names in music to the park for a series of massive open-air concerts.
Winter Wonderland: From November to January, a large section of the park transforms into a massive festive fairground. It features ice skating, Christmas markets, circuses, and giant rides. It is one of the UK's largest Christmas attractions.
Sports: The park is crisscrossed with designated cycle lanes. There are also tennis courts, a bowls lawn, and plenty of space for football, frisbee, or horse riding on the famous Rotten Row sand track.
Flora and Fauna
Despite being in the center of a metropolis, the park is a haven for wildlife. You will see grey squirrels everywhere (they are very tame and will approach you for food). The lake attracts grebes, swans, and herons. The Rose Garden, located in the southeast corner near Hyde Park Corner, is a spectacular display of seasonal color and fragrances, planted with herbaceous beds and a pergola.
Visitor Information
Opening Times: The park is open from 5:00 am until midnight all year round.
Food and Drink: There are several cafes and refreshment points. The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen offers lake views and hearty meals, while the Lido Cafe provides a spot for coffee and cake.
Getting There: Hyde Park is huge, so there are many tube stations serving it: Lancaster Gate and Queensway (Central Line) on the north; Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line) on the south; and Marble Arch (Central Line) on the northeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are deckchairs free?
No, the striped deckchairs you see scattered on the lawns are for hire. An attendant will come around to collect payment once you sit down.
Can I bring a BBQ?
No, barbecues and open fires are strictly prohibited in all Royal Parks to protect the wildlife and trees.
Is it safe at night?
The park is unlit in many areas and closes at midnight. While generally safe, it is advisable to stick to well-lit paths near the edges after dark.