Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind of outdoor pursuit takes place within its 625 acres all year round. Horse-riding, rollerblading, swimming, boating, tennis, cycling, bowling and putting are just some of the formal activities catered for, while informal games of cricket, football, rugby and rounders regularly sprout up in the ‘Sports Field’ on the south side of the park. A number of famous London attractions are also housed within this central space. Hyde Park boasts the Speaker's Corner and the Serpentine lake, lido and art gallery, while Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens, Peter Pan statue, Albert Memorial and Diana Memorial Playground characterise Kensington Gardens. Both spaces have strong royal associations. In 1536, as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Henry VIII recalled Hyde Park back from the monks of Westminster Abbey, and began using it for hunting. In 1728, George II’s wife Queen Caroline engineered the introduction of water to the park by channelling a stream to create the Long Water and Serpentine. Public use of the park was banned in the 18th century and then only introduced years later to a contingent of “respectably dressed” folk. The situation now couldn’t be more different. From formally dressed horse-riders to scantily clad sunbathers, this area attracts and welcomes everyone. Its central location means it lures in folk from every walk of life and, as a result, is one of the most colourful, dynamic and fascinating green spaces in London. A full complement of events including free guided walks, concerts, workshops and entertainments complete the picture.
Best for:
Sunbathing and swimming, horse-riding and rollerblading, ducks, deckchairs, monuments and galleries.
Did you know?
Kensington Gardens hold bird records that date back more than a hundred years.
What's on at
Hyde Park
London Skate 15th April 2009 - 23rd September 2009 Organised in association with Skatefresh, Hyde Park's resident rollerblading school,...
Price: £0.00
Rollerstroll 24th May 2009 - 20th December 2009 Every Sunday, meet on the east side of Serpentine Road...
Price: £0.00
O2 Wireless Festival 2009 4th July 2009 - 5th July 2009 A two-day festival smack bang in the middle of London...
The Serpentine Lido
Hyde Park, W2 3XA
Open daily May to September
A hugely popular swimming venue, every summer Hyde Park's lovely lake invites Londoners to... More
Royal parks, historic houses and the city's waterways create beautiful backdrops for some of the best festivals in London. And summer is the time to make the most of London's... More
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind of outdoor pursuit ... More
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical terms one huge, merging expanse. The 'split' dates back to 1728 when Queen ... More
With artworks dotted around the hotel and a huge, bright, modern reception filled with sculptures and stark, overhead pools of lighting, first impressions are more ... More
Located at one end of Oxford Street, one of London's most famous shopping districts, with Bond Street not far and Hyde Park opposite, this Art ... More
This summer, the Serpentine Gallery presents Jeff Koons: Popeye Series featuring key works by the well known American artist since the 1980s. Famous for his ...More
A year in the construction, this £3.6 million attraction opened in a blaze of farcical incompetence, as the architects discovered two shocking things: kids play ... More
If you're feeling flush and flashy then Cutler & Gross in Knightsbridge is a very exclusive place to invest in eyewear. They stock a selection ... More
Quintessentially English, this pretty al fresco spot, attached to the Mandarin Oriental hotel and overlooking Hyde Park, offers a real summer treat. Enjoy a light ... More
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Central, sporty park.
