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 Caroline, wife of George II, took almost 300 acres from Hyde Park to form Kensington Gardens. The 350 acres that remained has become one of London's best-loved parks. Almost every kind of outdoor pursuit takes place within its lush green landscape. Horse riding, rollerblading, bowls, putting and tennis are all catered for while informal games of cricket, rounders and frizbee spring up on the area to the south of the park known as The Sports Field. A number of famous London attractions are also housed within this central space. Hyde Park boasts Speakers' Corner, the Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine Boating Lake - another feature owed to Queen Caroline who started a new landscaping trend by designing this natural-looking lake. Today the water is a hive of activity in the summer months, doubling up as a lido and boating lake with its very own solar powered boat plus two cafes - The Lido Cafe and Serpentine Bar & Kitchen - on the water's edge. Hyde Park's central location means it attracts a diverse crowd, making it one of the most buzzing, fun green spaces in London. A full diary of events including free guided walks, concerts and children's entertainment complete the picture.
Best for: Sunbathing and swimming, horse-riding and rollerblading, ducks, deckchairs and monuments.
What's on at
Hyde Park
Easter Skate 2010 2nd April 2010 - 5th April 2010 This four-day Easter Skate gets rolling with the Long Good...
Hilton London Metropole
225 Edgware Road, W2 1JU
Towering over Edgware Road, the upper floors of the Hilton London Metropole - which include the Asian... More
The Berkeley
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL
Served in the appropriately themed Caramel Room with its low-lighting, chocolate-coloured wall coverings and snappy faux-crocodile fabrics, afternoon tea at... More
Royal Eagle Hotel - Trainspotting (1996)
26-30 Craven Road, W2 3QB
While most of Danny Boyle's Trainspotting takes place in rather insalubrious parts of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Renton... More
The Park Manager,
The Ranger's Lodge,Mayfair,
London,
W2Map
1 minutes walk from Hyde Park
Central, sporty park.
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind ... 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
The Knightsbrige branch of Space NK in Hans Crescent, right next to Harrods,
is especially appealing - not only does it sell desirable toiletries, ... 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
The Lancaster London nestles up against Hyde Park - the perfect place for your morning stroll. Views are most notable from the top floor executive ... More
Being Queen involves many privileges, not least of which is getting to celebrate your birthday twice every year. The Queen's Birthday Gun Salutes have the ...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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Being Queen involves many privileges, not least of which is getting to celebrate your birthday twice every year. The Queen's Birthday Gun Salutes have the ...More
Grunge royalty Pearl Jam have been confirmed to headline the opening night of June's Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park. Eddie Vedder's Seattle rock veterans ...More
Legendary hip-hop artist Jay-Z has been confirmed for the Sunday headline slot at the Wireless Festival at Hyde Park. The American rapper's critically acclaimed 11th ... More
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