The history of Hyde Park is rich with grand events; it hosted the Great Exhibition of 1851, drawing over six million visitors to marvel at the Crystal Palace, and has a storied tradition of free speech, with Speaker's Corner serving as a platform for radicals and reformers like Karl Marx and George Orwell since 1872. This practice of open-air debate has inspired similar forums worldwide. Its is also worth stopping by the marvellous assorted statues and memorials, from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain to the 7 July Memorial commemorating the victims of the 2005 London bombings.
Ever a popular spot for picnics and meet-ups, Hyde Park remains a prime venue for concerts, including the summer lienup of BST Hyde Park performances in July, and unforgettable performances going years back by legends like The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. In addition to this, every year Winter Wonderland attracts thousands from all over the country for a festive extravaganza featuring ice skating, an observation wheel, food and drink stalls and more.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy tennis, football, and horse riding, while children can delight in the playground’s swings and climbing frames. The Serpentine, the park’s lake, is perfect for boating in the summer and attracts brave swimmers at the Lido, home to Britain’s oldest swimming club. Meanwhile Rotten Row, the historic route connecting Kensington Palace to Whitehall, is perfect for a leisurely horseback ride.
For a more serene experience, the Rose Garden and the verdant meadows in the park’s north offer plenty of peace and tranquility. Stroll along the banks of The Serpentine, grab a coffee at a waterfront cafe, and keep an eye out for herons under the bridges.
Details
- Address:
- Hyde Park
- W2 2UH
- Transport:
- Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate