Hyde Park In Pictures

Serpentine Gallery

Credit: John Offenbach

When the sun's out there are fewer places in London as scenic and special as Hyde Park, which hosts the Triathlon and Marathon Swimming events for the London 2012 Games.

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The venue

Hyde Park Serpentine

The Triathlon will begin with a 1,500 swim in the iconic Serpentine Boating Lake before the athletes continue with a seven-lap, 40km bike ride around a stunning course that takes in Buckingham Palace and the Wellington Arch, as well as various paths around Hyde Park. To finish, there's a four-lap, 10km run around the Serpentine to the finish in front of a 3,000-seat temporary grandstand.

From an aerial perspective

Hyde Park

As seen in this aerial photograph, Hyde Park is a vast open space and commonly attracts thousands of visitors for a number of leisure activities. As well as hosting sporting events during the Games, Hyde Park will also be host to many music, theatre, film and cultural events which will run alongside the Olympics throughout the summer of 2012.

Sporting events

Triathlon

As well as the Triathlon, Hyde Park will also host the Marathon Swimming event – with a women's 10km and a men's 10km taking place in the Serpentine. They will be the only Swimming events to take place outside the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park.

Olympic Events

Triathlon
4th August & 7th August
Marathon Swimming
9th & 10th August

Nearby Food and Drink

Serpentine Bar and Kitchen

Restaurants

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

At Hyde Park
On the eastern edge of the Serpentine, this eaterie offers all day meals in an idyllic setting

The Park Terrace

10 minute walk
A pretty al fresco spot attached to the Mandarin Oriental hotel

The Chicago Rib Shack

10 minute walk
Vast racks of ribs, grilled chickens, and bowls of pulled pork come dripping in sweet, sticky barbecue sauce

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

10 minute walk
A labour of love between the snail porridge pioneer and his long-time cooking partner Ashley Palmer-Watts

Pubs/Nightlife

Victoria

11 minute walk
A pure patriotic Victoriana pub that combines old fashioned charm with history and colour

The Pantechnicon

15 minute walk
Georgian townhouse split into three levels serving scallops, oysters and steak

The Coburg Bar

17 minute walk
High priced, expertly made cocktails are served in a Mayfair grandeur interior

Nearby Attractions

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Located in central London, Hyde Park has the capital's offerings on its doorstep and all top London sights are within easy reach. With such a generous selection to choose from, here is just a sample of what is nearby:

Entertainment & Attractions

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground

At Hyde Park
A magical kiddie's wonderland with a pirate ship, mermaid fountain and tepee camp

Serpentine Gallery

At Hyde Park
A platform for contemporary artists with frequent changing exhibitions

Royal Albert Hall

15 minute walk
Host to classical music, rock, pop and jazz, sporting events, galas, and the world-famous Proms series

Science Museum

20 minute walk
A comprehensive collection that looks at the development of science and industry in a fun and creative way

Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

20 minute walk
Over 4 million items are housed here, spanning centuries and hundreds of cultures

Oxford Street

20 minute walk
London's busiest street, with over 200 million visitors a year, more than 300 shops and 5 million square feet of retail space

Natural History Museum

20 minute walk
Home to more than 70 million specimens from the natural world, including insects, fossils, rocks and a Dinosaur gallery

Shopping

Harvey Nichols

11 minute walk
The younger and more fashionable cousin of Harrods, offering designer clothes, furnishing and food

Harrods

14 minute walk
Britain's most famous store and possibly the most famous store in the world, Harrods features on many tourist 'must-see' lists

Selfridges

17 minute walk
Huge department store with scores of excellent clothes retailers, a superb Food Hall, a number of restaurants and ever-changing, groundbreaking window displays

Travel

There are numerous options when travelling to Hyde Park. Driving is not advised due to high levels of traffic and restricted parking - limited, pre-booked parking will be available for disabled spectators. Public transport options include:

National Rail

There are two National Rail stations that are within walking distance from Hyde Park:

London Underground

Many London Underground stations are located within walking distance from Hyde Park. The recommended stations are:

Walking and Cycling

With Hyde Park being so centrally located, walking and cycling are easy options. Free, secure and managed cycle parking will be provided at various locations around central London.