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
Rollerstroll 24th May 2009 - 20th December 2009 Every Sunday, meet on the east side of Serpentine Road...
Price: FREE
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 21st November 2009 - 3rd January 2010 Throughout December a section of Hyde Park near Hyde Park...
Royal Park
3 Westbourne Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, W2 3UL
You'll be welcomed with a drink and mince pies on arrival at the Royal Park over... More
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, W2 2UH
21st November 2009 - 3rd January 2010
Throughout December a section of Hyde Park near Hyde Park Corner... More
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, W2 2UH
22nd November 2008 - 4th January 2009
Throughout December and into early January a section of Hyde Park... More
Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL
It'll be packed and full of tourists but, if you can cope with this, Harrods has its finger on... More
Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race
Serpentine, W2 2UH
Christmas Day, 25th December 2008
This lot are a hardy bunch but tradition is tradition and members of the ... 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
Throughout December a section of Hyde Park near Hyde Park Corner is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, complete with fairground rides, giant wheel, circus, Christmas ...More
Keys legend Jools Holland returns to the Royal Albert Hall with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for two nights of boogie-woogie, swing and ska. Performing ...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.
